A dog is our best friend. But are we theirs? A professional perspective by Judith Versluis
In the West we all care for our dogs in much the same way. We put them in a crate when we go to work and we give them treats. We remind them now and then who’s boss. But if we all basically do the same thing, does that make it okay? According to welfare professional Judith Versluis, there is room for improvement. Says Judith, this way we can also become our dog’s best friend. This is her story.
Are horses just for riding? Sharing our point of view with our animals.
There are ‘horse owners’ who take their horse for a walk instead of riding it. They say it’s a great thing to do for both horse and rider. That it helps them see the world from their horse’s perspective and creates a stronger bond between them. All by changing their perspective a little. So: are horses just for riding?
“One family dog please.” Do dogs really behave according to breed? Science paints a different picture.
The popular idea is that we can choose a dog breed with a particular character or temperament. That it behaves a certain way. For example a family dog. Or a more obedient dog. But a study is now challenging such stereotypes. It shows that our dog’s character has more to do with the quality of life we give it, than it has to do with its breed.
We got the T-Shirt: Has the angry group’s ‘them and us’ opinion approach had its day?
We disagree on a certain issue and want to make our opinion heard. So, we should join forces and form an anti-group. Right? After all, we have to take a stand and make ourselves heard. But does this mean other approaches won’t work? When it comes to expressing our opinions, has the them-and-us approach had its day?
Chatbot shows: Want to be there for a friend? Let them help you instead!
When a friend is feeling a little down, we want to do something to help them. It’s an immediate reaction. But the creators of a chatbot called Vincent show us a new perspective. By turning things around and having a friend help us with something instead, we can make them feel better about themselves.