By Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, CBT-FLE
In the last two decades, society's expectations of dog behaviour have shifted drastically. Gone are the days when a dog’s quirks—occasional barking, growling, or shying away from strangers—were considered typical canine responses. Today, many owners expect their pets to behave flawlessly in all environments, free from any signs of fear, aggression, stress, or anxiety. Additionally, dogs are expected to tolerate all forms of human interaction without reacting negatively, regardless of their comfort level. This trend towards perfection raises questions about why such expectations are becoming so pervasive and what implications they have for dogs and their well-being.
The Humanization of Pets
One significant factor influencing these changing expectations is the growing trend of humanizing pets, also known as anthropomorphism. Dogs are no longer seen simply as animals or working companions; they have become integral members of the family. In a study by the American Pet Products Association, it was revealed that 67% of U.S. households now own a pet, and many of these owners see their dogs as fur babies—almost akin to children. As a result, people expect dogs to behave in ways that mirror human social norms. Behaviours such as snapping or growling, which may be natural communication for dogs, are often misunderstood as undesirable behaviour when viewed through a human lens.
Pet owners who anthropomorphize their dogs often believe that just as humans must conform to social rules, their pets should be capable of the same. However, unlike humans, dogs are not equipped with the same emotional regulatory systems, making such expectations unrealistic and unfair.
Rise of Urban Living and Limited Dog-Friendly Spaces
The rapid urbanization of modern societies has led to environments where dogs face heightened levels of stress. With more people living in cities, dogs are often expected to remain calm and collected in busy settings filled with unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells. According to a report by the American Veterinary Medical Association, nearly 70% of dogs are urban dwellers, with limited access to open spaces or calm environments.
In these densely populated areas, reactive behaviours such as barking at strangers or being startled by loud noises are frequently met with disapproval. The desire for well-mannered, quiet dogs stems from urban residents’ need for peace in shared spaces like apartment buildings, parks, and public transportation. However, these environments may naturally elicit stress and fear in many dogs, especially those who have not been adequately socialized to city life.
The Influence of Social Media and the Perfect Pet Image
Social media has contributed heavily to unrealistic expectations of dog behaviour. Platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube are flooded with images and videos of seemingly perfect pets—dogs that never bark, growl, or display signs of anxiety. The rise of pet influencers creates a skewed perception of what is normal for dogs, portraying them as calm, obedient, and tolerant at all times.
This constant exposure to highly curated content can make pet owners feel inadequate when their dogs don’t meet these idealized standards. They may internalize the belief that if their dog displays any signs of discomfort or stress, it reflects poorly on their training or care. Consequently, there is growing pressure on both the dog and the owner to achieve perfection.
Increasing Use of Positive Reinforcement and Behavior Modification Training
While science-based training has become the gold standard for dog training in recent years, the availability of unprofessional training advice from numerous sources has also contributed to heightened expectations. The accessibility of YouTube tutorials, blogs, and online courses on dog training can lead owners to believe that any behavioural issue can and should be fixed quickly and effortlessly.
The emphasis on training methods that promise problem-free dogs may create the expectation that aggression, fear, or anxiety are simply flaws to be corrected, rather than part of the dog’s emotional landscape. Dogs, like people, have varying thresholds for stress and fear, and these behaviours are natural responses to their environment. However, the belief that any issue can be solved through training alone may set both owners and dogs up for failure, leading to frustration when expectations are not met.
Laws and Regulations on Dog Behavior
Public policies and legal requirements surrounding dog behaviour have also played a role in changing societal expectations. Dog owners are held to higher standards in many communities, with stringent regulations governing leash laws, breed restrictions, and behavioural expectations in public spaces.
For example, many cities require that dogs be kept under control at all times, and aggressive behaviours can result in fines or even euthanasia. Breed-specific legislation (BSL) often targets specific breeds for their perceived aggression, placing pressure on owners to ensure their dogs exhibit perfect behaviour at all times. These legal frameworks reflect a zero-tolerance approach to canine undesirable behaviour, influencing owners to adopt a similar mindset.
Balancing Realistic Expectations with Humane Understanding
The societal shift toward expecting perfection from dogs is driven by a combination of factors—urban living, social media influences, anthropomorphism, and legal pressures. However, these expectations are often unrealistic and can negatively impact both dogs and their owners. It’s important to recognize that dogs, like humans, have emotional needs and boundaries. While training and socialization are crucial for ensuring well-adjusted pets, owners must also be mindful that no dog is capable of being perfect in every situation.
Instead of aiming for flawlessness, we should strive for understanding and compassion. Acknowledging that dogs may experience fear, anxiety, or aggression, just as humans do, allows for a healthier relationship between pets and their owners—one built on respect for the animal’s natural instincts and behaviours.
References
1. American Pet Products Association. (2023). National Pet Owners Survey.
2. American Veterinary Medical Association. (2022). Pet Ownership and Demographics Sourcebook.
3. Howell, T. J., Bennett, P. C. & Shirgley, R. (2016). The changing role of companion animals in society: Humanization and the companion animal bond. Animal Frontiers, 6(1), 21-25.
4. Koler-Matznick, J. (2002). The origin of the dog revisited. Anthrozoös, 15(2), 98-118.