The Pet Dog

Abstract

In Europe and North America, the majority of dogs are kept as companion animals. It is assumed that dogs owned as pets have a better welfare than working dogs or dogs used in research. However, the welfare of these pet animals will vary depending on the attitude, dog handling ability, economic status, and lifestyle of their owners, and the physical environment they inhabit. People might provide physically for their companion animals but may not provide them with an environment that is sufficiently complex mentally and socially. Many dogs live alone for the greater part of their lives and this may cause anxiety. The close relationship between humans and companion animals can result in greater expectations on behalf of the owner than the dog can provide, and disappointment may result in the dog being ignored, abandoned, or abused. Dogs are often given as presents to people who do not want them. Dogs may be fashion statements or used for support by people with inadequate social lives or paranoia. Dogs living in back yards may be isolated and ignored. However many pet dogs live good lives with their human companions.