Adopting a Puppy? Remember, It's Not a Person!

Adopting a puppy can be one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make in life. It’s probably one of the most satisfying as well! However, keep in mind that once you’ve decided to adopt one, you would have to know to treat it. Remember, it’s not a person.

If you adopt a dog, remember that it’s not a person

Keep in mind that although dogs are similar to humans in several ways, they are still animals, which have certain needs. This doesn’t mean we should love them less or be mean to them. It simply means that everyone has their place.

The greatest similarity they have with humans is the need of feeling someone’s company, loving others and being loved in turn. They are sociable and sentimental creatures. However, there are huge differences as well. They can’t differentiate flavors, so feeding them human food can be more harmful than you think.

It’s not a person, so don’t treat it like one

Treating a dog like a person does more harm than good. Here are the reasons why:

• Dogs need an alpha. Dogs are pack animals and therefore need to be directed by an alpha. If you treat a dog like an equal, he will feel lost and might take on the alpha role when it doesn’t belong to him. This will create coexistence problems with his owner. Likewise, you’ll harm the animal and he won’t feel loved or be capable of loving, which is of utmost importance for a canine.
• He’ll lose his identity. A “humanized” dog (treated like a person) can have identity and personality issues. He won’t want to be around other dogs and will cling to his owners as if his life depends on them. He won’t develop his own personality, and will be a low self-esteemed animal. He’ll have problems relating to other dogs and to people who don’t pay any attention to him.
• He’ll be unstable. Socialization with other animals and other people is an important part of a dog’s development and stability. If an animal lacks socialization, he may react strangely or inappropriately to certain situations.

Other important facts regarding how to treat a dog

• Change will frighten him. A humanized dog will react negatively if you’re away on vacation for a few days. He’ll be so attached to you that it will seem like he’s been raised in a bubble. Your pet will be helpless “outside of the bubble” and he won’t know how to survive. It doesn’t even matter if you leave him with a friend, with someone you know or at a dog hotel, your canine won’t be able to adapt if he is humanized.

As mentioned before, this doesn’t mean that you should stop loving your pet, it’s the complete opposite! Just remember that a puppy is not a person and therefore he shouldn’t be treated like one. Everyone’s place at home creates a peaceful and happy environment.

Don’t raise or treat your puppy like a person. While it’s still young, raise it as a dog with a strong character and his own personality, one that’s able to adapt to you and the circumstances. Just don’t prevent him from being what he truly is: a dog.