New research shows that the way your parents raised you can influence the way you interact with your dog.
A survey of dog owners in Britain and the US found that the parenting styles individuals experienced in childhood are linked to the way they treat their puppies as adults.
Researchers from the Universities of Glasgow and Stirling asked 391 dog owners to complete an online survey.
This included assessments of the parenting styles they experienced as children and the ways they cared for and disciplined their dogs.
Analysis found that participants who experienced a tolerant parenting style – characterized by high warmth and responsiveness, but low demands and discipline – were more likely to apply the same style to their dogs.
Parents who adopt this style are often very permissive, avoiding strict rules and allowing great freedom in decision-making.
They are affectionate and recognize their children’s needs, but usually lack the ability to provide direction and structure.
Meanwhile, participants who experienced authoritative parenting were less likely to be tolerant of their dogs.
The way your parents raised you could influence the way you interact with your dog, according to new research (stock image)
A survey of dog owners in Britain and the US found that the parenting styles individuals experienced in childhood are linked to the way they treat their puppies as adults.
This type of parenting leans more toward clear rules and high expectations, promoting independence while maintaining consistent discipline and open communication.
The style also tends to emphasize parental authority and the emphasis is on obedience rather than understanding.
In the journal Animals, the researchers write: ‘This study investigates how parenting styles towards dogs are influenced by experiences in one’s own upbringing.
‘We found that a tolerant parenting style is often passed down from generation to generation, with individuals who experienced it in childhood being more likely to use it with their dogs.’
Interviews with ten dog owners confirmed that participants were deliberately replicating their own parenting experiences.
Their analysis also found that a ‘protectionist’ orientation to dogs is most common, with an emphasis on control and discipline.
The next most common was a ‘humanistic’ attitude, which focuses on treating dogs more as companions and emphasizing emotional bonding.