Dogs Are the New Kids

Dog owners often claim that their dogs are just like kids, and thanks to a raft of new products and services, they're getting closer to being right.

Adopting a fur-baby (yes, that's what they're really called) can mean feeding it with a bottle, baking it special puppy food, outfitting it in diapers and hiding the diapers under cute little leopard print panties.

Puppy gear that imitates baby gear includes carrying slings and jogging strollers, hand-smocked dresses and car safety seats. We take our fur-babies to daycare and to yoga classes, arrange play dates and throw first birthday parties.

Since we're having fewer babies later or not having them at all, it makes sense that there are now more dogs -- 78 million -- than children under 18 -- just shy of 72 million according to the latest Census figures -- living at home in the U.S. And often, they're enjoying equal treatment.

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• Buy your puppy plenty of toys

  Dog toys have come a long way from your ratty old tennis balls. The newest toys include things that bring back memories of your own childhood, like baby (make that puppy) dolls or rubber soldiers, toy versions of things you wish you could afford such as Chanel bags or Cuban cigars, and interactive puzzles designed to stimulate your pup's growing intellect. Photo from <strong>Rabid</strong>, by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/pintavelloso/" target="_hplink">Michele Runje</a>.

• Outfit your fur-baby with gear

  Puppy-care products imitate baby-care products. Among the items for dogs on the market are receiving blankets, pacifiers, steps to help them climb up into your bed, and a <a href="http://www.wag.com/dog/p/playapup-pupwarmer-heating-mat-241294" target="_hplink">heating pad</a> to mimic a warm body. There are all manner of carrying slings, plus little helmets in case you -- oops! -- fall and drop your fur-baby. Photo from Rabid, by <a href="http://www.jaimeforan.com/" target="_hplink">Jaime Foran</a>.

• Toilet-train or at least diaper your dog

  Hate picking up your dog's poop and carrying it around in a bag? There may be a better way. Some dog owners, if <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPV9SwCecTQ" target="_hplink">YouTube evidence</a> can be believed, have trained their dogs to go in the toilet. There are also specially designed dog "<a href="http://www.porchpotty.com/" target="_hplink">toilet products</a>" that let your dog be more self-sufficient. Or you can rely on doggie diapers like those in the picture from <a href="http://www.dogchannel.com/dog-magazines/dogworld/dog-world-articles/dog-world-april-2007-good.aspx" target="_hplink">Dog Channel</a>, in sizes from newborn to Oh-God-you-don't-wanna-think-about-it; both disposable and, for those who truly have too much time on their hands, washable and reusable. Cute diaper covers extra.

• Throw your dog a birthday party

  Dog birthday parties are become compulsory rights of passage, to be held either at home or at the dog run, with both human and canine friends invited. Evite has special <a href="http://new.evite.com/content/ideas/pet-birthday" target="_hplink">dog party invitations</a> and dedicated <a href="http://www.dog-birthday-parties.com/" target="_hplink">dog birthday sites</a> offer everything from party planning ideas to party goods. Photo from <strong>Rabid</strong>, by Denise Hahn.

• Dress your puppy in style

  Puppy clothes can be every bit as adorable (and expensive) as baby clothes. Take for example this gorgeous hand-smocked dress in an animal-appropriate duckie motif from <a href="http://moderntails.com/shop/Duckie-Hand-Smocked-Bishop-Dress.html" target="_hplink">Modern Tails</a>. Other options include ruby slippers with attached ruffled socks, four to a pack, from <a href="http://www.trixieandpeanut.com/product-45874-Ruby-Slippers" target="_hplink">Trixie + Peanut</a>, and a zebra-striped onesie from <a href="http://www.sassypup.net/Dog-Pajama-p-1-c-259.html" target="_hplink">The Sassy Pup</a>. And no fur-baby should be without a tutu and a home-sewn Halloween costume.

• Enroll your doggie in daycare

  Used to be, you walked your dog in the morning, went to work, and came home at night hoping not to find a mess on the floor. Now, with <a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2011/03/09/dogs-left-alone-for-long-hours-at-risk-of-depression-report/" target="_hplink">studies saying dogs left alone all day suffer</a> from separation anxiety and depression, doggie day care has become routine. Getting your pet into the top facilities can be as high-pressured as getting your child into a posh nursery school, with interviews required for both owner and dog. Some centers offer amenities like massages and swimming pools, plus webcams so you can keep your eye on Rover while you're working. Photo from <strong>Rabid</strong>, by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tomfaulknerphotos/" target="_hplink">Tom Faulkner</a>.

• Feed your baby dog by hand

  Yes, you can <a href="http://www.hartz.com/Dogs/Hartz_Nursery/Puppy_Articles/bottle_feeding_the_newborn_puppy.aspx" target="_hplink">bottle-feed your baby dog</a>, using milk-replacement formula rather than cow's milk or goat's milk as with a human baby. Puppies also need <a href="http://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/item/456" target="_hplink">special food</a> and treats -- you can even <a href="http://pinterest.com/craftyscientist/homemade-treats-for-puppies/" target="_hplink">make them yourself</a>! Photo by shutterstock.

• Take your fur-baby for a stroll

  What, you make your fur-baby <em>walk</em>? The perambulating dog never needs to let her paws touch the ground if you're considerate enough to buy her a puppy stroller. <a href="http://www.muttropolis.com/category/dog/designer-dog-carriers-travel-auto-wheeled-carriers-strollers.cfm" target="_hplink">Muttropolis</a> sells models from the basic up to a $399 jogger. Photo from the wonderful blog <a href="http://dogsofsf.com/archives/303" target="_hplink">Dogs of San Francisco</a>, which details life with fur-babies in the city where dogs outnumber children nearly two to one.

• Make friends for your dog

  Just as kids today have playdates planned and supervised by their parents, dogs don't just hang out with anybody: Mom or Dad create opportunities for canine socialization. How to meet other dogs and dog-owners? The same way modern humans meet each other: Online, especially via Meetup, which offers such groups as the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/NYC-Downtown-Puppy-Social/" target="_hplink">NYC Downtown Puppy Social</a> to <a href="http://www.meetup.com/activedogs-245/" target="_hplink">Dallas Party Dogs</a>. Photo from shutterstock.

• Keep your puppy safe

  An entire blog devoted to <a href="http://www.petautosafetyblog.com/pet-auto-travel-safety/669-pampered-pups-in-plaid-pet-seatbelts-pet-car-seat-covers/" target="_hplink">Pet Auto Safety</a>, source of the photo here, details the options available for keeping your dog safe in the car: seat belts, booster seats, car seats, sleepers, carriers, and for the steel-hearted, barriers. Other safety gear for dogs includes goggles, lighted dog tags, and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000MRBQ2M/?tag=hyprod-20&hvadid=8016229179&hvpos=1o4&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=814395199397806330&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&ref=asc_df_B000MRBQ2M" target="_hplink">reflective vests</a>.

• Join the Dog Scouts

  Once your puppy is out of diapers, has graduated from the baby sling, and has been socialized via meetup, he or she may want to join <a href="http://dogscouts.org/" target="_hplink">Dog Scouts of America</a>. Dog Scouts is a bona fide organization with troops across the country, badges, and even summer camp. Just don't expect any letters home. <a href="http://dogscouts.org/gallery/happy-campers-terri-and-ty-edited-1-07/" target="_hplink">Photo by Karen Lundgren</a> for Dog Scouts of America.

 

 

 

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Comments

[Stace099]

05:52 PM on 11/05/2012

My dog is definitely my baby, and she is properly restrained in the car with a dog safety harness. It's just a smart decision. I use a harness that is crash tested though. I do NOT however dress her up or push her in a stroller. Her paws are made for walking!

[Roelvdwegen]

02:53 PM on 10/20/2012

Is it me or do a couple of those dogs look like they are saying "Please.. get me OUT of this thing!"

[NoSandwiches]

09:29 PM on 10/19/2012

Dogs need to walk--not be carried. These people think only about their own needs and not the needs of their dogs. I love my dog and I love my kids but while the emotional maturity of the dog is equivalent to a three year old, she is not a child. She needs to be taken for walks rain or shine. She needs borders and boundaries and to work for her food. She needs variety. She needs routine. She does not need a diaper or clothes.

[katzpjz]

03:10 PM on 10/19/2012

I did read/hear that some of the pet harnesses don't protect your pet like a human's seat belt does. Some cane choke them and they will still fly out of their seats, depending on the slack on the belt. Best for all pets are carriers, IMO.
Other wise, People can go a little crazy with spoiling their pets, I just hope they also donate money or time to help other pets.

[Laura Stedman]

04:18 PM on 10/18/2012

Okay, some of these are a little strange. However, trying to keep your dog safe in the car isn't. I walk my lab with a harness and it came with a piece to connect the harness to a seat belt. This will keep him safe in case we have an accident or have to stop quickly. Plus, it makes me a better driver because my dog cannot climb into the front seat and distract me.

[jessiernut]

01:02 AM on 10/18/2012

In all seriousness, doggy daycare is awesome. I took my shihtzu (12 years old) once because we were showing our house to try and sell it. She spent 2 years since we had my son "pouting", and has become aggressive towards him. I have tried everything, and consulted with many trainers (many that said "get rid of her, can't do anything"). After that one day, I noticed a huge change in her attitude - she was herself again. I've taken her back numerous times since. Today, my 3 year old took his nap on the couch with her sleeping in his arms. I never leave them alone and unsupervised, but it is such an awesome thing for them to be getting alone after all this time.

[sabra505]

08:39 PM on 10/17/2012

I find this oddly disturbing.

It probably comes out of a world spinning out of control.
A world drowning in sexsexsex but less and less LOVE.

But it ain't da dogs faults.

Animals are not children. Nor should they be even remotely compared to children.

"Children are a blessing from God"....doesn't say DOGS. "God spelled backwards=dog" is not funny to me.

Let's start being what we truly are-- divine--
and let animals be animals.

Animals that we love and care for....nothing more and nothing less.

[jessiernut]

01:06 AM on 10/18/2012

I have known women (and men) that were unable to have children for a variety of reasons, and having a dog to "baby" has helped fill that need in their lives. No, they may not be a child, but the beauty of a dog is they are willing to try and fill whatever role you ask of them. If buying toys, and dressing up a dog makes a person's life a little more complete, what's the harm? Nothing disturbing to me.

[karen lyons kalmenson]

08:23 AM on 10/19/2012

i could not have children, and over the years, being able to love the dogs, cats i had and the little cheeky parrot we have now, have made it possible for me to live with that sadness.

and, unlike humans, their love is not conditional nor used as a form of manipulation....on second thought, my grey cats would be a gray area in that regard;-D

[dAnZeR Girl]

12:47 PM on 10/18/2012

I agree that children are a gift from God. But you must never have had a dog. Because if you did this would not disturb you.

Also many people that treat their dog like a kid either cant have kids, are single or not ready to have kids yet, or are parents who's kids are adults living on their own. My grandma was like this. She had 7 kids and when they had all moved out she was used to caring for some one so she started babying her dogs. My husband and I want kids, but not yet. Our dog snuggles with us, want to play and bring us toys to play with her, gets into trouble, learns and loves. We love her very much and I can honestly say I cant imagine our life with out her! I can tell you that no one will love you like your dog!

Check out this pic. http://www.aplacetolovedogs.com/2011/06/just-a-dog/1486617262/

[hayleebugsmith]

05:09 PM on 10/17/2012

To be honest- I have 6 grandchildren-- 1 German Shepherd--4 cats.
I have a picture of the German Shepherd at my work bench.
Sorry but she is my baby girl now that my daughter has grown and has her own children.. and yes she is spoiled. Proud to admit it too!!

[dAnZeR Girl]

02:01 PM on 10/17/2012

Yes I am "mom" to a 7 year old cat and a dog that will turn 2 on December 5th. But I hate the term "fur-baby ". Some "pet parents" take it a little too far. But some things we do that may seem strange to people that dont have a kid with paws actually makes sense. Doggie diapers for instance, they are meant for female dogs that have not been spayed yet. Women use pads… people put doggie diapers on their girl dogs that are having their cycle to avoid having to clean up that mess.

Doggie day care is a great option for people that work long days and have a dog that is high energy. Many active people like to adopt dogs that can keep up with them (like when hiking, mountainbiking, swimming etc) dogs that excel in these areas can get into trouble when they get board during the 9+ hours that their people are at work. This and puppy play dates are extremely good for them when it comes to socialization as well. Dogs that are properly socialized are typically better behaved and are less likely to bark and bite. Any good trainer will tell you that socialization is extremely important to the happiness, and behavior of your furry kid.

So yeah some of this stuff is kind of extreme, but some of it has a real purpose!

[mrpetit]

12:30 PM on 10/17/2012

The stroller and diapers are a bit misrepresented here. Most people I know who have used them have done so not to "baby" their dog, but because s/he has age-related (i.e. incontinence and arthritis) issues or other health issues.

[adamlang]

12:51 PM on 10/17/2012

Absolutely. The pug in the baby carriage (from my blog, the Dogs of San Francisco), for instance: he's an old dog, 14 or so (98 in human years!) and can only walk for a short time (varies between one and six blocks or so) before he starts dragging his hind feet. If he does that for more than half a block or so, he starts wearing the skin off of them, causing considerable pain, as well as bleeding all over the place.

One solution would be to just never take him out for a walk longer than a block (and then another block back). But he loves going out, it's the high point of his day, and his owner, understandably, likes him to be happy. So she takes him out for a walk, and when she sees him start to drag his feet, she drops him in the baby carriage, finishes up whatever chores she had to take care of, and then heads home.

'Your dogs paws never have to touch the ground' is pretty insulting, really. Dogs love to walk. That pug would walk until he was bleeding and in great pain, he loves it so much. It seems petty to make fun of him for not being able to.

[jessiernut]

12:58 AM on 10/18/2012

They can also be used when the female dogs are in "season".

[Hannah Knise]

10:34 AM on 10/17/2012

I don't know I'm just not a pet person. I'm a "kid" person. Children live longer, they don't need to be let outside to potty, they talk not bark, and in roughly 18 years they become independent and on their own(cross my fingers). I'm just not a pet person.

[NoSandwiches]

09:31 PM on 10/19/2012

On the other hand, unlike children, dogs are always grateful.

[Maggie Harrison]

09:31 AM on 10/17/2012

I have to admit I love all this attention we dogs are receiving in the news these days. It’s about time you humans figured out that we are a truly loyal companion and just love being with you.

[Jorbear]

09:17 AM on 10/17/2012

I was not blessed with human kids, so yes, I am a Dog Mom and proud of it! I feel so very blessed to have been able to raise my dogs. They each have a piece of my heart just like human kids!