Anyone else feel this way....?

Question

I don't know why, but, when I see people who treat their pets like humans..That's just one of my pet peeves. Or like animal activists, why do people think lifting animals above humans is "right"? If you do, please, explain??
And if you don't, state why.

Thanks!

PS - Incase you're wondering; I treat my pets good. I have a dog, two cats and two birds. They all get alot of attention, the dog is outside, cats/birds indoors. I don't believe it's "wrong" to keep dogs outside - wolves were never indoors. I do let my dog come in alot, but he "stays" outside. And he loves it !! He's "hyperactive" so (lol) he's got alot more space outside and, honestly, if he were indoors he'd drive me bonkers running around like a wild-dog!
What are your views?

Answer 1

In all fairness, how do you define "treat your animal as a human"?

really, i feel that i do. he has rules he must follow just as any person.

i feel its my job as a dog owner to teach my pup to fit into society.

i wouldnt expect a human to run around biting people, and neither do i a dog.

i dont put clothes on him or let him eat on a dinner plate.

i guess i just really dont know what you mean and dont know what you are trying to say.

Oh, and the fact that you say he's hyper active and runs around like a wild dog speaks volumes.

my dogs are very well behaved indoors because i train them. they know the rules....

I also walk them and give them their play time.

oh, and my dog may have come from wolves, but he isnt.

i dont think its wrong to have outside dogs, especially if they have their "people" time. i personally keep my dog in.

maybe you should live outside.... monkeys do...

Answer 2

i don't think keeping a dog indoors or being "for the animals" mens that we are trying to humanize dogs or any animal. I take very good care of my dog, he stays inside, i'll let him go outside for as long as he wants to but he sleeps inside with me. Wolves have a double coat like some dogs do that is why they can bear the outdoors. If i had a dog with a double coat i would not feel the least bit guilty letting it stayoutside during the day if it was cold out, i would give it shelter if it needed it, i would probably still bring it in at night though. I do think it is a little crazy how people get convicted for things they do to a dog but don't get near the severity of punishment if they do it to another human. i appreciate that people care for dogs, i love dogs. but humans make the world go round, they need to up the anty on punishment with humans, and i agree dogs should not be lifted above humans.

Answer 3

""""don't believe it's "wrong" to keep dogs outside - wolves were never indoors. I do let my dog come in alot, but he "stays" outside. And he loves it !! """

He "loves" to be outside it because that is what he is conditioned to. Any dog that has been left outside likes to BE out there because he isn't comfortable in the house. My dogs are inside dogs, if I put them in the backyard for the night, they would be uncomfortable because they are used to being inside...So your dog doesn't LOVE it, that is what he is used to ...

"""He's "hyperactive" so (lol) he's got alot more space outside and, honestly, if he were indoors he'd drive me bonkers running around like a wild-dog"""

He acts this way because he hasn't had any training.....I do wish that people that make these kind of statements would take their dogs or themselves to a training class and watch what dogs ARE capable of doing. Then, if you aren't impressed you SHOULDN'T have a dog.....

Answer 4

I treat my pets as part of my family... they mean alot to me! I've grown up with outdoor dogs, we bring them in on cold/stormy days, but I want an indoor dog when I have the financial capability to have a dog. I have a bird now and I treat him like I'd treat a family member. I guess its the treat others as you would like to be treated thing I give him endless amounts of love and I get it in return. I believe when you get a pet you accept the responsability and committment of bringing another life into your control- I am not an "animal activist" I just love my pets and despise people that don't love their animals the way they should. My pet peeve is people taking their pets to animal shelters because they had to move: find a different place to live, you wouldn't drop your kid off cause some apartment compex didn't allow them!!! My pets are a part of my family and I treat them accordingly!

Answer 5

I think humans have enough problems with human abuse, and when we get that fixed, then we can go down the line. Of course the definition of abuse is as vast as an ocean. I believe beating any living thing is wrong, and if you see it happen it should be addressed. I believe locking a living thing up and starving it is abusive. etc However, I do not believe a dog having an unwanted/unplanned litter of puppies falls under abuse/cruelty. Irresponsibility sure,, but not abuse. Booting Fi-Fi off of the bed when she growls at you, is not abuse. Feeding only dry food instead of only canned steak is not abuse. (Actually it is better for your dogs teeth) etc.etc...

Everyones life is not pristine and perfect, and things happen.

In my defense.. I have 4 dogs (outside, 2 breeders, 2 spayed/neutered pets) 3 cats (inside all spayed) 4 rabbits, a snake,,, and a zillion Koi fish (inside and out) I love them all and care for them properly. None of my animals have mental problems, none are aggressive and none are beaten.

Yes,, my dogs will jump up on me and lick me (if I say it's ok) and generally show pleasure that I'm there. But they would do the same to any of you as well.

I love them, but I realize that they do not have the emotional capacity to 'love' me. Humans first, animals next. That's my vote and these were my reasons.

Answer 6

People treat their pets like people for two reasons: they don't know better or the treatment helps them feel like they have equal to human companionship. I don't think it's the best way to get the most out of a dog but I don't think it's the worst thing you could do for your dog. I know plenty of dogs who get treated like people who are very well-rounded. Just because a dog is treated like a child or a human doesn't mean the dog will be "messed up", it's just not a good way to make progress and understand each other.

Answer 7

It is a matter of each to their own some people just can't accept that but they want you to accept what they think. Do as you wish with your own dog it is after all your dog. Hers a little saying I like
The “problem” of caring for a dog has been unnecessarily complicated. Take the matter of housebreaking. In the suburbia of those lovely post-Victorian days of which I write the question of housebreaking a puppy was met with the simple bold courage characteristic of our forefathers. You simply kept the house away from the puppy. This was not only the simplest way, it was the only practical way, just as it is today. Our parents were in possession of a vital secret — a secret which has been all but lost to the world: the knowledge that a puppy will live and thrive without ever crossing the threshold of a dwelling house, at least until he’s big enough so he doesn’t wet the rug.

Answer 8

yea when wolves were outside they were with all the other wolves, is your dog outside with you and your family. how would you feel if you were inside your house almost all day and no one came to see you or play with you. Would you like that? Dogs dont have to be indoors or outdoors, they just need to be with someone.

Answer 9

They just have a lot of love to give; it's certainly better than beating them.

Answer 10

I really can't even respond to this question or I'm sure I'll say something that will get me thrown off this forum. Your name says it all about your attitude. Enought said.