Dogs have made remarkable contributions to our society, whether it’s saving lives in the military and police, advancing scientific research with their incredible noses, or providing essential assistance to people in need of independence and fulfillment.
However, as a specialist in dog welfare, I am increasingly concerned about how these unique animals are being monetized and commodified. “Puppy yoga” is a new wellness trend that has gained popularity online, often promoted by well-intentioned celebrities who are unaware of its impact on these very young dogs.
Puppy litters are brought into these yoga classes, where they roam freely as participants engage in poses. The classes claim to offer dual benefits – stress relief for the humans and socialization for the dogs. But a powerful undercover investigation by ITV reveals a different reality.
Some of these puppies are as young as six weeks old, when they should legally still be with their mothers for at least eight weeks. Instead, according to the investigation, they are subjected to hours of work each day, deprived of water to prevent urination, disturbed from sleep (which is crucial for puppies), and passed around among strangers. The rooms where the classes take place are often too warm for the puppies’ well-being.
Furthermore, the experience for the dogs themselves is overwhelmingly negative, affecting their long-term emotional well-being and behavioral development. When introducing puppies to the world, they need to feel safe and secure with a trusted attachment figure. Unfortunately, these vulnerable pups are thrown into a room full of unfamiliar people and an unfamiliar environment.
The ability for dogs to exercise autonomy, to move away from anything that causes them distress, is also crucial. By depriving puppies of choice and control during a formative stage of their emotional and behavioral development, we create a foundation for future behavior problems, which often lead to animals being surrendered to rehoming centers.
Although many of us claim to love animals, our actions often don’t align with this sentiment. An RSPCA report on UK attitudes towards animals reveals inconsistencies between our feelings and our behavior. We frequently treat animals as if they were humans, evident in the wide variety of pet clothing available. We also breed dogs in ways that result in deformities compared to their original forms. And often, pet owners lack the knowledge to properly care for their animals.
The existence of puppy yoga classes reflects the commodification of animals in British society. While attendees may genuinely love animals and be unaware of the risks to the puppies involved, we must confront our own behaviors and attitudes towards dogs. Increased legislation is essential to protect vulnerable animals from exploitation, but it’s only part of the solution. We must question what kind of friendship we truly offer to dogs, and whether we are willing to prioritize profit and entertainment over their well-being.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, there was a surge in impulsive pet acquisitions. While many pets found wonderful new homes during this time, others were not as fortunate. The demand for cute flat-faced dogs like French bulldogs increased, despite the health challenges they often face. Frenchies were the most advertised breed for sale. Sadly, the RSPCA is often left to deal with the consequences as the costs and veterinary bills accumulate and the initial novelty wears off. Incidents of abandonment reported to the RSPCA in 2022 increased by 24% compared to the previous year.
Legislation plays a crucial role in protecting vulnerable animals from exploitation, but it’s not enough. We must examine our own behaviors and attitudes towards dogs and consider what we are willing to subject them to in the pursuit of profit and entertainment. Dogs are known as man’s best friend, but it’s time to ask ourselves what kind of friendship we truly offer in return.
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