In a specific aspect, dogs can be considered as good as children, respectively. - Pets, specifically dogs, often exhibit behaviors that resemble those of children, creating a bond that can be similar to a parent-child relationship.
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Increasingly, in households across Germany and numerous other countries, dogs are being treated like cherished children, with lavish care and appreciation. A study published in the "European Psychologist" journal suggests that this trend could be a response to the decreasing birth rates worldwide.
As adult social interactions with children become less frequent, pets, particularly dogs, are stepping into the role of companions. Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University Budapest reveal that in societies like Western and East Asia, dogs are often regarded as family members, and some owners even see them as their children.
Depending on the individual's circumstances, a dog can assume various roles, from roommate to best friend for singles, first child for newlyweds, playmate for families with young children, or a source of comfort for the elderly.
Psychologically, humans have a natural desire to nurture and provide care. In some cases, this instinct is redirected towards dogs, as they offer a dependent relationship akin to a child. Furthermore, dogs are capable of forming deep emotional connections with their owners, providing companionship and a sense of purpose, similar to the parental experience.
Moreover, dogs exhibit cognitive abilities and social behaviors that can mimic those of pre-verbal children, making them suitable for filling child-like roles within human lives. Raising a dog can also give individuals a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment, albeit without the same level of responsibility or long-term commitment as parenting.
However, despite the emotional bond between humans and dogs, it's essential to note that dogs are not considered equal to children. Decisions made about owning a dog instead of having a child are thoughtful and well-informed, with owners clearly aware of the differences in their relationships with pets compared to children.
Statistics show that in Germany, roughly one in five households (21 percent) have a dog, and the proportion has remained relatively stable in recent years. The Germans spent approximately seven billion euros in 2024 alone on pet food and accessories.
Nevertheless, it should be highlighted that the relationship with a dog is culturally influenced. While some American dog owners may refer to themselves as the "parents" of their furry "child," the relationship is often more distant in other countries.
Lastly, it's important to remember that not every dog-human relationship is a substitute for a child-parent relationship. In the United States, for instance, approximately three million dogs end up in animal shelters annually, indicating that the probability of ending the relationship with a dog is higher than with a child.
- Dogs
- Companionship
- Germany
- Birth Rates
- Households
- Child-like Roles
- Psychological Instincts
- Emotional Connection
- Cognitive Abilities
- Sociocultural Influences
- Family Role
- Animal Shelters
- Dependency and Attachment
- Nurturing Instincts
- The study published in the "European Psychologist" journal suggests that the increasing trend of treating dogs like cherished children in many households, such as in Germany, may be a response to decreasing birth rates, as pets, especially dogs, often serve as companions in the absence of children.
- As dogs are capable of forming deep emotional connections with their owners and exhibiting cognitive abilities and social behaviors that can mimic those of pre-verbal children, they can assume various roles within families, such as filling child-like roles within human lives, providing companionship, and even serving as a source of comfort for the elderly.
