Karen B. London, PhD, shares her perspective about the direction of anthrozoology studies. She references recent research published in the Applied Animal Behavior Science Journal; Measuring dog-owner relationships: Crossing boundaries between animal behaviour and human psychology.
Source: The Bark, October 15, 2016.
Referencing the study London relates some suggestions that these authors have are to focus on both dogs and people simultaneously rather than just one side of the relationship. They also recommend investigating physiological as well as behavioral responses to situations (such as separation and reunions) that are often the focus of attachment studies. They encourage addressing both the attachment style of individual dogs and the caregiving style of individual people to help pairs avoid any conflicts that have plagued them in the past and to help them form the best, most positive relationships in the future.
INSIGHTS: The explosion of information about the human animal bond increases the challenges for animal health pros as they engage one another and customers. Understanding where a pet fits in a person’s lifestyle will continue to be an important factor when dealing with animal issues and animal owners.