Humanisation – or how to unbalance a dog!

Quite simply, humanisation of dogs is the main reason underpinning the behaviour issues I rectify in 90% of the many cases I deal with annually. We totally forget the dog’s genetic roots and try to mould them into a fully fledged member of the human race.

I would not mind a pound coin for every time I hear ‘but he/she’s my baby’. Dogs are not babies or children they are hardwired animals that can still kill given the need. Over the years I have had to rehabilitate many so called ‘lap dogs’ (humanisation term) that have bit children. Why do these ‘cute’ (humanisation term) little balls of adorable fluff do it I hear you ask! – One case in particular comes to mind. A young Jack Russell bitch named Princess who bit the owner’s 9 year old daughter on the face, resulting in 9 stitches.

So what went wrong? Princess was the pack leader in the den (canine term) she ate before everyone, she was allowed to guard the territory (door, garden & car) she pulled on the lead she was aggressive towards strangers (people and dogs), she was allowed to sit on mums knee and the furniture, she slept on the owners bed, she greeted people by jumping up and vocalising, but more crucially she was treated as her human name suggested like a spoilt princess, she received ‘fuss on tap’. I am surprised she didn’t lose the use of her legs she was picked up that much. All this responsibility of being the pack leader, lead to one stressed Jack Russell who was continually defending her position and exerting her authority.

Fortunately, Princess is well on the way to being a balanced dog and is lot less stressed for it. Her owners now follow the golden rules of dog behaviour management – EDA = Exercise, Discipline & Affection. The consequences of humanising dogs can be horrific as we have seen in the news. So my advice is don’t!