What are we to our dogs? Doggy theory?

[Coco]

Gizmo is my shadow, wherever I am, she wants to be. Generally wherever I am sat she wants to be on my knee or as close as she can get and when I go away for any period she appears to 'miss' me. 80% of the time she will pick me over other family though in terms of who walks and feeds her i'd say I only do 60%. I definitely treat the most though. 

My question is, out of curiosity, what am I to her in doggy behaviour theory? Can it be humanised or is it just the way they are?
I saw litterally 2 mins of Martin Clunes the other day where it said that what appears to be 'love' is their desire to protect at all costs. But that doesn't seem relevant in a 'pet' situation. Can anyone shed some light? 

[Hurtwood Dogs]

I don't get it either... Dave is pleased to see me when I've been away but that's it. Normy is clearly very very affected by separation from me and being away from what's familiar to her and she will pick me out of a massive crowd any day... Dave will have whoever's going Part of her behavioural issues with other dogs could well stem from fear related guarding... so maybe there is something in that?

[Ian B]

I think I'm regarded as staff.   

[Uli]

I think I'm regarded as staff.   

 

[Karma]

I don't think it is a desire to protect at all costs... I think it is the fact that we are providers for them - we provide food, warmth, companionship and a sensible structure to life.  Honey really isn't the most affectionate dog, but she definately needs to know we are there for her, and I know she wouldn't cope with kennels...  I'm sure part of the reason she is so unsettled when we all visit my in-laws is because we've left her there before, and while she's fine once we're gone, the fear of us actually going makes us all being there more stressful than her being there on her own... 

I guess that would make sense of why Normy is more affected by seperation, as she trusts you to give her the structure she needs to cope with other dogs etc, and when you're not there she's lost that security... 

[Hurtwood Dogs]

I don't think it is a desire to protect at all costs... I think it is the fact that we are providers for them - we provide food, warmth, companionship and a sensible structure to life.  Honey really isn't the most affectionate dog, but she definately needs to know we are there for her, and I know she wouldn't cope with kennels...  I'm sure part of the reason she is so unsettled when we all visit my in-laws is because we've left her there before, and while she's fine once we're gone, the fear of us actually going makes us all being there more stressful than her being there on her own...  

I guess that would make sense of why Normy is more affected by seperation, as she trusts you to give her the structure she needs to cope with other dogs etc, and when you're not there she's lost that security...  

Yes, that would make sense... She's fine with me being out of the house or upstairs for example as she's happy at home, but it's when she goes away to the dog sitters or someone else tries to walk her that she gets stressed poor love. It doesn't reasure her that she's there with Dave, but interestingly, the dog sitter mentioned that Dave sticks to Normy like glue when they're there together (they were there with 10 other dogs last week and all live and sleep together). So I guess she's his security blanket, and I'm hers..

I think I'm regarded as staff.  

  Yes there is that....

[Ninasmum]

I think I'm regarded as staff.   

 

  I would go one step further & say slave! 

[Sheepscheeks]

I think I'm regarded as staff.   

 

  I would go one step further & say slave! 

Yes, I was just thinking this evening when I got in from Gospel rehearsal that I am just there to satisfy Freddie's demands - tickling his tummy at that particular moment!

I am at home and do more for Freddie than anyone else so I think he sees me as the provider and it makes sense that he wants to stay on my good side! (Except when he feels the urge to roll in fox poo or wake me up at 4.40am!!! )

[Black Red + Yellow]

For Finn and Alfie...the re-entry of hoomans into the house means they get a walk...pure and simple.......they've sussed this is exactly what it means because it is the first thing we do when we return from being out.

For Willow....she pops her head over the back of the sofa and gives us a look of 'I suppose you want me to get up!'

We are to our dogs just a means to an end and they lavish us with cuddles and love because they know WE like it.

No enough credit is given to the way they think - craft beggars