The Misunderstood Language of Dogs: How Understanding Canine Communication Keeps Families Safe

Understanding the subtle signs of stress can save a child from a bite and keep a dog in its home, as pet journalist Caroline Zambrano discovers.

Ali, a vet nurse from Victoria, was shocked when her much-loved Border Collie, Moose, bit her 10-month-old son, Thomas, who had recently become mobile.

What Ali initially thought was "out of the blue", she realised afterwards was actually weeks of Moose showing subtle signs of discomfort toward her crawling baby.

"Being a vet nurse, I have always had the thought to ‘never fully trust a dog,’ but you never think your own dog would be the one to bite a child," she said.

Fortunately, the bite wasn’t serious. But it changed the way Ali watched her dog’s behaviour. It all came down to understanding her dog's body language and recognising the warning signs of discomfort before a situation could escalate.

This is not just an important message for the safety of children, but for people and pets alike, especially as we see increased public interaction with dogs in parks, cafes, and community spaces.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), dog-related injuries resulted in 9,542 hospitalisations in Australia in 2021–22. Adults aged 25–44 and 45–64 made up the majority of these hospitalisations (29% and 28% respectively).

While only 6% of injury hospitalisations due to contact with a dog were for children aged 0–4, over half (61%) of all injury hospitalisations due to contact with animals for this age group were due to being bitten or struck by a dog. AIHW data also shows hospitalisation rates resulting from dog bites have more than doubled over the past decade.

Recent safety campaigns from South Australia's Department for Environment and Water, Gold Coast City Council, and Australia Post have highlighted the need for greater public awareness around safe interactions with dogs. Following Australia Post's controversial rollout of deterrents to delivery workers, pet advocates have stressed that citronella spray use on dogs is not a long-term solution for behavioural issues.

Partners in Training: TV host & author Lara Shannon
with her dogs Darcy and Vinnie. (Image: Supplied)

National animal welfare charity and advocacy group Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) has joined forces with its Ambassador Lara Shannon to help educate children and adults about safe interactions with dogs as part of responsible pet ownership.

Lara is a certified dog trainer, pet behaviour and nutrition specialist, author, and presenter of Channel 10's Pooches at Play. Through her work with dog owners around Australia, she helps people better understand canine behaviour and communication.

"Public education helps people recognise canine body language, understand when a dog needs space, and make safer choices around dogs. The more we understand dogs, the better equipped we are to prevent incidents before they happen," says Lara.

 "Dogs communicate long before they bite. Behaviour is communication, and when we understand it, we can change the outcome."

The Hidden Cost of Dog Bites

Every dog bite has two victims. For the person involved, the consequences can include physical injuries, fear, and lasting emotional trauma. For the dog, it can be life-changing too.

"Depending on the severity, dogs may face restrictions, behavioural assessments, complaints, rehoming, or surrender. In some cases, they may even be euthanised," explains Lara. 

"Many dogs involved in bite incidents are not ‘bad dogs.’ They are dogs whose communication was missed or misunderstood.”

Understanding dog behaviour helps owners recognise stress, fear, and discomfort before situations escalate.

"When people know how to respond appropriately, they can prevent incidents, strengthen their relationship with their dog, and seek help early if needed. Ultimately, this can help prevent surrender and euthanasia," she adds.

Signs Dogs Give Before They Bite

Contrary to popular belief, most dog bites don't come out of nowhere.

"What appears to be a sudden bite is often the final stage of a conversation the dog has been trying to have for some time," says Lara. "Dogs usually give multiple warning signs through body language before biting, but those signals can be subtle and are often missed, misunderstood, or ignored.”

Common warning signs include:

• Lip licking when no food is present
• Yawning when not tired
• Turning the head away
• Avoiding eye contact
• Whale eye (when the whites of the eyes become visible)
• Ears pinned back
• Freezing or becoming still
• Moving away
• A tucked tail

Recognising these twelve common signs of dog anxiety and distress can help you intervene safely before a situation escalates. (Image: Supplied / Cooper and Kids)

"These subtle signals are a dog's way of asking for space before they feel the need to escalate their communication," she adds.

A range of situations can trigger stress or discomfort in dogs, including unfamiliar people, rough handling, crowded environments, loud noises, other dogs, being approached while resting or eating, or situations where they feel trapped and unable to move away.

“People often expect dogs to tolerate situations that make them uncomfortable. They ignore early warning signs, force interactions, yell at their dogs, and push them beyond their threshold, sometimes overwhelming them with children, strangers, or busy environments,” she says.

“Sometimes advocating for your dog means giving them space, saying no to interaction, or removing them from a situation before they feel the need to react.”

Part of being a responsible pet owner is not just taking care of your dog, but also looking out for the wider community.

“Keeping dogs on lead where required helps owners maintain control in unpredictable situations and avoid unwanted interactions,” says Lara. “Not everyone enjoys being approached by an unfamiliar dog, regardless of their intentions, and not every dog wants to be approached either.”

What to Do if a Dog Shows Signs of Stress

• Stop approaching. Give the dog space.
• Avoid staring directly at the dog or patting them on the head.
• Don't attempt to hug or restrain them.
• Allow the dog to move away and respect their choice to disengage.
• Always ask the owner before interacting.

Pain or an underlying medical issue can also lower a dog's tolerance and affect behaviour, which is why Lara recommends a veterinary check if a dog suddenly shows behavioural changes. If a medical cause is ruled out, it's best to seek help from a qualified trainer or behaviour professional as early as possible.

“If your dog is showing signs of fear, anxiety, stress, growling, snapping, or reactivity, or if you're unsure how to manage a situation safely, don't wait for it to escalate,” she says. “Early intervention often leads to better outcomes for both the dog and their family.”

Lara recommends seeking help from qualified dog trainers who use evidence-based, positive reinforcement methods, are committed to ongoing professional development, and belong to a reputable professional organisation, such as the Delta Institute, Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA), and Association of Pet Dog Trainers Australia (APDTA).

Kids and Dogs: Understanding the Risk

Respectful Connection: Mel Ritterman with her Golden Retriever, Cooper. (Image: Supplied / Cooper and Kids)

While dog bite prevention is important for everyone, children are among the most vulnerable groups, according to Mel Ritterman, founder of Cooper and Kids, Family Paws Educator, and certified Family Dog Mediator.

Mel specialises in helping families build safer relationships between children and dogs. She notes that children are at greater risk of dog bites because they often behave in ways dogs find confusing, overwhelming, or threatening.

"Young children move unpredictably, make sudden noises, have little understanding of personal space, and are naturally curious about dogs," she says. "At the same time, they are still learning how to recognise when a dog is uncomfortable and may miss important warning signs."

Another major risk factor is physical proximity.

“Children frequently place their faces close to dogs, hug them, climb on them or approach them while they are sleeping or resting,” says Mel.

“Unfortunately, this increases the likelihood of a bite if a dog feels worried, frightened, trapped or uncomfortable. Most dogs that bite are not aggressive dogs. They are often dogs who are simply trying to cope with a situation they find difficult."

High-Risk Situations for Kids and Dogs

• Approaching a dog while they are sleeping or resting.
• Interacting with a dog while they are eating or chewing a high-value item or toy.
• Hugging, kissing, grabbing, climbing on, riding or restraining dogs.
• Picking their dog up.
• Putting faces close to a dog's face.
• Cornering or trapping a dog.
• Crawling babies and newly walking toddlers approaching dogs.
• High-energy play where children become loud, fast or unpredictable.
• Situations where a dog cannot move away if they feel uncomfortable.

Tolerance is Not Enjoyment

One of the biggest misconceptions Mel encounters is the belief that because a dog tolerates something, they are comfortable with it.

"I hear this all the time, 'It's okay, my dog tolerates my child'," she explains. "Many dogs are incredibly patient. They tolerate hugs, climbing, chasing and handling because they have learned they have no choice."

"But tolerance is very different from enjoyment, and eventually, they may no longer tolerate it."

Spot the Difference: The top row highlights dogs genuinely enjoying an interaction, while the bottom row shows dogs merely tolerating contact while displaying clear warning signs of stress. (Image: Supplied / Cooper and Kids)

Instead, Mel encourages families to ask a simple question: "Does my dog actually want to be involved in this interaction?"

“Our goal shouldn’t be to teach dogs to tolerate children. It should be helping dogs feel safe, comfortable, happy, and respected around children,” she says.

Supervision is another concept that is frequently misunderstood.

"Being in the same room is not supervision," says Mel. "Active supervision means watching the interaction, understanding dog body language, looking for signs of discomfort, knowing when and how to intervene positively and safely, and being close enough to step in immediately if needed."

If active supervision isn't possible, management strategies like baby gates, playpens, and separate safe spaces become vital tools.

"I often tell families that management is not failure. Management is prevention,” she says.

One simple way parents can help children understand dogs is by bodily narrating what they see:

• “Look, he’s walked away. He wants some space.”
• “She’s resting on her bed. Let’s let her relax.”
• “He looks uncomfortable, so let’s help him.”

Of course, this will look different depending on the child’s age and developmental stage. While older kids can begin learning about body language and boundaries directly, younger children need adults to do the interpreting and advocating for them.

“Modelling and leading by example is key,” says Mel.

Even if your dog appears comfortable being hugged or kissed by you, it doesn't mean they will feel the same way about a child doing it. Teaching children what not to do is important, but we should also show them what they can do instead.

Mel encourages children to ask a dog's guardian before approaching or patting a dog. However, permission from the adult is only part of the picture. Children should also be taught to respect the dog's body language and understand that not every dog wants to interact with strangers.

Families can learn more through Cooper & Kids' free "Tap, Pat, Pause" resource, which teaches children how to safely greet unfamiliar dogs.

“Rather than constantly saying 'no', parents can guide children toward safe, positive interactions such as tossing treats for the dog, helping with training, participating in enrichment activities, or simply observing and learning about their dog's body language. This helps children build empathy, confidence, and a positive relationship with their dog,” says Mel.

“Ultimately, our goal is not just to prevent bites. It is to help children and dogs build safe, respectful, and positive relationships that can last a lifetime.”

Five Golden Rules for Kids and Dogs

1. Never disturb a dog that is sleeping, eating, or resting.

2. Let dogs choose whether they want to interact.

3. Give dogs a safe space where they can retreat undisturbed.

4. Teach children to respect a dog that walks away.

5. Always actively supervise interactions between children and dogs.

Moose and Thomas’ Story

Early Days: Baby Thomas flanked by Moose (left) and Rogue (right) as a newborn.
(Image: Supplied)

For Ali, these lessons became very real after Moose bit her son, Thomas. Seeking answers, she turned to Mel, who reviewed video footage of the incident and helped identify several subtle warning signs that had gone unnoticed at the time.

There was no growling, barking, or other dramatic display.

"The warning signs were present, but they were subtle," says Mel.

Looking back, Ali can now see behaviours she didn't fully understand at the time.

"Moose was often giving us a wide berth if Thomas was on the floor or crawling around," she says. "I also, unfortunately, missed the side-eye that he was giving Thomas right before the bite incident."

For Mel, the case highlights one of the most important lessons in dog bite prevention: recognising the subtle signs before a dog feels the need to escalate its communication.

Partners in Crime: Rogue loves spending time with toddler Thomas. (Image: Supplied)

Since working with Mel, Ali's family has introduced new management strategies designed to keep both Thomas and Moose safe.

"Moose and Thomas do still have interactions, but they are completely supervised and there is never any opportunity for Moose to bite Thomas. We have been able to find a happy balance, and both Moose and Thomas are still very happy," she says.

“This has taught me that you can never be too cautious, and underscores the importance of properly introducing your fur babies to your human babies."

Prevention Starts with People

The good news is that most dog bites are preventable. By learning to recognise canine body language, respecting a dog's need for space, and seeking help early when concerns arise, people can help create safer interactions for everyone involved.

"Dog bites are preventable, and prevention starts with people," says Lara. "Knowing the signs helps keep people safe and pets in homes."

CANA's Dog Bite Prevention Checklist

• Learn canine body language.
• Recognise triggers.
• Respect a dog's need for space.
• Actively supervise children and dogs.
• Always ask the owner's permission before approaching or patting a dog.
• Use positive reinforcement methods.
• Seek help early.
• Rule out pain and illness.

For more information on dog behaviour and bite prevention, visit Lara's training and behaviour articles at Pooches at Play. Families can also access free resources and online education programs through Cooper and Kids. To download CANA's Dog Bite Prevention Poster and access other responsible pet ownership resources, visit the CANA website. Check your local council website for local safety campaigns and dog ownership requirements in your area.

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From Trainer to Parent: The Attachment Science of Transforming Reactivity

by Dr Findy Wills BVSc (Hons I) MSc Clinical Animal Behaviour

What if one of the most powerful tools for helping your dog wasn't another training technique, but the relationship you already share? Emerging research suggests that how we care for our dogs may influence behaviour just as much as what we teach them. Discover how attachment and pet parenting shape emotional wellbeing, resilience, and everyday behaviour.

Traditionally, behaviour concerns in dogs have been conceptualised through learning, cognition, and training-based frameworks, with more complex cases interpreted through a pathological lens^[1-3]. While these perspectives are essential, they tell only part of the story. We have long recognised that the human–dog connection provides the foundation for training and behaviour modification, yet the relationship itself has rarely been explored as an active therapeutic tool for behaviour change.

In developmental psychology, research has consistently showed that secure attachment is associated with better emotional regulation, greater resilience, and more adaptive behaviour, while insecure attachment is linked to an increased risk of psychopathology^[4-6]. 

Emerging research on human–dog relationships suggests that dogs form attachment bonds with their caregivers that are remarkably similar to parent–child attachments^[7-9] and the quality of the caregiver–dog relationship has been found to play an important role in shaping behavioural and emotional outcomes^[10-13].

The implication is significant: behaviour in dogs is not simply a product of training or learning. It develops within the context of the caregiver–dog relationship, making the bond both a foundation for behavioural development and a powerful influence on behaviour change.

If carer-dog relationships can influence behaviour, the question then becomes: How do we harness the power of the relationship to influence behaviour? The fields of attachment science and pet parenting are beginning to provide the answer.

 A dog's behaviour is not just a product of commands or mechanical training—it is actively shaped by the emotional security of the relationship they share with you.

History of attachment science in human-dog relationships

To appreciate why relationships matter for behaviour change in dogs, we must first understand it from the perspective of attachment science. At the heart of this field lies attachment theory—a ground-breaking theory by John Bowlby in 1969^[14] that transformed our understanding of child development and is now reshaping how we understand and support behaviour in dogs.

Attachment is defined as an affectional bond with the added experience of security and comfort obtained from the relationship^{[14, 15]}. A dependable primary caregiver creates a secure base for the child to explore the world and return to when feeling insecure and it is the caregiver’s response to an infant’s need allow the child to develop a sense of security^{[14, 16]}.

Just like human infants, puppies rely heavily on a primary caregiver to serve as their "secure base" while they learn to navigate and process the wider world.

Attachment styles were developed within attachment theory to describe the patterns of attachment between a child and his/her mother^{[14, 15]}. Four different attachment styles have been described among children: secure, insecure-avoidant, insecure-ambivalent and insecure-disorganised. These attachment styles were found to influence relational expectations, emotions, and behaviours of the child in adulthood^{[4-6, 14, 15, 17]}.

Given the depth of human-dog bonds^[18], human-dog scientists started to observe that dogs exhibit attachment behaviour towards humans^[7], and subsequent research concluded that the owner-dog relationship closely resembles that of the human caregiver-infant relationship^{[7, 10, 17, 19]}. As such, attachment style testing for dogs has recently been developed and validated to provide attachment style information for individual dogs^{[7, 8, 19]}. The same four attachment styles in children have been readily observed in dogs through this validated testing^{[8, 11-13]}.

This transforms how we think about behaviour in dogs. This finding implies that everything we have in development psychology on secure attachment and behaviour influence can potentially be applied to our relationships with our dogs with very similar outcomes. If attachment security influences emotional regulation, resilience, and behavioural outcomes in children, then strengthening the caregiver–dog relationship may represent one of the most powerful and underutilised tools for influencing behaviour in dogs.

Perhaps even more excitingly, this knowledge provides a practical and familiar roadmap for behaviour change, allowing us to draw upon decades of evidence-based parenting research while leveraging concepts that many caregivers already intuitively understand, such as caregiving, parental responsibility, developmental expectations and how to learn to bond with your dog on a deeper level.

The Influence of Pet Parenting Style on Dog Attachment

While attachment theory tells us why secure relationships matter, the science of pet parenting helps explain how those relationships are built. Research in humans suggests that caregiving behaviours—particularly responsiveness, sensitivity, consistency, and expectations—play a critical role in shaping attachment security^{[20, 21]}. Just as parenting style is one of the strongest predictors of secure attachment in children, pet parenting style appears to influence attachment security in dogs^[22].

Research has identified three broad pet parenting styles in dog owners: authoritative, authoritarian, and permissive^[22-24]. Authoritative pet parents combine high levels of responsiveness with clear guidance and expectations^{[22, 24, 25]}. They are emotionally supportive while also providing structure and consistency. This approach aligns closely with nurturing your dog’s emotional needs as a core pillar of responsible guardianship.

Authoritarian pet parents place greater emphasis on obedience, control, and compliance, often prioritising rules over responsiveness to the dog's emotional needs^{[23, 24]}. Permissive pet parents are highly accepting and affectionate but tend to provide fewer boundaries and less behavioural guidance^{[24, 25]}.

 Authoritative pet parenting—combining high emotional warmth with clear, consistent boundaries—is the golden ticket to building a dog’s social adaptability and resilience.

Of these, authoritative pet parenting—characterised by high responsiveness alongside clear guidance and expectations—has been associated with secure attachment in dogs^[22], suggesting that a combination of responsiveness, emotional support, and appropriate boundaries tend to create a relationship in which dogs feel safe and understood. Notably, dogs that were observed to be secure attached in this study were associated with greater social adaptability and improved problem-solving abilities^[22].

Porthos (left) & Aramis enjoying a quiet decompression walk in Strickland State Forest. For a reactive, nervous dog like Porthos, nature trails where triggers can be avoided provided the emotional safety he needed to relax—a stark contrast to the stressful environment of suburban streets.

Fostering Secure Relationships for Behaviour Change

Not only are these findings changing the way we think about behaviour, but they also offer caregivers a practical way to influence their dog’s behaviour through their own actions. If relationships shape behaviour, then small changes in how we respond to and support our dogs can create profound shifts in how they experience and ultimately choose to navigate the world around them.

One case that comes to mind is Ziggy*, a dog who reacted intensely whenever she saw another dog. Whether on walks, in the car, or even hearing dogs bark from inside the home, Ziggy would lunge, bark, and struggle to cope. The behaviour escalated to the point that car travel became dangerous and outings that Margaret* and Ziggy once seemingly enjoyed together felt increasingly unmanageable.

Initially, the case sounded complex and challenging, but as Margaret, Ziggy's caregiver, and I explored Ziggy's history over several sessions, a different picture emerged. Ziggy could tolerate other dogs, but years of overwhelming experiences at dog parks had taught her that her more socially appropriate communication often went unheard. Margaret also struggled to recognise Ziggy's earlier signs of discomfort, missing opportunities to help before Ziggy felt the need to escalate.

Over the following months, Margaret shifted her focus away from changing Ziggy's behaviour and towards changing how she responded to Ziggy. She learned to recognise subtle signs of discomfort, acknowledge them, and act on them. 

This proactive shift is essential for managing stress in reactive dogs. For example, when chatting with a neighbour whose dog Ziggy generally tolerated, Margaret began noticing Ziggy gently nudging her or looking away from the interaction. Rather than continuing the conversation, she would respond, "Sorry Zig, we went on a bit too long, didn't we?" before calmly moving on with her day. 

Dog parks were replaced with quieter trail walks. When another dog approached, Margaret would calmly create distance, position herself between Ziggy and the other dog, and communicate through her actions, "We've got this. You don't need to handle it alone."

Training skills such as emergency U-turns and engage-disengage exercises remained useful. However, the greatest shift came from Ziggy learning that her communication mattered and that Margaret would respond when she expressed discomfort.

Over the next four to six months, Ziggy's behaviour changed dramatically. Rather than lunging and barking, she began looking to Margaret, choosing to move away, and creating distance from other dogs herself. The need for escalation reduced because the relationship had changed.

 Transforming reactivity doesn't always start with changing the dog; it starts with changing how we respond to them. When a dog learns their subtle worries are heard, the need to explode disappears.

This is not to suggest that every behaviour problem can be resolved through relationship-focused interventions alone. However, Ziggy's story illustrates the remarkable impact that a secure relationship can have.

Sometimes behaviour change does not have to begin with changing the dog, it can begin with changing how we show up as their caregivers.

As our understanding of attachment and pet parenting continue to grow, so too will the practical strategies caregivers can apply in everyday life. I look forward to sharing evidence-based approaches that can help foster secure relationships between you and your dog.

*The names of the dog and caregiver have been changed to maintain confidentiality.

About the author

Dr Findy Wills is a behaviour veterinarian, Clinical Animal Behaviourist, and PhD candidate who is passionate about changing the way we think about dog behaviour. Rather than focusing solely on training, her work explores the foundations beneath behaviour—the relationship between dogs and their caregivers.

She loves helping caregivers discover that they are often more powerful than they realise in influencing their dog's behaviour and wellbeing. Through attachment science, pet parenting, and behavioural medicine, she shows how the caregiver–dog relationship can become one of the most important therapeutic components in helping behaviourally challenged dogs. 

Discover more about her work at Let's Talk Paws or follow her on Instagram @letstalkpaws.

References

1. Shnookal, J., et al., Counterconditioning-based interventions for companion dog behavioural modification: A systematic review. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2024. 276: p. 106305.

2. Craven, A.J., et al., Veterinary drug therapies used for undesirable behaviours in UK dogs under primary veterinary care. PLoS One, 2022. 17(1): p. e0261139.

3. Masson, S., et al., Veterinary psychiatry of the dog: diagnosis and treatment of behavioral disorders. 2024: Springer.

4. Mikulincer, M., P.R. Shaver, and D. Pereg, Attachment theory and affect regulation: The dynamics, development, and cognitive consequences of attachment-related strategies. Motivation and emotion, 2003. 27(2): p. 77-102.

5. Mikulincer, M. and P.R. Shaver, Attachment orientations and emotion regulation. Current opinion in psychology, 2019. 25: p. 6-10.

6. Mikulincer, M. and P.R. Shaver, An attachment perspective on psychopathology. World Psychiatry, 2012. 11(1): p. 11-15.

7. Topál, J., et al., Attachment behavior in dogs (Canis familiaris): a new application of Ainsworth's (1969) Strange Situation Test. J Comp Psychol, 1998. 112(3): p. 219-29.

10. Udell, M.A., et al., Dog–human attachment as an aspect of social cognition: evaluating the secure base test. Comparative cognition: Commonalities and diversity, 2021: p. 305-320.

11. Thielke, L.E. and M.A. Udell, Evaluating cognitive and behavioral outcomes in conjunction with the secure base effect for dogs in shelter and foster environments. Animals, 2019. 9(11): p. 932.

12. Stahl, A., et al., Attachment style and social behavior in dogs from commercial breeding kennels. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2024. 273: p. 106238.

13. Wanser, S.H. and M.A. Udell, Does attachment security to a human handler influence the behavior of dogs who engage in animal assisted activities? Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2019. 210: p. 88-94.

14. Bowlby, J., Attachment and loss. 1969: Random House.

15. Ainsworth, M.S., Attachments beyond infancy. American psychologist, 1989. 44(4): p. 709.

16. Bowlby, E., Loss-sadness and depression: Attachment and loss volume 3. Vol. 3. 2008: Random House.

17. Rehn, T. and L.J. Keeling, Measuring dog-owner relationships: Crossing boundaries between animal behaviour and human psychology. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2016. 183: p. 1-9.

18. Maharaj, N., A. Kazanjian, and C. Haney, The human–canine bond: A sacred relationship. Journal of spirituality in mental health, 2016. 18(1): p. 76-89.

19. Rehn, T., R.T.S. McGowan, and L.J. Keeling, Evaluating the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) to Assess the Bond between Dogs and Humans. PLOS ONE, 2013. 8(2): p. e56938.

20. Crockenberg, S.B., Infant irritability, mother responsiveness, and social support influences on the security of infant-mother attachment. Child Dev, 1981. 52(3): p. 857-65.

21. Ziv, Y. and J. Cassidy, Maternal responsiveness and infant irritability: The contribution of Crockenberg and Smith's "Antecedents of mother-infant interaction and infant irritability in the first 3 months of life". 2002.

22. Brubaker, L. and M.A.R. Udell, Does Pet Parenting Style predict the social and problem-solving behavior of pet dogs (Canis lupus familiaris)? Animal Cognition, 2023. 26(1): p. 345-356.

23. van Herwijnen, I.R., et al., Dog-directed parenting styles predict verbal and leash guidance in dog owners and owner-directed attention in dogs. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 2020. 232: p. 105131.

24. Herwijnen, I.R.v., et al., The existence of parenting styles in the owner-dog relationship. PLOS ONE, 2018. 13(2): p. e0193471.

25. van Herwijnen, I.R., et al., Dog-Directed Parenting Styles Mirror Dog Owners’ Orientations Toward Animals. Anthrozoös, 2020. 33(6): p. 759-773.

Left Alone in the Cold: Help Claudia & Atreyu Keep Their Best Friends Fed This Winter

"They Are My Life" – Claudia, Bella & Jessie

In an instant, Claudia’s stable world was shattered.

Thirty-two years ago, Claudia moved to Australia from Mexico for love. She and her husband built a beautiful life together. They married, had two wonderful sons, and Claudia was embraced by her husband’s family. Then, everything changed. Left to carry the weight of a sudden betrayal alone, she found herself fighting to keep her head above water while caring for her two sons and her two beloved dogs.

Claudia had built a career as a photographer, but as technology advanced, work became limited. Despite retraining in bookkeeping, a steady job has remained out of reach, compounded by hearing challenges that add another barrier to employment.

The divorce meant losing not only her partner, but the entire community she had built in Australia. Now, with her sons grown and chasing their dreams, Claudia is alone for the first time in her life.

“My only companions are my two dogs,” she says through tears. “I adore them. They give me great company. Yeah, I’d be crazy without them. Oh God, I couldn’t imagine a life without them actually.” 

A Lifeline in the Dark

Bella (13) and Jessie (12) are more than just pets—they are Claudia’s family, her comfort, and her world. But caring for two senior dogs on a disability pension became overwhelming. Claudia was forced to withdraw from her superannuation and borrow money just to cover essentials. Surrendering them was never an option, but the cost of feeding them was a breaking point.

That is when Pets Of The Homeless stepped in.

For the past year, Claudia has received high-quality pet food support, vet care, and vaccinations. It saves her around $200 each month—crucial money she can now put towards keeping a roof over their heads.

“I came to you, and I just couldn’t believe it," Claudia says. "It was the best quality food, I’ve been incredibly grateful for the support. Without it, I don’t think the dogs would be as healthy. I would like to give you a big thank you from my heart."

The Winter Crisis: 3 Million Meals and Counting

With the cost of living skyrocketing, food insecurity is biting hard across Victoria. It is an emergency impacting not only people, but their beloved pets.

As the freeze sets in, Pets Of The Homeless has officially launched their Virtual Pet Food Drive, calling on Australians to help vulnerable people feed their companion animals during these brutal winter months.

The appeal comes as the charity celebrates a major milestone: 3 million meals distributed from their dedicated Pet Food Bank, with around 60,000 meals going out across the state every single month.

• The Reality: Demand is soaring as families and individuals face unprecedented financial stress.
• The Mission: To ensure no one has to choose between feeding themselves or feeding their best friend.
• How to Help: Australians can visit the virtual drive here to purchase a bag, basket, or trolley of pet food online to immediately fill a hungry belly.

“Three million meals is a huge achievement, but behind every meal is a person doing everything they can to keep the pet they love safe and fed," says Yvonne Hong, Founder and CEO. "Our goal is to ensure there is enough food so that no one goes hungry this winter and beyond.” 

Case Study: Surviving the Streets – Atreyu & Tim

Claudia is not alone in her struggle. For 60-year-old Atreyu, winter is a battle for survival.

Atreyu has been sleeping rough, wandering from place to place to find shelter from the elements. Everything he owns is packed into a single trolley. His constant companion through the freezing nights and endless uncertainty is Tim, his 15-year-old senior dog.

Tim is slower on his feet these days, and his cloudy eyes struggle with the darkness, but Atreyu’s devotion has never wavered.

To keep his best mate safe, Atreyu built a custom crate contraption inside his trolley, lined with blankets and covered by a plastic sheet to keep Tim dry.

Too scared of the unpredictability and violence of rooming houses, Atreyu chooses the streets. But even there, safety is hard to find. He spoke quietly about the nights his belongings had been stolen right from under him, and the exhausting reality of having to move constantly just to avoid getting into trouble with local councils.

When he inquired about public housing as a more permanent way off the streets, he was told the wait could be up to 17 years!

“We’ll be dead before then,” he joked, but the joke didn’t quite reach his eyes. 

"This Food is for People Only"

Before finding Pets Of The Homeless, Atreyu was surviving on lentils and rice because that was all he could afford. 

“One day, while accessing human food relief, he asked a volunteer, “Can I please have an extra sausage for my dog?” “I'm sorry, this food is for people only,” they replied. “But my dog needs to eat too.”

Defeated, Atreyu gave Tim his own only sausage, going hungry himself.

When Atreyu finally discovered Pets Of The Homeless, he walked all the way to the warehouse with his trolley full of things. Our team packed him a massive supply of dry food, wet food, treats, and an extra warm blanket for Tim’s crate. We also sent Atreyu off with a fresh lunch of falafel wraps and sweets left over from a corporate event.

Loading the supplies into his trolley, Atreyu looked at the team with raw emotion:

“Knowing you guys are here to help me with Tim is such a relief. No, really. This means everything. Thank you.”

Your Support is Needed Now More Than Ever!

Right now, we are facing an urgent challenge. With just one week remaining in the campaign before it closes on June 30, we are only at 47% of our 200,000-meal target. We desperately need your help to bridge the gap so pets like Tim and Jessie don't go hungry this winter.

Our Virtual Pet Food Drive will continue to run until June 30, and we have set a critical stretch goal: to expand our reach and provide essential pet food to the many community food relief organisations currently sitting on our waiting list. We cannot let them down.

• Donate to the Winter Pet Food Drive Here

About Pets Of The Homeless

Pets Of The Homeless is a not-for-profit working to keep vulnerable people and their pets together by alleviating the burden of providing essential pet care during times of hardship. By providing pet food and supplies, veterinary care and safe shelter, Pets Of The Homeless works to ensure that the important bond between a person and their companion animal is never broken.

• Website: www.petsofthehomeless.org.au
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/pothaustralia
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/pothaustralia