Anthropomorphic Dogs: Understanding the Benefits and Drawbacks

Anthropomorphic dogs have been a staple in popular culture for decades, with their endearing and relatable nature captivating audiences of all ages. They are often depicted as having human-like characteristics, such as walking on two legs, speaking, and wearing clothing.

Studies have shown that children who watch anthropomorphic dog cartoons are more likely to develop empathy and social skills. This is because these characters often display complex emotions and behaviors that children can easily relate to.

Anthropomorphic dogs have also been used in therapy settings to help people with disabilities and mental health issues. For example, service dogs are often trained to assist individuals with physical disabilities, while therapy dogs provide emotional support and comfort.

Research has found that the benefits of anthropomorphic dogs extend beyond children, with adults also experiencing improved mental health and well-being.

Consider reading: Are Therapy Dogs Service Animals

Anthropomorphism improves pet parenting by allowing us to communicate with our pets more effectively. Research shows that dogs have evolved to use certain facial expressions, such as raising their inner eyebrows, to mimic human emotions like sadness.

This can help us better understand our pets' needs and respond accordingly. For example, if your dog gives you those classic puppy-dog eyes, you might respond in an overly attentive way because you're assuming they're sad or afraid.

Anthropomorphizing pets may actually help them learn to use our habits as a means of language. Dogs learn to associate certain expressions with attention and will use them to get a response from us.

Mutual gazing between pets and their owners can lead to increased levels of oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and trust. So, when your dog gives you those puppy-dog eyes, you're building a stronger mutual connection.

Attributing human feelings and attitudes onto our pets can equally help us better empathize with them. Recognizing that our pets are sentient beings with complex emotions motivates us to provide them with the best care possible and show greater empathy.

Imagining ourselves in our pet's position can help us understand their emotions and respond in a more compassionate way. Dr. Parthasarathy encourages pet owners to do this by saying, "Imagine that you're in your dog's position or imagine that you're in your cat's position and how you would feel if this sort of situation came up."

Treating pets as humans can be misleading and even harm our furry friends. Assigning human-like thoughts and feelings to animals can result in less-than-ideal outcomes.

Misunderstanding what our pets are trying to communicate is a common pitfall. By attributing human-like thoughts and feelings to animals, we may completely miss the mark as to why they're engaging in a particular behavior.

Dogs ripping up a couch is often assumed to be out of spite, but it's more likely due to separation anxiety. This common form of anthropomorphism ignores clear signs of separation anxiety.

Inferring that a dog is feeling guilty after having an accident in the house is also a misconception. Research suggests that dogs and cats are not doing things out of spite or guilt.

Sometimes, when a dog looks guilty or upset, they're merely acting in the way they've learned we want them to after previous incidents. It's an appeasement behavior, not shame or guilt.

Understanding what our pets are communicating is crucial. People have to understand that what the animal is communicating or attempting to communicate may not be the same as what we humans think they're communicating.