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Dog behaviourist Why it’s time to treat dogs more like children — not just animals

Suzi Walsh says the latest research shows that dogs can and should be treated like the sentient beings they are.

FOR GENERATIONS, WE’VE been told to treat dogs like animals. Keep them outside. Train them with a firm hand. Don’t spoil them. Let them know who’s boss. But times have changed — and so has our understanding of dogs.

As science, society and the canine-human bond continue to evolve, it’s become increasingly clear: dogs are no longer just pets. They’re family. And in many ways, we should begin to treat them the way we would a child — not as a power play, but out of kindness, respect and deep understanding.

The science has moved on

Modern research has shown that dogs are incredibly emotionally intelligent. They can read our facial expressions, understand the tone of our voice and even mirror our moods. They form secure (or insecure) attachments to their humans, much like a child would to a parent. They need guidance, structure, play, stimulation and above all, companionship.

The outdated model of the dog left outside in a kennel, trained through dominance or fear, has been replaced by a more enlightened view. Dogs are now seen for what they truly are: sentient, feeling beings with emotional needs and a rich inner world. And the more we choose to breed and keep dogs as companions, the more we owe them the kind of life that role demands.

Beyond the baby clothes — why slings and buggies can help

Yes, some people might roll their eyes at dogs in slings or buggies. But if we look beyond the surface, the purpose is far more meaningful than fashion. In a society where so many breeders are unqualified and primarily profit-driven, countless dogs are being bred with behavioural and emotional deficits from the start.

Many puppies miss out on vital early socialisation and are placed in homes completely unequipped to manage or understand them. Dogs that miss out on adequate socialisation in the first few months are at higher risk of developing fearfulness or even aggression later in life (McAvoy, 2022).

This is where tools like baby slings and dog buggies become incredibly valuable. For elderly dogs, dogs with arthritis, and especially those who are fearful, under-socialised, or recovering from trauma, these tools allow them to safely engage with the world. They make gentle exposure possible without fear or overwhelm, which can prevent reactivity and aggression later down the line. A dog who sees the world from a safe perch learns to trust it — and their person.

close-up-of-a-woman-standing-on-the-beach-carrying-a-white-havapoo-in-a-pet-sling-florida-usa Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

We don’t hesitate to carry a child when they’re tired, frightened, or overstimulated. Why shouldn’t we offer the same compassion to our dogs?

Build relationships, not hierarchies

The relationship between a human and a dog should be built on trust and kindness — not control or submission. There’s no need to be “the alpha” or to worry about who’s in charge. These ideas belong in the past. Our dogs are not trying to dominate us — they’re trying to understand us, live with us, and feel safe.

A 2008 study found that dogs trained using predominantly positive reinforcement had lower levels of problem behaviours than dogs trained using punishment. Reinforces that aversive training can contribute to behaviour issues, while reward-based training correlates with better obedience and temperament (Blackwell et al, 2008).

Kindness is never wasted. You can never go wrong by being gentle with an animal. Dogs learn best not through fear or force, but through safety, consistency, and love. The more secure they feel in their relationship with you, the more confident and well-adjusted they become.

Life is intense — dogs need more support

We live in a fast-paced, overstimulating and often overwhelming world. And our dogs, whether we realise it or not, are absorbing all of that energy alongside us. We know now that it’s not ethical to leave them alone for 8–10 hours a day, isolated in a back garden while we work. Dogs are highly social animals, and loneliness can be genuinely distressing for them.

That’s why the need for high-quality dog daycares and dog-friendly workplaces is growing. Or, when that’s not an option, more people are choosing to bring their dogs along on outings to cafes and restaurants — just as they would a toddler.

It’s not about pampering. It’s about acknowledging that these animals have been selectively bred over generations to live closely with us. So close, in fact, that they often can’t cope without us. We need to make dogs a part of our daily lives. Since many people struggle with work-life balance, the only way they can enjoy the benefits of having a dog is by combining dog ownership with their social life.

young-woman-enjoys-her-time-with-a-friendly-labrador-in-a-modern-cafe-atmosphere Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The negative emotional effects of long-term loneliness (anxiety, boredom and frustration) can contribute to long-lasting behaviour problems. In fact, changes in routine that suddenly increase a dog’s time isolated (for example, an owner returning to work after months at home) have been linked to a new onset of separation-related problems in dogs that were previously fine when alone (Harvey et al, 2022).

If we’re going to force dogs into the role of full-time companion animals, then it is our responsibility to meet the emotional and social needs that come with that role.

Compassion over convention

We’re not saying dogs are children. But the way we treat them should reflect the same depth of care and intention. Because when you strip away the species barrier, the needs aren’t so different: safety, love, stimulation, security, and trust.

It’s not about babying them. It’s about recognising the emotional complexity of the animals we choose to bring into our homes, and responding with empathy rather than ego.

You cannot ‘spoil’ a dog into developing behavioural problems by being kind, affectionate, or attentive. Behavioural issues arise from unmet emotional needs, fear, physical discomfort, lack of guidance, or inconsistent boundaries — not from love or compassion. Meeting your dog’s needs, offering comfort, and building trust through positive interactions only strengthens their confidence and emotional stability.

Dogs aren’t here to validate our authority. They’re here to share our lives. And the more we treat them like valued members of our families — not just animals — the better their lives (and ours) will be.

Suzi Walsh is an expert dog behaviourist and dog trainer. She has an honours degree in Zoology and a Masters in Applied Animal Welfare and Behaviour from the Royal Dick School of Veterinary. She has worked as a behaviourist on both TV, radio and has also worked training dogs in the film industry. 

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    Mute Simon Tobin
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    Apr 26th 2025, 7:34 AM

    Dogs are pack animals, they need and like to know their standing in the pack. Problems arise when they get confused..they benefit from consistant compassionate but also firm treatment. Dogs like being dogs lets not ruin that for them.

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    Mute Pól Pot
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:03 AM

    @Simon Tobin: So do or don’t bring them to participate with my ayahuasca retreat group? One of my kids had a profound awakening. The others were completely terrified.

    11
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    Mute Lorry R
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:42 AM

    @Simon Tobin: so glad you didn’t mention alpha wolves. That’s been debunked by genetic testing. wolf packs are families. The supposed “alpha” in a wild wolf pack is everyone’s daddy. Wolf packs are 2 parents and all their babies from several years of litters. So by pack animal you mean dogs live in families?

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:54 AM

    @Pól Pot: Lol! :)

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    Mute Jamie Rooney
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:51 AM

    What absolute tosh! Dogs are animals, part of the family yes, but distinctly not-humans and a line needs to remain there.
    I have nonetheless loved every dog I’ve ever had , but never treated them like a child/human… Why? Because they are not human. I’m their pack leader and I treat them as such, and yet still show love, respect and leadership to them.
    Baby slings and buggies, for crying out loud – where’s our society heading if this is a considered opinion!

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    Mute Fishlord “Fishlord_Username” Username
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:21 PM

    @Jamie Rooney: i think the writer of this article gives a really good defense of those! They’re tools for working with the dog’s behaviour in a way that’s both compassionate and potentially efficient. I dunno, I’d trust a dog behaviourist’s opinion on how dogs behave and how our behavior affects them.

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    Mute higgy636
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    Apr 26th 2025, 7:42 AM

    This plague of humanising animals has to stop.

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    Mute Fishlord “Fishlord_Username” Username
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:17 PM

    @higgy636: you’re gonna have to reread the article buddy.

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    Mute Sinead Tyrrell
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:00 AM

    Great article Suzi ♥️

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    Mute Pól Pot
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:05 AM

    @Sinead Tyrrell: Schill.

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    Mute James Leahy
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    Apr 26th 2025, 7:35 AM

    A lot of children treated much worse than dogs in this country. Over 4 thousand of them homeless for a start.

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    Mute The next small thing
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:44 AM

    @James Leahy: I know, their parents should be ashamed to bring children into the world that they can’t support or provide for.

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    Mute Peter White
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    Apr 26th 2025, 7:56 AM

    One of the most ridiculous articles that I’ve ever read

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    Mute Clare Power
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:38 AM

    @Peter White: you leave your dog out in the cold then…

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    Mute Athena
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:58 AM

    @Clare Power: Nothing wrong with leaving a Pyreneen or a Husky out in the cold. Our guys don’t want to stay in stuffy overheated rooms.
    A healthy, well nourished dog with s suitable fur is better equipped to withstand cold weather than warm.

    Not every dog is made to enjoy all weathers outside but you do know sled dogs on North Pole expeditions died after their well-meaning but misguided explorers took them into their tents over night?

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    Mute Clare Power
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    Apr 26th 2025, 10:59 AM

    @Athena: I’m jesting

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    Mute Thomas O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 7:17 AM

    Clean up that mess and go to your room.

    37
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    Mute Pól Pot
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    Apr 26th 2025, 7:27 AM

    @Thomas O’Brien: We’re all going to watch Adolescence as a family.

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    Mute Thomas O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:45 AM

    @Pól Pot:
    I haven’t watched it yet, but from what I gather there are no dogs in it, maybe a couple of bitches.

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    Mute Clare Power
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:39 AM

    @Thomas O’Brien: certainly a couple of them here…eh hem

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    Mute Thomas O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 10:57 AM

    @Clare Power:
    Dogs or bitches.

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    Mute Clare Power
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    Apr 26th 2025, 11:01 AM

    @Thomas O’Brien: People who blame victims for an abusers action…

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    Mute Thomas O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 11:15 AM

    @Clare Power:
    Hence the phrase, dogs abuse.

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    Mute JB Software
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:51 AM

    My dog is definitely sentient. I asked him what does sandpaper feel like? He said ‘ruff’.

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    Mute Peter McCormack
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:37 AM

    If a portion of the money spent on dogs was spent on homeless families then society could perhaps improve the lives of homeless children..

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    Mute Kevin O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 2:06 PM

    @Peter McCormack: very true. The same could be said about a lot things people choose to spend the money they have left over after they are taxed by the government to provide basic services to the populace

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    Mute bruce banner
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:49 AM

    In my time on this planet my experience has been that the dogs treated by owners as children are the problem dogs.

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    Mute Thomas O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 11:11 AM

    @bruce banner:
    Yeah, I couldn’t get mine to go to the crèche and then he wouldn’t go to school.
    Now when he goes to the park he just hangs around with his mates smoking weed.
    Can’t even get him to go to the vet for some treatment, he has this mad idea that he will have his testicles removed.

    23
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    Mute Pól Pot
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    Apr 26th 2025, 7:22 AM

    Thanks, but I’ve been treating my children like dogs since they were born.

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    Mute Thomas O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 11:18 AM

    @Pól Pot:
    I hope they are house trained.

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    Mute Keith Butler
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    Apr 26th 2025, 11:12 AM

    So sad this generation of dog owners have to use dogs as substitutes for having children.

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    Mute j m m
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    Apr 26th 2025, 1:08 PM

    @Keith Butler: that’s the only way I’m reading this also… yeah, bit sad ok.

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    Mute Carmel rainbow
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    Apr 27th 2025, 9:05 AM

    @Keith Butler: why is that sad?

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    Mute Andy Preneur
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:21 AM

    You don’t add them in when you’re filling out your household census. Whatever way you treat them you must remember that they are still animals. Pigs are animals also and are way ahead of dogs in the intelligence department but not as cuddly or easy to housetrain

    16
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    Mute offside again
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    Apr 26th 2025, 2:23 PM

    @Andy Preneur: a dog will look up at you, a cat will look down on you, but a pig will look you straight in the eye.

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    Mute Fishlord “Fishlord_Username” Username
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:18 PM

    @offside again: a big WILL eat you if you fall asleep in its pen.

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    Mute Fishlord “Fishlord_Username” Username
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    Apr 26th 2025, 8:19 PM

    @offside again: don’t ask me how i made that typo, I genuinely don’t know

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    Mute Tanner Taylor
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    Apr 26th 2025, 9:11 AM

    Gary Yourofsky: “The problem is that humans have victimized animals to such a degree that they are not even considered victims. 
    They are not even considered at all. They are nothing. They don’t count; they don’t matter; they’re commodities like TV sets and cell phones. 
    We have actually turned animals into inanimate objects – sandwiches and shoes.”
    https://youtu.be/LQRAfJyEsko

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    Mute Padraig O'Brien
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    Apr 26th 2025, 1:04 PM

    @J B Sandbox. My dog is also gifted. I asked it what grew on the outside of trees. It said “Bark”.

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    Mute Carmel rainbow
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    Apr 27th 2025, 9:03 AM

    My dog gave me something to live for. She’s given me more love and loyalty than any human. Just because you may not understand the impact a dog can have on a person’s life, it doesn’t mean you have to slam a differing opinion based on experiences. Should guide dogs, rescue dogs, therapy dogs, etc. be dominated and not shown love?

    Just because dogs are another species, it doesn’t make them incapable of feeling love, fear, loneliness, etc. We have a long way to go in terms of animal welfare in this country, and judging those of us who put a lot of effort and love into minding our pets doesn’t help.
    Great article.

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    Mute Fergus O'Donnell
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    Apr 26th 2025, 10:55 AM

    There’s more homeless children than dogs in this country

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    Mute Jack Hayes
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    Apr 26th 2025, 1:10 PM

    @Fergus O’Donnell: We can’t put children down though.

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    Mute Mike B
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    Apr 26th 2025, 10:12 AM

    Some people treat their cars and phones better… On a side note maybe it’s the truck drivers who need to slow down on our crap roads

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    Mute Thesaltyurchin
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    Apr 26th 2025, 11:32 AM

    @Mike B: Ah Shtop, we all need to be on the same country roads at the same time sher

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