In the U.S. "over 62% of people have a household pet and 37% of those pets are dogs."
The idea of dogs and humans having a relationship first appeared in "Boris Levinson's books Pet-Oriented Child Psychotherapy (1969) and Pets and Human Development (1979)". These books influenced people to do field studies on the dog and human relationship. Levinson accidentally discovered the benefits of assisted-pet therapy by noticing that when he brought his dog to see withdrawn and uncommunicative children they would interact positively. "His discovery was further reinforced by Sam and Elizabeth Corson at Ohio State University, who were among the first to research and evaluate pet-facilitated therapy."
"Only in the early 1980s was the term 'human–animal bond' officially invented by Leo K. Bustad, who delivered a summary lecture on the Human-Pet Relationship on October 28, 1983 at the International Symposium in Vienna. This symposium was held in honor of Konrad Lorenz, and during his lecture Bustad praised him for his work on the human–animal bond and encouraged others to build on Lorenz's work on the subject. Lorenz later adopted it in his research on imprinting in geese."
"Bustad and other pet therapy advocates formed the Delta Society, which was built on the earlier work of Levinson and Croson. In the 1970s and 1980s, national and international conferences led to greater recognition of the human–animal bond. Since then, there has been widespread media coverage of animal-assisted activity and therapy programs and service dog training."
Three major theories about the human-dog bond:
1. "In the biophilia hypothesis, our relationships with non-human animals are driven by survival needs: assistance in acquiring food and safety." This theory says that there is an instinctive bond with humans and living things. The theory explains why people will risk their own lives to save another living thing's life. "The domestic animal demonstrates how humans love life and want to support and sustain life."
2. According to the social support theory, animals are a source of social support and companionship, which are necessary for well-being.This says that humans need others to survive. The dogs provide social support for an empty-nester family. "In this view the animal is part of our community, and is important for psychological well-being."
3. "According to self psychology, an animal can be a "self object" that gives a sense of cohesion, support, or sustenance to a person's sense of self. Self psychology explains why some animals are so crucial to a person's sense of self and well-being. In some cases, individuals have been known to feel stronger, more protected, and more powerful in the company of their companion animal. The animal itself creates a human's personality."
"According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the human–canine bond is influenced by emotional, psychological, and physical interactions that are essential to the health and well-being of both people and dogs.
Animal-assisted therapy (AAT), service dogs, and animal-assisted activities demonstrate this human–canine bond and this interaction with an animal; in most cases a dog helps improve the quality of life.
The AVMA officially recognizes that the human-animal bond exists, that it has existed for thousands of years, and that it has had a major impact on veterinary medicine.
The human–canine bond also pertains to working dogs, such as modern police dogs and search and rescue dogs."
I found these theories to be really interesting because some of them I knew of, but never thought of when researching. I knew that therapy dogs do help people heal and help them cope; but I forgot to research about them for this paper. Overall I think together all of these theories add up to one, I think dog owners can relate to.
I think they would apply to Pit Bulls misconceptions because it shows that any animal no matter the breed is important to the human well being. It is also very possible that Pit Bulls are therapy dogs too, like Teddy Bear dogs.
Interesting--thanks!
ReplyDelete