Imagine this scenario: It’s November 2003, and Tammy Ogle is driving down a peaceful county road with her three beloved Labradors, Double, Lily, and Golly. Suddenly, the unexpected happens. Tammy’s SUV flips violently, throwing her from the vehicle and leaving her severely injured, unconscious beneath the wheels of her own car. Miraculously, her dogs survive unharmed. Double stays loyally by Tammy’s side, while Lily and Golly sprint half a mile to the nearest home. Barking frantically, they get the homeowner’s attention, with Golly even tugging at his sleeve, guiding him to Tammy’s overturned car.

A heroic rescue? Or a random canine panic? The interpretation depends greatly on one’s perspective on anthropomorphism.

Anthropomorphism i.e. the attribution of human traits to non-human animals is often seen negatively, particularly among scientists and behaviorists. Many have criticized anthropomorphic interpretations as unscientific, overly sentimental, or even dangerous. But lately, there’s a growing recognition of the value of “critical anthropomorphism”—a thoughtful approach that helps us understand animals better, not by projecting ourselves onto them recklessly, but by carefully considering their natural behaviors, evolutionary history, and emotional capacities.

Understanding Anthropomorphism

Anthropomorphism was originally about attributing human qualities to gods. Over time, the term expanded to animals. In many scientific circles, anthropomorphism became taboo. Zoologists and psychologists warned against projecting human thoughts and feelings onto animals, believing it obscured objective understanding.

Yet outright dismissing animals’ emotional capacities or social awareness ignores extensive evidence of complex cognition in non-human species. Animals like dogs share many emotional and social similarities with humans, largely due to shared evolutionary pressures and domestication. It’s not about saying dogs think exactly like us but recognizing they think and feel in their unique ways.

The Problem with Misguided Anthropomorphism

When anthropomorphism goes wrong, it does so because people misunderstand animals’ true motivations and needs. For example, many dog guardians misinterpret their dogs’ actions through purely human lenses:

• “He pooped inside to spite me!”
• “She chewed the couch because she’s angry I left her home alone.”

These interpretations ignore simpler, more canine-appropriate explanations: dogs eliminate indoors due to confusion, anxiety, or a physical need. They chew objects out of boredom, frustration, or lack of proper outlets. When we attribute negative human emotions like spite or revenge to dogs, we misread their intentions, damaging our relationship and potentially harming their welfare.

Similarly, human affection like hugging can feel comforting and natural to us but stressful and invasive to dogs. This fundamental misunderstanding has led to countless instances of preventable bites and resultant euthanasia. It’s vital to acknowledge our pets as separate beings with distinct forms of social communication and comfort.

Critical Anthropomorphism: A Better Approach

Critical anthropomorphism combines careful observation, empathy, and scientific understanding to bridge the gap between humans and animals. It’s about considering our common ground and differences equally:

• Recognizing dogs as highly social animals evolved to cooperate and bond closely with humans.
• Acknowledging that dogs experience emotions like fear, joy, anxiety but not necessarily in the same way humans do.
• Utilizing evidence-based insights into canine behavior to form more accurate and compassionate interpretations.

Frans de Waal, a respected ethologist, emphasizes this balance. He suggests that anthropomorphism can be beneficial, particularly when animals share close evolutionary links with us. On the other hand, denying these shared traits, what he calls anthropodenial can be equally harmful. By adopting critical anthropomorphism, we better grasp the true nature of our relationships with animals.

Applying Critical Anthropomorphism in Everyday Life

Critical anthropomorphism isn’t just theory, it transforms how we interact with and care for our dogs:

• Social Interaction: Dogs require meaningful social connections, just like we do. Recognizing this, we ensure they have consistent companionship and appropriate interactions.
• Emotional Well-being: Understanding that dogs experience emotions allows us to spot stress, boredom, or fear and respond effectively rather than dismissing these behaviors.
• Observation and Empathy: By putting ourselves thoughtfully into our dog’s experiences, we can anticipate their needs and preferences, providing environments that cater to their comfort and happiness.
• Learning and Communication: Dogs learn and communicate through clear signals and positive reinforcement. Understanding their social cues helps us train and interact compassionately and effectively.

The Case of Tammy and Her Labradors Revisited

Returning to Tammy’s incredible rescue story, critical anthropomorphism offers the simplest, most reasonable explanation. Dogs are naturally social, cooperative creatures. Evolutionarily predisposed to support pack members, Tammy’s dogs likely perceived her distress and sought help because social and cooperative instincts guided them not because they reasoned exactly like humans, but because empathy, cooperation, and problem-solving are inherent canine traits.

The Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association agreed, honoring Tammy’s dogs as heroes. Their actions were not mindless panic nor sophisticated human-style reasoning but rather canine social intelligence at work.

A Balanced Perspective: Neither Robots nor Furry Humans

Critical anthropomorphism means finding balance:

• Rejecting harmful extremes: neither assuming dogs think exactly like humans nor denying they have any shared experiences.
• Embracing scientific insights into canine cognition, social structure, and emotional capacity.
• Valuing the intuitive empathy humans naturally possess, tempered with responsible and informed judgment.

In essence, critical anthropomorphism makes us better dog owners and guardians. It compels us to honor dogs for what they genuinely are—sentient beings with unique perspectives—rather than forcing them into unrealistic molds, either too human or too mechanical.

Ultimately, A Deeper Bond

By thoughtfully embracing critical anthropomorphism, we cultivate a deeper, more authentic bond with our dogs. We learn to understand and respect them better, creating relationships based on accurate perceptions, mutual trust, and compassion.

Just as Tammy’s story illustrates, dogs often meet us more than halfway and I think it’s our responsibility to do the same. Critical anthropomorphism doesn’t dilute science; it enriches our understanding, enabling us to truly meet our dogs where they are, enhancing their welfare and our shared happiness.

Through critical anthropomorphism, we don’t merely coexist. We thrive together, genuinely connected through empathy, respect, and mutual understanding.

References and related reading

• For the Love of a Dog by Patricia McConnell
• The Other End of the Leash by Patricia McConnell
• The Genius of Dogs by Brian Hare and Vanessa Woods
• Are We Smart Enough to Know How Smart Animals Are by Frans de Waal
• Animals Make Us Human by Temple Grandin
• Inside of a Dog by Alexandra Horowitz
• Dog is Love by Clive Wynne
• More books I recommend to dog owners