FOR GENERATIONS, WE’VE been told to treat dogs like animals. Keep them outside. Train them with a firm hand. Don’t spoil them. Let them know who’s boss. But times have changed — and so has our understanding of dogs.

As science, society and the canine-human bond continue to evolve, it’s become increasingly clear: dogs are no longer just pets. They’re family. And in many ways, we should begin to treat them the way we would a child — not as a power play, but out of kindness, respect and deep understanding.

Modern research has shown that dogs are incredibly emotionally intelligent. They can read our facial expressions, understand the tone of our voice and even mirror our moods. They form secure (or insecure) attachments to their humans, much like a child would to a parent. They need guidance, structure, play, stimulation and above all, companionship.

The outdated model of the dog left outside in a kennel, trained through dominance or fear, has been replaced by a more enlightened view. Dogs are now seen for what they truly are: sentient, feeling beings with emotional needs and a rich inner world. And the more we choose to breed and keep dogs as companions, the more we owe them the kind of life that role demands.

Yes, some people might roll their eyes at dogs in slings or buggies. But if we look beyond the surface, the purpose is far more meaningful than fashion. In a society where so many breeders are unqualified and primarily profit-driven, countless dogs are being bred with behavioural and emotional deficits from the start.

Many puppies miss out on vital early socialisation and are placed in homes completely unequipped to manage or understand them. Dogs that miss out on adequate socialisation in the first few months are at higher risk of developing fearfulness or even aggression later in life (McAvoy, 2022).

This is where tools like baby slings and dog buggies........

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