Beyond Ownership: The Ethics of Living with Dogs

The relationship between humans and dogs has existed for millennia, transcending the roles of hunters, workers, and companions. Yet, as this bond has evolved, it raises important ethical and moral considerations.

Living with dogs presents us with a host of moral responsibilities, questions about the nature of our companionship, and the ethical implications of domestication. While the companionship of dogs is a source of immense joy for many, it is essential to explore the deeper ethical questions that arise from this unique relationship.

These questions opens a broader discussion on responsibility in our relationships with other species.

A dog’s dependence on us for shelter, food, and care forces us to confront the morality of domestication. Are we doing what is best for them, or is our companionship a form of exploitation? Many of us know that dogs are capable of deep emotional bonds, yet are we truly meeting their needs in a way that respects their inherent worth as living beings?

The Foundations of Human-Dog Relationships

At the core of the human-dog relationship lies the concept of companionship, which is rooted in both emotional and practical dimensions. Dogs are often referred to as "man's best friend" for their unwavering loyalty and companionship. However, this bond is not one of equals in the traditional sense, as dogs do not possess the same intellectual and social capacities as humans. This disparity presents unique ethical concerns regarding their care and treatment.

On one hand, dogs derive numerous benefits from their relationship with humans, such as food, shelter, and protection. On the other hand, dogs depend on us for their well-being and happiness. Yet, do they truly have the agency to consent to this arrangement, or are they simply subjected to human decisions and desires? As humans, we must recognise that this dilemma exists within the context of domestication itself—dogs are no longer wild animals, and their lives are inextricably linked to human decisions.

Is it a mutual partnership based on consent, or is it a one-sided arrangement where humans hold power over their dogs’ lives? The central issue is whether the companionship we share with dogs is inherently exploitative or whether it can be characterised as a relationship built on mutual benefit.

Responsibility and Care: A Moral Obligation

At the heart of the question surrounding human-dog companionship lies responsibility. Living with a dog is not just about providing for their physical needs, but also ensuring their emotional and psychological well-being. The moral responsibility that comes with caring for a dog extends far beyond feeding and sheltering; it involves considering their happiness, comfort, and quality of life.

Dogs, unlike many other domesticated animals, exhibit complex emotional lives. They form strong attachments to their human families and are capable of experiencing emotions such as affection, fear, joy, and even grief. This emotional capacity calls upon humans to recognise the deep moral obligation we bear to provide care that is not merely functional but also empathetic. We are responsible not only for their physical needs but also for nurturing their emotional and psychological well-being.

The considerations of care extend to issues of how dogs are treated within our homes. Are they treated with respect and kindness, or are they subjected to neglect, abuse, or forced training methods that cause them harm? As dog guardians, we must be mindful of the power dynamics in this relationship—while dogs depend on us, we also have the ability to shape their lives. This raises the critical question of whether we treat our dogs with dignity and fairness or whether we exploit their dependence for our own convenience or entertainment.

The Right to Autonomy: Consent and Agency

Another concern within the human-dog relationship is the issue of autonomy. Dogs are not capable of the same forms of consent as humans, making their autonomy a complex issue. While they may not be able to verbally communicate their needs or desires, dogs do exhibit behaviours that suggest preferences, boundaries, and emotions. Recognising these signs is a moral responsibility.

For example, dogs communicate through body language, vocalisations, and behaviour. Ignoring or dismissing these signals—such as a dog pulling away when frightened, or barking to indicate discomfort—can be seen as a violation of their autonomy. An ethical approach to dog companionship requires attentiveness to their needs and respect for their desires and limits. This also applies to the broader context of dog guardianship, where ethical concerns arise regarding breeding, training methods, and even the decision to acquire a dog in the first place.

Dog guardianship involves recognising that dogs, are sentient beings, deserving respect and consideration, not only as companions but as creatures with inherent worth and dignity.

The Ethics of Domestication: A Question of Rights

Domestication itself presents an ethical paradox. On one hand, humans have provided dogs with safety, stability, and affection; on the other hand, we have also taken away their autonomy and placed them in environments where their natural instincts are often suppressed or redirected.

A key question in this regard is the ethicality of breeding practices. The demand for certain dog breeds has led to the proliferation of practices that sometimes prioritise aesthetics over the health and well-being of the animals. Breeding dogs for specific physical traits—such as small size or a particular coat type—can lead to genetic health problems and a reduced quality of life for the animals involved. The dilemma here is whether the desire to own a dog of a particular breed justifies subjecting animals to potential harm for the sake of human preferences.

Navigating the terrain of dog companionship

The ethics of companionship with dogs is multifaceted and complex. While dogs have been domesticated to the point that they rely on humans for their survival, we must not lose sight of their inherent value as sentient beings with emotional lives and the capacity for suffering. The relationship between humans and dogs requires us to reflect on our obligations to care for them with respect, to recognise their autonomy, and to ensure that they live lives that are fulfilling and meaningful.

Dog guardianship demands that we approach our relationships with these animals with mindfulness, empathy, and a strong moral compass. As we continue to share our lives with dogs, we must ask ourselves whether we are treating them as equals in terms of respect and care, or whether we are simply satisfying our own desires at their expense.

In a world where animal rights and welfare are increasingly at the forefront of ethical discussions, we must ensure that our companionship with dogs reflects our best moral values—not just as individuals, but as a society.

Hens, K. Ethical Responsibilities Towards Dogs: An Inquiry into the Dog–Human Relationship. J Agric Environ Ethics 22, 3–14 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-008-9120-y

Powell ,L, Chia, D, McGreevy,P , Podberscek,A,L, Edwards,K, M, Neilly,B, Guastella,A, J, Lee,V, Stamatakis, E. Expectations for dog ownership: Perceived physical, mental and psychosocial health consequences among prospective adopters. Published: July 6, 2018 https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0200276