Latest news with #DepartmentofEthology
The Star
03-07-2025
- Health
- The Star
Dogs are being seen as children as pet ownership increases
Affection, vulnerable and totally dependent on their humans, dogs share many characteristics with children. These similarities may explain why some people refer to their pets as their 'babies', suggests a Hungarian study. This increasingly common anthropomorphic trend nevertheless raises ethical questions. In developed countries, the domesticated dog has become much more than a simple pet – it's often considered a family member in its own right. This is a relatively recent phenomenon, and one that has given rise to a forthright anthropomorphisation of our pets. In fact, it's no longer unusual for dogs adopted by Millennials or Gen Zs to have their own Instagram or TikTok accounts. The phenomenon is so widespread, particularly in Europe, East Asia and North America, that dogs are frequently referred to as 'fur babies'. Nothing is too good when it comes to offering these pooches the very best, as can be seen with the proliferation of dog-related products and services over the last few decades, including luxury grooming salons, strollers, dog parks and doggie daycare. There are even restaurants for dogs! Evident analogy The analogy with a young child is sometimes evident, and owners don't shy away from it: some even refer to their dog as their 'child' or 'baby'. Whether it's a way to ease loneliness, the satisfaction of having a dependent being to protect and train, or the feeling of being useful or needed, there are many reasons why these canines are perceived as child substitutes. A team of Hungarian researchers from the Department of Ethology at ELTE Eotvos Lorand University (Budapest) has studied this phenomenon in Western societies. Published in the journal European Psychologist, their study highlights several factors that may explain the phenomenon of likening dogs to children. One is that dogs' cognitive abilities and adaptability to human communication enable them to adopt a wide range of social behaviours, often comparable to those of pre-verbal children. But their morphology could also play a role in this association. In particular, the researchers link the appeal of small dogs – especially brachycephalic breeds like French bulldogs and pugs – to infantile traits that can make them appear 'as helpless, harmless and innocent as small children.' Seen as children... but not quite as humans In the light of these arguments, it's easy to understand why some people call themselves 'dog parents' rather than 'masters' or 'owners' of their pets. But there are nevertheless some key differences. 'Despite the high dependency and attachment of dogs to their caregivers, in the eyes of many, commitments coming with dog ownership remain less burdensome than child parenting,' explains Laura Gillet, a PhD student at the Department of Ethology and coauthor of the study, quoted in a news release. Another difference is that, since dogs don't live as long as humans, their owners generally assume that they will outlive them – which is obviously not the case with a child. 'While some owners might see their dog as a child surrogate to spoil, others actively choose to have dogs and not children, bearing in mind that they have species-specific characteristics and needs,' the study authors write. They point out that, contrary to popular belief, only a small minority of dog owners actually treat their pets like human children. 'In most cases, dog parents choose dogs precisely because they are not like children, and they acknowledge their species- specific needs,' explains study coauthor, Eniko Kubinyi. These researchers are not new to the subject. They have also carried out another study published in the journal Scientific Reports. Involving over 700 dog owners, the research compared the relationships we have with our dogs to those we have with our loved ones. The results reveal that, in the eyes of their owners, dogs are more than just loyal companions: they combine the qualities of a child with those of a best friend. They inspire a sense of security and the need for protection, just as a child would, while at the same time offering a harmonious, conflict-free relationship, similar to a deep friendship. – AFP Relaxnews
Malay Mail
25-04-2025
- Science
- Malay Mail
Dogs: Life partners that meet (almost) all our emotional needs, says study
BUDAPEST, April 25 — Could dogs play a more important role in our emotional lives than we think? So suggests a Hungarian study published in Scientific Reports. It compares the relationships we have with our dogs with those we have with our loved ones. To carry out their research, scientists at ELTE Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary interviewed over 700 dog owners. These participants were asked to evaluate 13 dimensions of their relationship with their dog, but also with their child, their romantic partner, their closest relative and their best friend. The aim was to understand the place dogs occupy in our lives. The results are surprising, to say the least. Indeed, it seems that dogs are more than just loyal companions: they combine the qualities of a child with those of a best friend. They evoke a sense of relationship security and the need for protection or nurturing, just as a child would, while at the same time offering a harmonious, conflict-free relationship, like a deep friendship. But unlike human relationships, those with dogs are based on a clear asymmetry of power. The owner decides everything and controls the animal's environment, creating a particular dynamic that is both stable and rewarding for the human. 'The power asymmetry, having control over a living being, is a fundamental aspect of dog ownership for many,' explains senior author Enikő Kubinyi, head of the Department of Ethology at the ELTE, quoted in a news release. Another striking fact is that participants consider their relationship with their dog to be the most precious, far above all others. For them, their four-legged friend is both their most loyal companion and the one who shows them the most affection. The researchers also observed that the more a person has strong human relationships, the more they develop a deep and harmonious bond with their dog. Long confined to practical roles, dogs are now central to the lives of many families. This is reflected in the emergence of the terms 'dog moms' and 'dog dads' to designate people who no longer see themselves as dog owners, but as pet parents, caring for their dog's well-being and showing their pet affection, as they would with a child. This reveals a profound change in the status of dogs in today's society. This study highlights the unique role that domestic dogs play: that of an ideal blend of unconditional affection, relationship stability and absence of conflict. This mix may well explain why these animals occupy such a special place in the hearts of so many humans. — ETX Studio
