Dogs have similarities to their human friends, but they are also different in key ways. Treating a dog like a human in every situation can lead to dysfunctional relationships, and imbalance in your dog.

It is perfectly understandable to consider your dog as a part of the family. However, dogs differ from humans in key ways:

• We baby talk to a child with a soft, light energy. Instead, dogs respond better to a confident, steady energy.

• We stroke a scared child, but petting a nervous dog encourages the state they are in. Instead, a massage on the neck or haunches is more calming.

• Locking a human in a cage is prison, but a crate for a dog can be more like a safe den­—a place of protection.

• Humans often see work as something to be avoided, but dog’s need tasks to meet mental and physical needs.