Pet Parenting Trend Harms Dogs' Well-Being, Experts Warn

The bond between humans and dogs has evolved significantly in recent decades, shifting from practical companionship to a form of symbolic parenting known as "pet parenting." This trend treats dogs almost like children, with practices that humanize them and often blur species boundaries. Experts caution, however, that such approaches can harm the animals' well-being.

Eugènia Comas, a psychologist, clinical ethologist, and dog trainer at Bones Companyies, observes a growing tendency to replace human parenthood with dog ownership. "We've gone from one extreme to the other," she says. Animals have emotions, she notes, but should not be treated as people. Owners project unrealistic expectations onto dogs, ignoring their true needs. While practical aids like coats for cold-sensitive breeds are fine, excesses such as strollers for healthy adults or puppies hinder natural movement and environmental interaction. "A dog needs to walk and exercise. Otherwise, it atrophies," Comas explains. Strollers make sense only for elderly or mobility-impaired dogs.

Trainer Sergi Ibáñez highlights over-permissiveness as a major issue. Dogs can be pampered, he says, but never spoiled. Without limits from puppyhood, they may assume dominance, leading to growling or biting. Behavioral problems like anxiety, aggression, paralysis, flight, excessive barking, or submission often stem from these habits. Urban dogs in places like Andorra also suffer from limited access to natural spaces, affecting physical and emotional health.

Ibáñez stresses clear leadership: "A dog is a dog, and a child is a child." Owners must provide concise commands and consistency, preserving the animal's instincts without cruelty. In Andorra's pet-friendly environments, opinions differ. Comas warns that noisy malls can overwhelm dogs, while Ibáñez says early socialization makes them adaptable.

The rise in beauty treatments, fashion, special diets, and social media exposure reflects cultural shifts toward better animal care. Yet studies show excessive humanization causes issues like separation anxiety and aggression by overriding canine ethology. Comas recommends training before adopting a dog to balance affection with species-appropriate care. For humans, the dynamic may fill emotional gaps, but prioritizing dogs' biological needs benefits both.