Seeing Dogs Clearly. How Anthropomorphism Helps, and Hurts, the Canine–Human Bond

Anthropomorphism; attributing human emotions, motives, or characteristics to animals, sits at the heart of modern dog guardianship. Without it, the idea of a dog as a family member or emotional companion would feel far less intuitive. It is this very tendency to imagine the “human like” inner life of dogs that often deepens our affection for them.

But anthropomorphism, while rooted in empathy, is a double-edged sword. It can enhance welfare and strengthen the bond, yet it can just as easily create misunderstandings that compromise the dog’s wellbeing.

Why Anthropomorphism Isn’t All Bad

When we believe that dogs have minds capable of emotions, feelings, and social intentions, we tend to respond with greater compassion. Using human-like language to describe dogs, saying they feel “love”, “joy”, or “sadness”, can encourage people to treat their dogs as valued family members.

And this matters. Family members are not generally disposable. Viewing a dog as “one of us” makes relinquishment less likely when circumstances change or behaviours arise that humans find challenging. In this way, a degree of anthropomorphism may actually support long-term welfare by encouraging responsibility, patience, and empathy.

The Problem? Seeing Dogs as Humans Can Distort What They’re Really Saying

Recognising that dogs are sentient and capable of experiencing both pleasure and discomfort is crucial, but it is not enough. When we rely too heavily on human interpretations of behaviour, we risk misreading their emotional state.

Take the classic example of the “guilty look”. Many guardians believe a dog “knows” it has misbehaved. In reality, these expressions are far more likely to be stress or appeasement signals, often learned through past punishment or tension. Similarly, a dog who slows down on a walk may be in pain, not being stubborn. When we assume human motivations, we often fail to consider physical discomfort or environmental stressors.

Misinterpretations like these can reduce the dog’s welfare, damage trust, create insecure attachments and escalate into behaviour problems over time. This cycle is not caused by disobedience, it’s caused by misunderstanding.

When Human Behaviour Creates Risk

Research consistently shows that most dog bites occur at home, often involving children, and typically follow missed warning signs. Many people do not recognise early indicators of stress such as:

• turning the head away

• stiffening

• lip licking

• whale eye

• moving away

• freezing

Hugging, looming over dogs, kissing their faces, or engaging in prolonged tactile contact are deeply human gestures, and some dogs (not all) find them uncomfortable or threatening.

One observational study of online bite incidents found that dogs displayed signs of discomfort for 20–30 seconds before the bite occurred. The signals were there. They were simply not understood and the consequences can be devastating: injury, loss of trust, and in many cases, relinquishment or euthanasia.

The Role of Autonomy in Behaviour and Welfare

Companion dogs live highly structured, restricted lives compared to free-ranging dogs who can choose where to go, who to interact with, and how to respond to environmental challenges. This lack of autonomy, combined with human expectations, can contribute to behavioural issues.

Free-ranging dogs typically experience fewer aggressive interactions because they can remove themselves from conflict, explore freely, and habituate to a wide range of stimuli.

For domestic dogs, frameworks such as the “Least Inhibitory, Functionally Effective” (LIFE) approach emphasise increasing choice and reducing unnecessary restraint. More choice leads to better emotional stability, reduced frustration and increased confidence.

A dog with agency is a dog with improved welfare.

Walking the Line. Empathy Without Misunderstanding

The canine–human bond is upheld by the emotional investment humans bring to it. Yet this bond becomes fragile when anthropomorphism eclipses a true understanding of canine needs.

Anthropomorphism can:

✔ strengthen attachment

✔ encourage empathy

✔ promote responsible, caring behaviour

But it can also:

✘ distort true communication

✘ lead to unnecessary punishment

✘ create unrealistic expectations

✘ compromise welfare

✘ result in relinquishment or behavioural euthanasia

Ultimately, dogs benefit most when we combine empathy with species-specific understanding.

Love Them as Dogs, Not as People

Strengthening the canine–human bond means recognising dogs as sentient beings with their own emotions, needs, and ways of communicating. It means loving them deeply, but also appropriately.

By appreciating both the value and the limitations of anthropomorphism, we can:

• listen more carefully

• observe more thoughtfully

• respond more compassionately

• and create a life that truly meets our dogs’ needs

A dog does not need to be human to be family. They just need the freedom to be a dog.