Redefining parenting and family—The child-like role of dogs in Western societies.
Are dogs the new kids? In their groundbreaking 2025 review, Gillet and Kubinyi dive deep into how modern humans relate to dogs, and why so many now consider themselves “dog parents.” Drawing on research from psychology, sociology, biology, and animal behavior, the authors trace the shift from working partnerships to emotional, child-like bonds. They explore how dogs mirror young children in their dependency, emotional responsiveness, and cognitive skills, and how our parenting instincts and cultural norms shape the way we care for them. The paper doesn’t shy away from complexity, highlighting both the benefits and potential downsides of anthropomorphizing dogs, and ultimately calls for a more nuanced understanding of this evolving human-canine connection.