Dog Research

Dog Research is an initiative that aims to study the relationship between dogs and people in western and non-western countries.

In our western world the dog inhabits a special place. Though in olden days used for hunting, defending and guarding the dog now functions as a pet, a friend and sometimes a status symbol or fashion accessory. This is closely connected to the social development in the western world; our current society has transformed into a society in which individualism and independence have become the most important articles. This influences people’s social needs and skills. As people are social beings they keep searching for other ways to satisfy their social needs. Pets have become important mediums for these social needs. It is mainly the dog that appears to be fit for this purpose: easy to caress, loyal, docile, trustworthy and obedient in most cases.

In non-western countries the relationship between dogs and people are often very different from the situation described above. In these countries there may be large stray dog populations, there may be religious beliefs how to approach dogs, there may be cultural prejudices etc. Dogs are not at all considered as man’s best friend in these places. Why and how is the research field of Dog Research.