Do you think dogs prefer the company of other dogs or of humans? Are we being selfish mollycoddling our pets?

Answer 1

I often wonder what Jet (my cat) would prefer.

Being handfed treats, having a constant supply to fresh water and food that has already been killed, cooked and prepared. A warm house to lord it over with any number of soft, comfortable areas to lie on, a human slave to provide all the above and who isn't below making herself look stupid in order to entertain one and who disappears for large portions of most days, giving one hours of perfect peace and quiet.

or

Living in the wild. Loads of fresh ... cold .... air. Living on your wits and spending large parts of the day hunting and killing your own food. Trying to find shelter from the rain, snow, hail and gales and defending that shelter from others who want to take it from you. Contantly aware that at any moment you could become an integral part of the food chain yourself.

Living with me, a member of the species that is at the top of the food chain, he takes a few steps up himself. He isn't at danger from dogs and foxes, humans, cars etc. He's 14 now and in excellent health, a feat not possible (probably) had he lived in the wild.

I know your question was about dogs but it goes equally for cats. They have lived with humans for thousands of years, dogs moved in first and they don't have a passive role. I've had cats for 18 years and have never seen a mouse ... bits of them when they've been presents, yes, not not a live one running about. He provides companionship (I live alone) and unconditional affection (he purrs constantly).

Dogs see themselves as the protector of the family, in times gone by they were taken on hunting trips and still are in some parts of the world. they work for us so what's wrong in paying them for their work? They don't want money or consumables, they're quite happy with a stroke and a bit of .... mollycoddling.

Answer 2

I can tell you, my cocker spaniel's worst nightmare is being forced to interact with other dogs. I took her to several socialization classes as a puppy, I take her to the dog park and Petsmart when I can, I try to "introduce" her to local neighborhood dogs when they're walking with their owners, and she's always terrified. In puppy class, she'd jump into the laps of strangers to get away from the other puppies, and she'd run away from a treat if another dog approached her while she was eating it. At the dog park, she hides under benches whenever another dog takes an interest in her. She'd much rather be chilling on the couch with her humans and her cat-sister (who, incidentally, doesn't like her).

Every dog is different, and even my distinct lack of "mollycoddling" has yet to get my pup to a place where she enjoys the company of other dogs.

Answer 3

All of the dogs I have had always loved attention from humans. Especially myself and family members/friends/non-threatening strangers- such forth. Though my dog goes nuts around other dogs, craves the attention and loves to play with other dogs. This is important as well for the behavior of the dog, I go out of my way to set up play-dates for my dog to make sure he gets to interact on different levels with other dogs and humans for that matter. He is still a little anxiety riddin when put in a room full of others (outside his house or comfort-zone) which frustrates me as I find myself babying him a bit in these situations; though he is getting better slowly. He loves doggy-day-care and gets sprayed in the face about 50 times a visit with a squirt bottle because he's like a little energizer bunny jumping all over the other dogs- in a play-full way-no biting just playing.

I've rambled enough- I hope some of this nonsense helped out.

RO

Answer 4

In my opinion dogs don't differentiate between the species. To them we are another member of the pack. We all serve different purposes that the dog needs and wants. For instance in my house my dogs learned early on that the members of their pack that walk on two legs won't wrestle with them, but the ones on four legs don't give such gentle pats and rubs. Honestly I think it's a lesson we should all learn difference doesn't make anyone better or worse just different.

Answer 5

Humans. Read Clarence Pfaffenberger's book Knowledge of Dog Behavior.

Man is dog's best friend.

Answer 6

An amazing amount of humans prefer the company of dogs. so dont knock them for being on the same wavelength.

Answer 7

I think it depends on the situation -- if they feel like playing they prefer other Dogs, BUT, it they are hungry or need Love etc... they absolutly want a Human. They are not only Our Best Friends, We are theres.

Answer 8

Probably both. I don't think we're selfish. There's so many animals in this world without love so I make sure mine know they're loved. I get more love back than any human I've had a relationship with (except my mother), sad but true!

Answer 9

dogs are pack animals. my staffy loves other dogs so we are going to get her another one but they love humans as well. i dont think its mollycoddling it doing what is best for them.

Answer 10

my Lab pines if sent to bed he likes to be near people other breeds do differ though but we aren't mollycoddling them as they cant open the tins of dog food