Cog-Dog Radio Heal Them, Heal Us: Do Dogs Need Friends?
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Jan 13, 2026 Exploring the question of whether dogs need friends, the discussion dives into misconceptions around canine socialization and adult friendships. It critiques the sports culture belief that dogs should rely solely on handlers. Highlighting the benefits of canine friendships, the conversation covers how they enhance safety and provide emotional support. The episode argues for the importance of selective friendships, emphasizing healthy social interactions over dependency. Listeners are encouraged to foster connections for both dogs and humans.
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Friendship Is A Spectrum, Not A Binary
- Friendship is a close mutual bond of affection, trust, and support that matters beyond puppyhood.
- Dogs vary widely in desire for same-species friends and that range is normal and changeable with age.
The 'Dogs Don't Need Friends' Fallacy
- The claim "dogs don't need friends" comes from two biased subsets: social pet dogs and less-social sport/work dogs.
- Treating that claim as universal creates a false dichotomy and overlooks nuance.
Adult Friendship Misunderstood In Culture
- The resistance to adult friendship reflects cultural misunderstandings about adult social needs.
- Sarah links our human undervaluing of adult friendship to misguided approaches in dog care and training.