Follow-up questions after the publication of Gillet and Kubinyi (2025): Gillet, L. and Kubinyi, E., 2025. Redefining parenting and family–The child-like role of dogs in Western societies. European Psychologist.
We are seeing two clear trends: fewer people are having kids, and more are getting dogs. It’s tempting to link the two, but it’s not that dogs are simply replacing children. What is really happening is a shift in how people find connection and purpose. As traditional support systems fade, like big families and tight communities, dogs are stepping in to fill that emotional space. They offer love, companionship, even a sense of responsibility, similar to what kids provide. But it’s not a one-to-one swap. This is part of a bigger picture: rising costs, changing lifestyles, and growing loneliness are among other factors. So, are dogs the new kids? Not quite. But they are becoming a meaningful part of what “family” looks like today.
What inspired you to study the role of dogs in modern family structures ? Was there a personal or social observation that led you to this topic?
I’ve been studying dog behavior and cognition for over thirty years, and during that time, I’ve seen a significant change in how people relate to their dogs. What truly sparked my interest in the role of dogs in modern family structures was a survey in which more than 60% of respondents—including many parents—said their pet was more important to them than any human. That was both surprising and thought-provoking. It made me wonder what emotional needs might not be met in their human relationships—and what effect that might have, especially on children growing up in those households. What does this say about changing social dynamics, emotional needs, and even parenting? I felt compelled to explore how and why dogs are taking on such central roles in people’s lives today.
Can dogs take very different roles depending on the life situation?
Absolutely! Dogs are like emotional Swiss Army knives—they adapt to whatever their humans need at different life stages. For a young professional, a dog might be a stress-relieving roommate. For someone single, they’re a loyal friend, or even a great icebreaker at the dog park. Couples often treat dog parenting as a test run before having kids. Think about it: you’ve got feedings, vet appointments, training, and midnight bathroom breaks. It’s not exactly like having a baby, but it definitely reveals how you and your partner handle caregiving, teamwork, and even sleep deprivation. In families, dogs can become playmates and siblings; for empty-nesters, they’re the new “baby.” And for someone grieving or alone, a dog brings comfort and unconditional love. In every chapter of life, whether we’re twenty-five or seventy-five, dogs take on different roles. That’s what makes them such powerful companions in today’s world—they don’t just fit into our lives; they evolve with us.
Does your research explore the economic aspects of dog ownership—for example, trends in financial expenditures related to dog ownership in Western societies over time, or any differences among regionally?
At the moment, our research does not focus on the economic aspects of dog ownership, such as trends in financial expenditures or regional differences. However, it’s certainly a compelling and timely topic. Understanding how much people spend on their dogs—and how that varies across time and geography—could offer valuable insights into the evolving role of dogs in society. It’s an area we’d be very interested in exploring in future studies.
What insights can the “functional role”(child-like, partner-like ect.) of dogs in the family offer us in rethinking the very concept of family today?
More than ever, the place given to dogs in many human families is questioning the boundary between animals and humans. Sociologists have referred to it as “more-than-human families” or “multispecies families”, positioning pet animals in an “in-between” role - humanized, but not fully human. Dogs have become unique family members, blending characteristics of a child, sibling, partner, or parent, depending on our emotional needs at a given time and the life stage we are in. Additionally, child-free lifestyles are rising across the globe for various reasons. For young people, especially, dogs may represent the opportunity to build a family of their own – and in a way, fulfil social expectations of family formation – on their own terms, without compromising on deeper values.
What is the positive thing about this modern human-dog relationship?
What is amazing about our bond with dogs today is how they fill the emotional gaps in our busy and often lonely lives. For young adults, they’re loyal friends. For empty-nesters, a ‘grandchild’ to spoil. For kids, they teach love and responsibility—no screen can do that. Dogs can offer what modern life often doesn’t: judgment-free companionship. As one person put it, “My dog doesn’t care about my job title—just that I’m home.” It’s not about replacing people or kids. Dogs help us stay human in a disconnected world.
Original article: Gillet, L. and Kubinyi, E., 2025. Redefining Parenting and Family–The Child-Like Role of Dogs in Western Societies. European Psychologist. https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/full/10.1027/1016-9040/a000552
