Dogs can, in some respects, serve a role similar to that of children, offering companionship, learning, and training. This assertion is based on the idea that humans can develop a strong bond with dogs, teaching them commands, and observing their behaviors.

Dogs substituting for Children in some Aspects: A Growing Trend among Adults in Many Countries

Dogs are increasingly being treated like children in many homes, a phenomenon that coincides with a decline in birth rates in several countries. This shift in family dynamics has led researchers to question whether there could be a connection between the two.

According to a study published in the "European Psychologist," adults in Western and East Asian societies are having less interaction with children in their daily lives. In response, pets, particularly dogs, are increasingly serving as companions. Some owners even view their pets as family members, and dogs are often referred to as children.

Dogs play varying roles within a household depending on the individual's life circumstances. For single adults, dogs can serve as companions or roommates. Newlyweds may consider them their first children, while they can act as playmates for families with young children. As a family matures, dogs can become a substitute for older children and a source of comfort for elderly persons, particularly widows.

There is a possible explanation for this phenomenon. Researchers Laura Gillet and Enikő Kubinyi of Eötvös Loránd University Budapest suggest that adults may redirect their biologically driven urge to care for someone towards animals. They propose that dogs, with their ability to build emotional bonds similar to those between infants and caregivers, particularly fulfill this role well.

Moreover, dogs’ partly child-like features appeal to people's need to care. Many dog owners go to great lengths to care for their dogs at times, showing an almost intensive maternal care attitude. This willingness to cater to their pets’ needs can be compared to the intensive maternal care often shown by parents to their infants.

In Germany, 21 percent of households own dogs, and the country spends around seven billion euros annually on pet food and accessories. However, it is important to note that while many owners treat dogs like children, they do not consider them equal to human children.

This sentiment is further emphasized in a study, where respondents choose to prioritize human life over dog lives in hypothetical dilemmas. Furthermore, a higher likelihood of ending the relationship with a dog compared to a child exists, with around three million dogs ending up in animal shelters each year in the United States.

The relationship between a dog and its owner is also culturally influenced. In the United States, pet owners often refer to themselves as the “Mom” or “Dad” of their furry child, while in other countries, the relationship tends to be more distant.

Enrichment Data Relevance Evaluation

Emotional Connection and Similar Cognitive Abilities: Dogs are capable of forming strong emotional bonds with their owners, similar to those between parents and children. Research shows that dogs have cognitive abilities comparable to those of 2-to-2.5-year-old children, including understanding emotions and social cues. This information is relevant to the connection formed between a dog and its owner.
Dependency and Companionship: Dogs are dependent on their owners for care and attention, which can evoke a parental response in adults. This dependency creates a sense of responsibility and fulfillment akin to what parents experience with their children. This sentiment aligns with the role dogs play as family members or children substitutes in some respects.
Life Stage Roles: Dogs can fill various roles throughout an adult's life, such as a "pre-child" for young couples, a "furry sibling" when children are born, and a companion during later life stages. This comprehensive overview highlights the versatility of dogs and their ability to form bonds and meet emotional needs at various life stages, reinforcing the notion of dogs as replacements for children in certain contexts.
Social Needs fulfilled by Dogs: Dogs provide emotional support and companionship, catalyze social interactions, and serve as therapeutic outlets for their owners. This information is relevant to understanding the role dogs play in fulfilling social needs, similar to human children.

It is essential to recognize that while dogs play a significant role in their owners’ lives, they are not human children and have species-specific needs that must be acknowledged. Overprotective or childlike treatment can sometimes lead to behavioral problems in dogs.

The emotional bond formed between dogs and their owners, comparable to that between parents and children, is a result of dogs' cognitive abilities like understanding emotions and social cues, which can fulfill social needs similar to those met by human children.
As dogs can fill various roles throughout an adult's life, from a "pre-child" for young couples to a companion during later life stages, their versatility highlights their ability to meet emotional needs across different life phases, further emphasizing their role as replacements for children in certain aspects.