How to Have a Good and Happy Dog and Be a Better Human

Source: Courtesy of University of Chicago Press

There are numerous books and articles about "good dogs" and "bad dogs." Sometimes I feel that each and every day I see something that focuses on how to have a "good" dog and how to allow them to have as many freedoms as possible.

Because I'm deeply interested in the nature of dog–human relationships, I'm pleased that Dr. Jessica Pierce, one of the world's leading canine bioethicists, has taken the time to write Who's a Good Dog?: And How to Be a Better Human.¹ In her latest book, she carefully applies her deep and broad knowledge of ethics and dog behavior so that all canines—homed and free-ranging dog beings—can have the best lives possible, and so, too, can their human companions or the humans with whom they have contact. When dogs and humans form and maintain close, give-and-take relationships, it’s a win–win for all, and in this landmark and readable book, Pierce tells us just how to do it. Here's what she had to say about dog–human relationships that can, and should, be mutually beneficial for all.

Marc Bekoff: Why did you write Who's a Good Dog?

Jessica Pierce: With Who's a Good Dog? And How to Be a Better Human, I set out on a journey to redefine the way we view and interact with our beloved canine companions. The inspiration for this book stemmed from my deep-rooted passion for both ethics and animals, particularly dogs. The book also draws on my own experiences with my dear dog Bella, who is perfect in my eyes, but who does not, by any stretch of the imagination, fit the cultural stereotype of a “good dog.” As a bioethicist, I realized that the bond between humans and dogs is an area rich with opportunities for more meaningful and balanced relationships.

Throughout my life, I've observed how many dog lovers genuinely care for their furry friends, yet often unintentionally perpetuate dynamics that might not align with the true needs of these remarkable beings. This realization prompted me to try to bridge the gap between our intentions and our dogs' actual experiences.

MB: How does your book relate to your background and general areas of interest?

JP: My book represents a fusion of my background as a bioethicist with my love for dogs. This is my fourth book about dogs, and the one that dials down deepest into the heart of dog–human relationships.

MB: Who is your intended audience?

JP: I wrote the book for people who live with and love dogs and want to give them the best possible life. I hope that my work is also of interest to trainers and behavioral consultants, veterinarians, and academics in philosophy, religion, bioethics, animal studies, and anthrozoology.

Source: Jessica Pierce

MB: What are some of the topics you weave into your book and what are some of your major messages?

JP: Who's a Good Dog? challenges the conventional notion that dogs should conform to human expectations and habits. Instead, I advocate for a collaborative approach that respects the unique needs and perspectives of our four-legged companions. I shed light on the sources of anxiety and unease dogs might face in our world. Throughout the book, my aim is to empower readers to embark on their own journey of understanding and connection.

Each chapter, in one way or another, invites us to pay closer attention to the ways in which our efforts to care for dogs also constrain and limit their capacity for flourishing. The first chapter introduces my collaborator and companion, Bella. I then lay out the contours of human–dog relationships, including the ethical principles that guide care for dogs (kindness and harm reduction), and some practical ways in which we can increase our sense of curiosity toward and work in the spirit of collaboration with our dogs.

Next, I explore the daily components of physical care to which all “responsible” dog guardians attend: feeding, elimination, exercise, grooming, and veterinary visits. These aspects of physical care are intimately tied to dogs’ psychological and social well-being. I then focus directly on the emotional and social well-being of dogs, on how the home environment can be both nurturing and stifling, calming and anxiety-provoking, and how to think more rigorously about meeting dogs’ psychological needs.

I also explore the use of tools and technologies in our daily interactions with dogs (collars, leashes, crates, fences, bark deterrents, GPS locaters, etc.). I felt it was worth singling out tools as an area of focus because these so strongly mediate our interactions with our dogs and our dogs’ interactions with their world.

I then dig into training and behavioral modification by discussing human expectations about the behavior of dogs and how people go about trying to create good dogs through a practice known as “dog training.” I explore some of the goals and methods of training, especially the use of rewards and punishments, and note the considerable fallout for dogs from unmindful or coercive training. while highlighting the enormous potential for collaborative learning in building healthy human–dog friendships. I also focus on human expectations about dog behavior and on why dogs get labeled “bad.” Although there are no “bad” dogs, there are many, many dogs who are behaviorally disturbed. How can we best understand and respond to their suffering? And how can humans and dogs work collaboratively toward more harmonious negotiated settlements?

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My ultimate goal is to inspire readers to reassess their interactions with their dogs, to cultivate empathy and curiosity, and to foster coexistence filled with mutual joy and respect.

MB: Are you hopeful that as people learn more about dogs they will treat them with more compassion, respect, and dignity?

JP: As I say in the book, we are all perfect, just the way we are. And we could use a little improvement. The more time and energy people spend trying to really understand who their dog is and what makes their dog tick—and also how they, themselves, might bring their own “baggage” and expectations to the relationship—the more mutually fulfilling the friendships between dog and human will be.