Dogs as better children? This trend surprises dog lovers!

Dogs as better children? This trend surprises dog lovers!

Nowadays, the relationship between humans and dogs is increasingly being compared to that between parents and children. Dogs appeal to people's need to take care of something. Many dog ​​owners invest a lot of time and resources in caring for their four-legged friends, often to their own detriment. This devotion is compared by experts to intense maternal care. According to the Central Association of Zoological Specialists, around every fifth household in Germany has a dog, and this proportion has remained stable in recent years. In 2024, over seven billion euros were spent on pet food and accessories, underlining the great importance of pets in society. As the Bietigheim newspaper reports, the decision to keep a dog instead of a child is often made consciously. Many dog ​​owners are aware of the differences in the relationship with a dog compared to a child.

This is particularly evident in the care and training of dogs. A study on maternal care in dogs conducted by Swedish researchers examined the effects of maternal care on puppies' behavior. Researchers observed 22 litters of German Shepherds and found that the intensity and quality of maternal care had a direct impact on the dogs' development. High levels of care resulted in more confident and less reactive animals. These findings are important for breeding plans for working dogs because the mothering of bitches can significantly influence the future behavior of their offspring, they said LakeDog Academy.

Dog learning and behavior

Dogs are trained primarily through associative learning, with classical and operant conditioning playing a central role. Dogs learn from observations, associations and experiences throughout their lives. The Four paws explain that effective dog training requires an understanding of how dogs learn. Rewards should be the focus of any training program because they motivate dogs to perform desired behaviors. Dogs are more likely to internalize these behaviors when the rewards are attractive.

In summary, it can be said that the relationship between humans and dogs continues to be a strong focus in Germany. The investment in keeping dogs is not only financial, but also shows the emotional commitment of the owners. Nevertheless, the difference in raising children remains clear: while dogs are viewed as “better children” in many ways, the prioritization between human life and animal life is still clear to many. In a dilemma, most respondents would choose human life over that of a dog. In this context, it is important to recognize the cultural differences in the perception of dogs that occur in different countries - a fact that the Bietigheimer Zeitung also notes.