Why People Love Dogs

[Brownian Motion]

From Slate

Why People Love Dogs

It's more complicated than you think.

By Jon Katz

Updated Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, at 7:17 AM ET

My friend and fellow dog lover Edie, an occupational therapist in

Massachusetts, has been looking for a mate for nearly 10 years. She

finally thought she'd found one in Jeff, a nice guy, generous and funny,

who teaches high school. They dated for several months, and just as

there was talk about a future, it occurred to Edie that Jeff hadn't

really bonded with her yellow Lab, Sophie. In fact, as she thought more

about it, she wasn't sure Jeff was a dog guy at all.

She confronted him about this at dinner one night, and he confessed, in

some anguish, that he didn't love Sophie, didn't love dogs in general,

never had.

They broke up the next week. More accurately, she dumped him. "What can

I say?" Edie told me, somewhat defensively. "Sophie has been there for

me, day in and day out, for years. I can't say the same of men. She's my

girl, my baby. Sooner or later, it would have ended."

Having just spent two months on a book tour talking to dog lovers across

the country, I can testify that this story isn't unusual. The lesson

Edie gleaned, she says, was that she should have asked about Sophie

first, not last.

In America, we love our dogs. A lot. So much that we rarely wonder why

anymore.

This, perhaps, is why God created academics.

John Archer, a psychologist at the University of Central Lancashire, has

been puzzling for some time over why people love their pets. In

evolutionary terms, love for dogs and other pets "poses a problem," he

writes. Being attached to animals is not, strictly speaking, necessary

for human health and welfare. True, studies show that people with pets

live a bit longer and have better blood pressure than benighted

nonowners, but in the literal sense, we don't really need all those dogs

and cats to survive.

Archer's alternative Darwinian theory: Pets manipulate the same

instincts and responses that have evolved to facilitate human

relationships, "primarily (but not exclusively) those between parent and

child."

No wonder Edie ditched Jeff. She was about to marry the evil stepfather,

somebody who wasn't crazy about her true child.

Or, to look at it from the opposite direction, Archer suggests,

"consider the possibility that pets are, in evolutionary terms,

manipulating human responses, that they are the equivalent of social

parasites." Social parasites inject themselves into the social systems

of other species and thrive there. Dogs are masters at that. They show a

range of emotions-love, anxiety, curiosity-and thus trick us into

thinking they possess the full range of human feelings.

They dance with joy when we come home, put their heads on our knees and

stare longingly into our eyes. Ah, we think, at last, the love and

loyalty we so richly deserve and so rarely receive. Over thousands of

years of living with humans, dogs have become wily and transfixing

sidekicks with the particularly appealing characteristic of being unable

to speak. We are therefore free to fill in the blanks with what we need

to hear. (What the dog may really be telling us, much of the time, is,

"Feed me.")

As Archer dryly puts it, "Continuing features of the interaction with

the pet prove satisfying for the owner."

It's a good deal for the pets, too, since we respond by spending

lavishly on organic treats and high-quality health care.

Psychologist Brian Hare of Harvard has also studied the human-animal

bond and reports that dogs are astonishingly skilled at reading humans'

patterns of social behavior, especially behaviors related to food and

care. They figure out our moods and what makes us happy, what moves us.

Then they act accordingly, and we tell ourselves that they're crazy

about us.

"It appears that dogs have evolved specialized skills for reading human

social and communicative behavior," Hare concludes, which is why dogs

live so much better than moles.

These are interesting theories. Raccoons and squirrels don't show

recognizable human emotions, nor do they trigger our nurturing ("She's

my baby") impulses. So, they don't (usually) move into our houses, get

their photos taken with Santa, or even get names. Thousands of rescue

workers aren't standing by to move them lovingly from one home to

another.

If the dog's love is just an evolutionary trick, does that diminish it?

I don't think so. Dogs have figured out how to insinuate themselves into

human society in ways that benefit us both. We get affection and

attention. They get the same, plus food, shelter, and protection. To

grasp this exchange doesn't trivialize our love, it explains it.

I'm enveloped by dog love, myself. Izzy, a border collie who spent the

first four years of his life running along a small square of fencing on

a nearby farm, is lying under my desk at the moment, his head resting on

my boot.

Rose, my working dog, is curled into a tight ball in the crate to my

left. Emma, the newcomer who spent six years inside the same fence as

Izzy, prefers the newly re-upholstered antique chair. Plagued with

health problems, she likes to be near the wood stove in the winter.

When I stir to make tea, answer the door, or stretch my legs, all three

dogs move with me. I see them peering out from behind the kitchen table

or pantry door, awaiting instructions, as border collies do. If I return

to the computer, they resume their previous positions, with stealth and

agility. If I analyzed it coldly, I would admit that they're probably

alert to see if an outdoor romp is in the offing, or some sheepherding,

or some beef jerky. But I'd rather think they can't bear to let me out

of their sight.

Jon Katz is the author of A Good Dog: The Story of Orson, Who Changed My

Life

[alocispepraluger102]

thanks.

they can be manipulative critters. that's for sure.

[GA Russell]

I wouldn't want to be married to Edie either.

[Dan Gould]

thanks.

they can be manipulative critters. that's for sure.

Is this "manipulation"?

I'm watching the Super Bowl. The Bears give up yet another third & long conversion. I yell an expletive or two.

Coltrane and Gracie come at me from both sides and start licking my face, because they know I am upset and they don't want me to be that way. Is this the act of a couple of con men who think they'll get a treat out of it? They do it every time it happens. Sometimes I've thought about cursing for no reason, just to get that response from them.

In fact, that gives me another example of how the scientists have it wrong. When playing, Coltrane will often bring a toy and drop it on my lap. We'll play tug of war, or keep away, and he loves it. Then out of nowhere, he will suddenly lean in and start licking my face. When he gets into it, he goes completely nuts, climbing into my lap, hooking his front paws around my neck, and literally swabbing every square inch of my face and neck.

OK, so that is a calculated way of behaving to make me think I am loved and give him his food and his medical care and his attention?

Then why does he do the same exact thing to Gracie? Gracie likes to get up on the couch, even if there is really no room for her with me, my wife and Coltrane up there already. But she will squeeze in, and with her at such close quarters, Coltrane often goes into the same behavior: licking and licking and licking of her face, ears, eyes, chest.

Why? Because he loves Gracie and wants to take care of her. He's doing the exact same thing to her as he does to me. But Gracie doesn't feed him. Gracie doesn't make sure he's kept healthy. He can't get any benefit from doing this to Gracie, so why should we ascribe one motive when its dog on human behavior and another when its dog to dog?

Its obvious to me that at root it is the exact same behavior: One creature in our pack expressing devotion to another.

Edited February 13, 2007 by Dan Gould

[Jim Alfredson]

I wouldn't want to be married to Edie either.

Bingo.

[alocispepraluger102]

thanks.

they can be manipulative critters. that's for sure.

Is this "manipulation"?

I'm watching the Super Bowl. The Bears give up yet another third & long conversion. I yell an expletive or two.

Coltrane and Gracie come at me from both sides and start licking my face, because they know I am upset and they don't want me to be that way. Is this the act of a couple of con men who think they'll get a treat out of it? They do it every time it happens. Sometimes I've thought about cursing for no reason, just to get that response from them.

In fact, that gives me another example of how the scientists have it wrong. When playing, Coltrane will often bring a toy and drop it on my lap. We'll play tug of war, or keep away, and he loves it. Then out of nowhere, he will suddenly lean in and start licking my face. When he gets into it, he goes completely nuts, climbing into my lap, hooking his front paws around my neck, and literally swabbing every square inch of my face and neck.

OK, so that is a calculated way of behaving to make me think I am loved and give him his food and his medical care and his attention?

Then why does he do the same exact thing to Gracie? Gracie likes to get up on the couch, even if there is really no room for her with me, my wife and Coltrane up there already. But she will squeeze in, and with her at such close quarters, Coltrane often goes into the same behavior: licking and licking and licking of her face, ears, eyes, chest.

Why? Because he loves Gracie and wants to take care of her. He's doing the exact same thing to her as he does to me. But Gracie doesn't feed him. Gracie doesn't make sure he's kept healthy. He can't get any benefit from doing this to Gracie, so why should we ascribe one motive when its dog on human behavior and another when its dog to dog?

Its obvious to me that at root it is the exact same behavior: One creature in our pack expressing devotion to another.

that they can be manipulative certainly doesnt dispute what you and many of us have experienced.

[Dan Gould]

thanks.

they can be manipulative critters. that's for sure.

Is this "manipulation"?

I'm watching the Super Bowl. The Bears give up yet another third & long conversion. I yell an expletive or two.

Coltrane and Gracie come at me from both sides and start licking my face, because they know I am upset and they don't want me to be that way. Is this the act of a couple of con men who think they'll get a treat out of it? They do it every time it happens. Sometimes I've thought about cursing for no reason, just to get that response from them.

In fact, that gives me another example of how the scientists have it wrong. When playing, Coltrane will often bring a toy and drop it on my lap. We'll play tug of war, or keep away, and he loves it. Then out of nowhere, he will suddenly lean in and start licking my face. When he gets into it, he goes completely nuts, climbing into my lap, hooking his front paws around my neck, and literally swabbing every square inch of my face and neck.

OK, so that is a calculated way of behaving to make me think I am loved and give him his food and his medical care and his attention?

Then why does he do the same exact thing to Gracie? Gracie likes to get up on the couch, even if there is really no room for her with me, my wife and Coltrane up there already. But she will squeeze in, and with her at such close quarters, Coltrane often goes into the same behavior: licking and licking and licking of her face, ears, eyes, chest.

Why? Because he loves Gracie and wants to take care of her. He's doing the exact same thing to her as he does to me. But Gracie doesn't feed him. Gracie doesn't make sure he's kept healthy. He can't get any benefit from doing this to Gracie, so why should we ascribe one motive when its dog on human behavior and another when its dog to dog?

Its obvious to me that at root it is the exact same behavior: One creature in our pack expressing devotion to another.

that they can be manipulative certainly doesnt dispute what you and many of us have experienced.

The problem comes in applying human standards to dog behavior. We need to remember that to a dog, we are part of the "pack", the alpha dog in their pack. They behave in a submissive, loving way because it ensures their continued membership in the pack and not in some sort of con man's game to ensure a steady supply of food.

As far as why humans keep cuddly pets like dogs or cats, its obvious that they fill an emotional need. But I feel sorry for anyone who doesn't believe that a dog is genuinely happy when its owner arrives at home.

which brings up another display of legitimate affection from one of my long ago canine companions. Chauncey was a high-strung Irish Setter. He was always very very happy when any one of us got home, but when we started going away to school, he'd really go ape-shit when we'd come home. I mean, he would literally tremble from head to tail in happiness and would yelp for joy. When I got home for Christmas or summer break, I had to spend ten or fifteen minutes with Chauncey first. So long as I was petting him and talking to him, the trembling would subside - but as soon as I stopped, he'd go into the same hysterics.

Now, this was a dog who was well-cared for in my absence. He had everything he needed for a happy life. But he didn't have me. Don't tell me it was an act so that I'd give him a treat. He was just plain glad to see me.

So much so that he also quickly began to surmize when the summer came to an end and I was getting ready to leave again. When the suitcases came out and I started spending time getting ready, he would sit on the bed, watching me with the saddest looking eyes you can imagine.

[Brownian Motion]

Is this "manipulation"?

I'm watching the Super Bowl. The Bears give up yet another third & long conversion. I yell an expletive or two.

Coltrane and Gracie come at me from both sides and start licking my face, because they know I am upset and they don't want me to be that way.

Dan-

All we know for certain is that you have yelled, and that your dogs have responded by licking your face. You may interpret that however you wish; but your interpretation may not be reality. For instance, it could be that when you are so excited as to yell, you begin to sweat, and that your dogs can smell the sweat and come over to enjoy a few licks.

[Dan Gould]

Is this "manipulation"?

I'm watching the Super Bowl. The Bears give up yet another third & long conversion. I yell an expletive or two.

Coltrane and Gracie come at me from both sides and start licking my face, because they know I am upset and they don't want me to be that way.

Dan-

All we know for certain is that you have yelled, and that your dogs have responded by licking your face. You may interpret that however you wish; but your interpretation may not be reality. For instance, it could be that when you are so excited as to yell, you begin to sweat, and that your dogs can smell the sweat and come over to enjoy a few licks.

Nice try, but there's no evidence to support your hypothesis. Their response is immediate, the house is a cool 76 degrees, and they know I am upset. The fact is that most dogs would stay away - Bailey, the beagle who preceded them, would in fact go into the other room when I yelled at the TV. These dogs exhibit a different behavior. If its a matter of interpreting human behavior in a way advantageous to them, why would one dog exhibit a flight response and the others would come around for some lovin's? Same "evolutionary" "learned" canine behavior? I don't think so.

[Man with the Golden Arm]

maybe that those dogs are smarter and more literal than you think?

considering if you used the F@#% expletive, they might be just trying to intitate some foreplay.

[rockefeller center]

maybe that those dogs are smarter and more literal than you think?

considering if you used the F@#% expletive, they might be just trying to intitate some foreplay.

[The Magnificent Goldberg]

My wife's got this book.

I haven't read it. There's a questionnaire in the book, which my wife has tried on me, and gets entirely the wrong answer.

It's all a load of bollocks.

We love some dogs because they're different from other dogs (of the same breed). They behave differently because they're different individual dogs. Sure, there are basic similarities, particularly within one breed. But there are no more rules to dog behaviour than to people behaviour, in my view.

MG

[catesta]

maybe that those dogs are smarter and more literal than you think?

considering if you used the F@#% expletive, they might be just trying to intitate some foreplay.

hehe

I've got to admit, I spoil the shit out of my little dog, I can't help it.

Manipulative or not, its all good.

Edited February 14, 2007 by catesta

[ghost of miles]

Video: dog freaks out over soldier's return

[AllenLowe]

well, whatever the reasons, I love dogs (and there's my little friend to the left there) -

[Free For All]

Video: dog freaks out over soldier's return

Awesome.

Damn, I really need to get new glasses.

[Dave Garrett]

Video: dog freaks out over soldier's return

A bunch more:

Dogs Welcoming Home Soldiers

[Free For All]

Video: dog freaks out over soldier's return

A bunch more:

Dogs Welcoming Home Soldiers

Oh man, those are great. They brought tears, especially the last one w/the kids. Wow.