The Human Connection To Dogs

By examining the social psychological  interactions between humans and dogs; we discover our energy driven connection to be extremely complex and even mysterious; for it entails mutual cooperation between two participating species.  In the first study, The Human Attachment to Dogs (2009), we will consider comparative cognitive studies of visual cognitive ability (VCA) and social cognitive ability (SCA) between humans and dogs.  In the second study, the Psychological Effects of Dog Ownership, by the researcher, Krista Marie Clark Cline (2010) utilizes statistical data on individuals who are actively engaged in dog ownership.  We will examine correlations between individual wellness such as; stress, depression, physical activity and exercise with daily stress factors of multi-tasking, exposing evidence of burdensome psychological effects of dog ownership on people.  We will also clarify questions of how dog ownership impacts the individual versus an existing family system in today’s active and highly complex human society.

According to the first study, Attachment between Humans and Dogs, by Nagasawa, et al. (2009), over twenty different species of animals have been successfully domesticated since pre-historic times.  Archaeologists have evidence which implies the dog is one of the most pre-historic mammal species to develop the capacity to inherently function within human society in comparison to other pre-historic animal species such as wolves and apes.  The most common purpose of why dog ownership is so widely accepted are mainly for hunting, guarding and herding (Coppinger- Schnieder 1995).  However, human-dog interaction was more closely examined by Boris Levinson (1962) when he documented a clinical case study where a child with communication problems tremendously benefited from his companionship with a dog.

In society, dogs have established themselves a niche as mans’ best friend.  This role ascribes a standard for which we set the dog species apart from other animal species on the planet.  Dogs seem to possess an intelligence to understand and respond to human finger pointing and basic hand gestures on command.  This unique behavior is associated only to dogs, especially the working breeds.  Researchers refer to this capacity as visual cognitive ability (VCA). The theory implies that dogs developed VCA during their domestication period (Hare, et al., 2002), (Miklosi et al., 2003).  Examining the human-canine connection denotes a canine capacity for engaging in humanlike VCA similar to how man’s visual attention can be directed or lead (Call, et al., 2003, Miklosi, et al., 2000).  Also, the study demonstrates how dogs will not receive food from persons’ whose face is blindfolded or covered over with a bag (Gasci, et al., 2004; Viranyi, et al., 2004), (Viranyi, et al., 2006) suggesting dogs can only know what they can see (canine olfactory and auditory sensory abilities were not considered in this study).  Researchers also indicate a cognitive mental process and an action directed response linking a specific dog to a specific human being (Ludwig et al., 1994), (Kikusui et al., 2006), (Adachi, et al., 2007).  This fascinating phenomenon of dogs utilizing the gaze to commune is indicative of a higher social cognitive ability (SCA) as well, which is most essential when understanding the social psychological cooperation necessary between man and beast (Baron-Cohen, et al., 1997), (Driver et al., 1999), (Macrae, et al.,2002), (Morton-Johnson, 1991).

In the second study, the Psychological Effects of Dog Ownership, the researcher, Krista Marie Clark Cline (2010) utilizes statistical data from individual dog owners engaged in multiple roles, such as physical activity, marital status, age and gender.  The basis for this study is to make the argument that dog ownership can either increase or decrease depression depending on circumstances in which individuals or families own a dog.  The three methods for this study included participants, procedures and measures. The first method utilized random phone participation where a national telephone survey, known as random digital dialing (RDD) was used (Ham & Epping 2006).  The survey included 200 questions on various topics such as; health and medical, social topics, and the environment.  A total of 201 adults between the ages of 19 to 94 years responded with interviews lasting 45 to 60 minutes long.  The procedure used ordinary least squares (OLS) regression which is a two-step analysis  considering the main effects of dog ownership, including social support and physical activity.  The second step, regression examined the effects of moderating variables like, marital status, age and sex.  This study compiled information to create terms of interaction for ownership by sex, age and marital status; then acquired dependent variable statistics (DVS), such as depression, marital status and physical activity (Ross, et al. 1984).  The research also included independent, mediating, and moderating variables to integrate owner support roles such as; friends and family (1- 4), physical exercise (0 - 5), age by (years), male owner (0) or female owner (1), married (1) Single (0) which included widowed, divorced, separated or never married.  Current employment (1), unemployed (0) and children under 18 years of age living at home (1), no children (0) were added variables researchers considered in measuring role strain for adults.  And finally, the control variables for race and education where used to measure socioeconomic status (SES) such as, race (white - 1) used as a binary variable.  Education was measured from (1 - 7), less than ninth grade (1), graduate / professional degree (7).

In conclusion, the study revealed single individuals and women more suitable for dog ownership than men.  The study denoted well-being beneficial to single persons more so than for married couples due to primary relationship roles versus an enhanced lifestyle change where physical activities were priority.  The study also found women who own dogs suffer less from depression than men, because I know statistically speaking, women are treated for depression more often than men which clarify theories on gender differences among personal relationships (Riseman 1998).  But dog ownership does play an effective role on depression regardless of social support from friends and family or physical activity and exercise.  Generally, dog ownership has positive effects on the individuals overall health and wellness (Ory, et al., 1983; Lawton, et al., 1984).  Employment, married couples, single individuals and children living at home were added conditions when examining variables in the research.  In conclusion, the study regarded seasonal timing essential when assuming dog ownership status.  In addition, personal well-being and depression reduction were factored in for individuals and families when considering added stress factors and dog ownership.  According to statistics, dog ownership is currently at 46.3 percent for families who own at least one dog (APPMA, 2011-2012).  This number is up more than 7 percent from 2006 which is an all-time high.

A Good Dogs Favorite Websites

• Off-Leash Dog Parks in Loveland, Colorado
• Boyd Lake Veterinary Center
• Poudre Feed Stores
• Larimer Humane Society
• Cesar's Way

Posted from Diigo. The rest of my favorite links are here.

My Diggs On Dogs

Today, I looked at dog blogs from other blogging authors as myself. To my pleasant surprise, I found great content on dogs everywhere. Content I share with you is only a minuet tip of a very big iceberg on the canine species. Below, I have linked this information from my RSS Feed.  Enjoy!

Click here:  My Diggs on Dogs

Respectfully,

Mr. Dwaine Jugoz

I welcome any fruitful thoughts you may have on this topic.

How Good Dogs Go To Heaven

PetlifeRadio.com – It’s A Doggy Dog World
Liz Palika, Petra Burke & Kate Abott

Click here:  The End of Our Dogs Lives

The How Book of Dogs

Liz Palika

This week I took an opportunity to listen to a podcast about "The End Days of Our Dogs Lives" while surfing through Itunes.  The podcast is sponsored by Petlife Radio.com “It’s a Doggy Dog World” by Liz Palika.  Everything a dog owner would need to know about caring for their dog is available on this radio podcast program.  Personally, I found this show entertaining, personal, transparent, and serious.  The host; Liz Palika is a wealth of knowledge & experience about dogs.  Also, I liked her stories regarding dogs and found her program to be real, honest, and filled with true life humor.

What is your doggy philosophy on life?  Have ever thought about the day your loving dog or pet grows old and may need to be euthanized?  Real life altering questions we all must consider at some point in their short future.  What is euthanasia?  Some folks believe dogs should die naturally, regardless of how much they suffer.  Personally, I am not one who believes this.  Questions you may have about your dog's life or death issue may be:

o   Is your dog having more bad days than good days?

o   Is the quality of life for your pet getting better or worse?

o   How uncomfortable or unhappy are they?

o   Is the joy of being a dog and the job they perform, now a burden?

o   Is the dog in pain (medicated)?

Liz, along with her two guests; Petra Burke & Kate Abott told us a story about her Velcro Dog unable to follow her from room to room when she conducted simple house chores around her home; “I can’t follow you into the next room like I used to do; I'm so sorry?"

Therefore, a decision to euthanize a family pet member is always difficult.  It is a decision that should be discussed with your spouse, and other family members, because the sudden absence of a family member will likely have traumatizing psychological and emotional effects on other personalities who live in your home, including the cat.  Everyone should have a chance to say, “Good-bye!”  Also, Liz encourages folks to consider veterinarian policies when putting down a family pet.  Some vets allow family members to be present for the procedure, others do not.  In either case, grieving the death of a dog or cat is real, regardless if it is sudden or a long process.  As I have always believed, our dogs are wonderful gifts and their lives with us are just on lease.  

If it be possible, one can plan ahead by understanding the best options for how your dog should be put to sleep may be a very good way to dealing with one’s ultimate grief.  Liz also talks about weighing options before settling on the decision to euthanize.  Her best advice on the subject is to gain knowledge by understanding your process on dealing with loss by help others in their grieving processes, as well.  The panel suggested collecting artifacts such as paw impressions, the dog’s collar, identification tags, photos, videos, and even fur while they are with you as a way of preserving their memories which are helpful in preparing us during times of our grieving.  How do you deal with your grief?

The 5 Stages of Grief

o   Denial

o   Anger

o   Bargaining

o   Depression

o   Acceptance

Lastly, it is important to choose whom you talk with about death of a family pet.  Not everyone will understand what you are going through.  Liz Palika encourages folks to call grief counselors at:

University of Davis Pet Loss Hospital

o   1 (800) 565-1526

o   1 (530) 752-3602

Cornell University Pet Hotline

o   1 (607) 253-3932

What are your thoughts on the topic?
The End of Our Dogs Lives

'Best Friends

The media portrays intimacy between humans and dogs in an over exaggerated, yet humorous kind of way; magnifying the quirks in a human-dog relationship that can be studiously perceived as unhealthy, yet undeniably funny.  On season four of the television sitcom Reba, the character Barbra Jean creates a video story documenting her intimate, yet eccentric relationship with her Toy Dog, Brock.  The producers for this episode use lyrics from the TV show, The Courtship of Eddies Father, “Best Friends” (Harry Nilsson 1960) as music for her video.  Barbra Jean eccentrically entertains her dog by playing her flute for it, reading a bedtime story to it, and even consuming a hot dog with it.  She paints the pooches’ paw nails and dresses the furry little creature in pastel colored doggy outfits (Reba Show, 2005).   I think this video strikes a serious chord with many dog owners in our society who might share these same eccentricities of being as much a “goof-ball

” like this Reba Show character; Barbra Jean.  But after reviewing the satire of Barbra Jean with her toy dog, I think society believes dog owners can be emotionally unstable.  The video confirms negative perceptions about dog owners who allow personal pets to dominate them, especially the dog.  This bias perpetuates ideas that dog owners are confused and compensatory, lacking real people friends.  I often find myself struggling to maintain a good sense of balance about life with my dogs through humor.

Now let’s examine the scientific perspective of social psychological interactions between human beings and dogs; this energy driven connection is complex and mysterious in that it entails mutual cooperation between two participating species.  In the first study, The Human Attachment to Dogs (2009), we will consider comparative cognitive studies of visual cognitive ability (VCA) and social cognitive ability (SCA) between humans and dogs.  In the second study, the Psychological Effects of Dog Ownership, by the researcher, Krista Marie Clark Cline (2010) utilizes statistical data on individuals who are actively engaged in dog ownership.  We will examine correlations between individual wellness such as; stress, depression, physical activity and exercise with daily stress factors of multi-tasking, exposing evidence of burdensome psychological effects of dog ownership on people.  I will also clarify questions of how dog ownership impacts the individual versus an existing family system in today’s highly active and complex human society.

If You Love Your Dog...

              

In the movie Marley & Me, an unfortunate event occurred during a nine week prenatal check-up when Jennifer Grogan discovers her anticipated baby is stillborn.  In grieving the loss for her unborn child, Marley the family dog senses something is painfully wrong.  He goes to Jennifer’s side and rests his muzzle on her lap in a consoling gesture of sadness and compassion (Marley & Me, 2009).  This quite drama and emotionally driven scene is a somber reminder of how dogs and humans interact; a dog expressing empathy for his brokenhearted master in a meaningfully sincere, yet unspoken kind of way.  Although dogs may not always understand, they can sense when people are sad.

My dogs and I walk twice a day, for at least a half hour because we need the exercise and because they require my personal time and attention.  The walk is an act of intimacy in dog psychology.  These times are simple, yet profound; it is routine, yet necessary.  The walk is an appropriate time for me to maintain the standards I uphold as a pack-leader.  The walk is a time when my voice is heard, my commands are expressed and nothing less than an obedient canine response is appropriately accepted.  The walk affirms our pack identity and our values.

 Cesar Milan, a guru dog trainer, teaches dog owners the technique of dog psychology with an emphasis on pack-leadership.  His goal is teaching the dog owner how to achieve balance and harmony between owner and dog.  One of Caesars’ famous quotes include; “If you love your dog; walk your dog” (Cesar’s Way, 2007).  My Queensland Heeler and my Australian Shepherd are bred to herd livestock and work the ranch.  They exude levels of high energy that cannot be ignored or subdued.  When they are neglected, they bark with a healthy sense of attitude until pack leader responsibilities are fulfilled.  My dogs know the difference between routine exercise and a good playtime activity.  They are happiest when their needs are satisfied.

I welcome any thoughts you may have regarding dog ownership.

Dog Ownership Is A Wonderful Gift

I once heard an interesting story of how a dog was found sitting on the front porch of its master’s new home after being lost for an extended period of time.  As the owner of two Australian pups, this phenomenon simply fascinates me.  Because my dogs are as dear to me as my own human children, if I were to lose either of these relationships my heart would long for their homeward bound return.  Therefore, my purpose will be to explore this deep connection human beings can share with dogs.  This social psychological bond between our two species is like understanding a mystery to the universe - that is, our innate need for unconditional love and faithful companionship.

I believe dog ownership is a wonderful gift and people who discover the right connection with the right dog are very fortunate people.  Personally, I have found great joy in raising my two pups, Joey & Hapa. These two Aussies have traveled with me across the country from the Grand Canyon in Arizona to Steam Boat Springs, Colorado on two separate camping trips.  They have herded sea gulls during off-leash walks along the shores of the California coastline from Chrissie Field in the San Francisco Bay south to Monterey and Carmel by the Sea.  Our dogs have driven with us across the great Mississippi River and have endured sudden tropical rain floods while passing through Sallisaw, Oklahoma approaching Little Rock, Arkansas. Today, we simply enjoy our daily walks and bicycle rides around Boyd Lake, Colorado. This unconditional love and connection for the dog species is a lifelong road trip of growing old and creating memorable times together. These furry little critters are more than just dogs, they truly are good friends.

When a dog is adopted into a human family it becomes a very intricate part of that distinct family system. The following dialog is between two brothers conversing about Marley, the family dog, from the movie; Marley & Me.  Marley is growing old and ill, but as usual he waits to greet his young friends at the local bus stop as he has done over a period of many, many years. Marley hears the approaching school bus and runs to greet his two buddies as they return home from a very long day at school. “Is he there?” “Of course he’s there, he’s always there.” “How does he know we’re coming?” “Ah, I don’t know, he just knows. Dogs know things like that.” “All dogs?”  “All good dogs.”  “Oh, there he is!  There’s Marley!” As they step off the bus and onto the sidewalk, “Hi Marley, how are you?” “I missed you.”  (Marley & Me, 2009)

I have always thought God’s purpose for creating dogs is to satisfy man’s basic need for companionship. I also believe dogs can reduce stress and relieve emotional pain. Dogs play significant roles in the homes of millions of families today. This may be a reason for why we allow dogs such prominence in our lives.  However, the relationship tends to induce a value bias which often is misunderstood by society.  Therefore, it is my intention to explore a few inspiring dog stories to appreciate the profound sense of gratitude I personally have for these animals. I also happen to think that the human-dog connection is rich, powerful, and unique. 

I welcome any thoughts you may have regarding dog ownership.