We’ve Transformed Dogs into Neurotic Wrecks
Over the past century we have done far more than alter their physical composition – we have also unleashed our mental health issues upon them, turning them into neurosis-ridden wrecks who require behaviourists, clinical animal behaviorists, psychiatrists, counsellors and trainers to make them compliant and content with modern lifestyles. We are literally messing with their minds because they don’t understand where their place in our lives lies or don’t receive sufficient freedom or attention that they require.
Dogs now reportedly suffer from depression, separation anxiety, stress, panic attacks, social anxiety and noise anxiety; OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Canine Cognitive Dysfunction and aggression to name just some conditions they are said to experience. Other issues could include excessive sleeping through depression; inappropriate toiletry (messing in the house for us humans); inappropriate vocal behavior (barking when frustrated, bored or excited); destructiveness – to name but a few. These issues have resulted in the rise of an entire industry dedicated to animal behaviour with thousands of experts making a living from it all the while supporting our beloved animals’ welfare – making us all safer and better for our furry friends! This situation has seen the creation of a brand new science and industry dedicated solely towards animal behaviour with thousands of experts making an extremely productive living from it all!
Experts state that some causes for this anguish include being left alone too often, being neglected, loud noises, lack of stimulating exercise, changes to their routine, upsets within their family unit, not receiving enough affection and petting, not going on familiar walks and being taken out by strangers – many reasons why some individuals should avoid getting dogs altogether.
Latch-Key Dogs were Happy and Healthier
I fondly recall the days of “latch-key” dogs, so called because their owners allowed them out each morning without expecting to see them back until dinner time. As such, these pooches could roam free, be themselves as dogs by following their instinctive behaviours, seek human or canine companionship at any time they wished and be more mentally healthier for it; although occasionally getting into fights or being hit by cars had me intervene when working as an RSPCA officer working east London I had to intervene but their owners did not rush them into psychotherapy sessions like modern dogs would need.
No one is suggesting we return to those days; such an endeavor would be impossible due to changes in attitudes towards caring and managing for dogs. Changes in the law require them to be kept under strict control in public and at home, drastically restricting their opportunities for self-expression. We incarcerate them home alone due to work and social commitments and often ignore them when present. Owners frequently violate their pets’ natural instincts by treating them like children, dressing them up and carrying them around in bags or strollers. We then expect them to participate in any extreme sport we can invent for them; making them completely dependent upon us for survival and recreation needs, leading them to experience stress as a result.