Is it wrong to treat your dog like a small furry human?

Well... No.. but also Yes, when it compromises a dog's wellbeing.

I love my dogs. Hell, I love your dogs. I love so many dogs =) I have relatives that might talk about how I love dogs TOO much. And yes, I treat them like they are people some of the time.

Dogs are sentient beings. They have feelings and emotions similar to the ones we feel. While their minds may differ in certain ways, we all thrive on kindness, love, compassion, and the deeper value of having agency and choice.

Sometimes I do it on purpose ;)

I often intentionally anthropomorphize dogs when working with clients because hearing stories of struggle we can relate to fosters greater empathy for our dogs.

I might intentionally tell these stories to help people understand:

• anxious dogs
• adolescent dogs
• frustrated dogs

... you get the picture!

It is absolutely ok to anthropomorphize when it benefits our dog.

When is it harmful?

Anthropomorphizing becomes a problem when it hinders our dogs from having their needs met. Often, this comes up when a dog needs space or rest time.

I commonly see people struggle with:

• Leaving their dog at home rather than take them to busy places that will overwhelm them.
• Separating their dog from babies, puppies, kids, or visitors. Separation does not mean isolation.
• Giving their dogs rest days.

Here's a quote from a student about her dog who started guarding under the baby's highchair:

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