Article
Five
Anthropomorphism
A couple of
columns back I mentioned a thing called anthropomorphism
and stated that it would be covered in more detail
later on, well now is the time to discuss it further.
For those that missed the previous column I described
anthropomorphism as the attribution of human motivation,
characteristics, or behavior to the dog.
Out of all
the animals humans have domesticated the dog appears
to be the one offered human status more than any other.
Dogs seem to become part of the family to the point
that we describe ourselves as their mummies or daddies,
they are on a par to the child or for those without
children are often classed as the substitute.
The problem
is that we tend to believe that our dog has the same
reasoning capabilities as we do and this is not correct.
I often hear people saying that their dog can understand
every word they say, show me the person with a dog
that does understand every word you say and I will
be a millionaire. The dog understands tones in your
voice, moods and body language. But the dog is also
clever at exploiting us and will often put on a facial
expression to get their own way.
It does not
take long for the dog to learn which expressions work
and in what circumstances. When you tell the dog off
it sulks off to a corner of the room and looks really
sad, ears down and head hung low. Of course the dog
is not really sulking that is anthropomorphism, it
is showing respect by staying out the way but knows
if it puts on that expression you will go over give
him a cuddle and perhaps a treat. The problem is we
tend not to like to upset our dogs and that unfortunately
is done by not exerting our authority over them which
is at times needed.
Do not think
I am saying that talking to your dog is wrong, we
have them for their companionship and company. Some
people find they can tell their dog things that they
would never talk over with a person and if you are
one of those people do not stop. Dogs have been proven
to reduce stress and anxiety and are very therapeutic,
just do not think that the dog understands what you
are saying, that would be anthropomorphic.
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This article
was written by Paul C Bunker, a professional dog trainer.
You can visit the website at www.Southwestk9services.com for more articles and
dog training resources. You may freely distribute
this article or save to any electronic media as long
as it is left intact, including this copyright box.
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