In recent centuries, modern infrastructure and modes of travel bridged large geographic areas and introduced indigenous dog breeds to other countries. From this, selective breeding and cross-breeding in many cultures focused on developing particular working drives and skills, dispositions for companionship, and even status symbols, resulting in the most diverse species on earth.

Breed and behaviour refinement created breed types that could guard or herd without expressing the complete predatory sequence and would turn others into sedentary companions, ascending to that of a “family member”. However, this gradual shift from generalized canine behaviours that ensured species survival to specific behaviours that facilitate tasks to meet human needs had consequences.

The cultivation of particular behaviours gave rise to genetic predispositions to disease, and the introduction of a sedentary, human-influenced lifestyle introduced other ailments, such as obesity and diabetes. Further, the leakage of innate behaviours has created complex challenges that require active training and management.

Despite this, dogs have continued to proliferate human lives developing canine husbandry to a level of predominance that influences economic markets, scientific and health fields, and legislation and has altered social structures to accommodate the new social station of dogs. This research study aims to explore this social phenomenon – the dog as family – and the effect this relationship has had on the day-to-day life of humans and its impacts to human sociality, family function, and surrounding social structures. The focus of the research is North American adult dog owners, and spans urban, suburban and rural regions, but is open to dog owners in all countries and depending on respondency will result in a second phase of study.

The demographic defined by the survey allows for a high degree of factor analysis and social shaping. We do not collect any personal information, participation is voluntary, and participants can opt out at any time. The survey questions are simple and multiple choice and should take 20-30 minutes to complete.

Aggregate findings will be shared on this website and social media, so make sure you follow us on Facebook for announcements. Survey data collection will continue until October 2023.

Lead researcher, Valarie Findlay, is a doctoral student in Sociology who holds a master’s in Sociology and a diploma in canine behaviour. She specializes in canine social structures and consults on behaviour analysis for multi-dog households, fear aggression, aggression and predatory assessments, and breed-specific training techniques.

Working closely with rescues and shelters, Valarie has enjoyed a multi-dog household for nearly twenty-five years with upwards of thirty dogs, mainly rescue dogs.

So, grab a coffee or a tea, and let’s hear about you and your wonderful dog(s) 😀