A Case for a Naturalistic Perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper continues the debate on a unifying theory of the human—companion animal bond, begun in the first volume of Anthrozoös by Kidd and Kidd (1987:140–57). Research is cited in which the relationship between people and the dog is the case study. It is argued that the animal—animal model may not be discounted when developing theory on the relationship between human beings and the dog. An example is offered of a naturalistic perspective which implements the animal/animal model. In this perspective, the relationship between human beings and dogs is seen as a co-evolved, complex biological interdependency. Because human beings and dogs are aspects of each other, empirical analysis of the relationship may be confounded. It is recommended that the human relationship with other animals be considered using a naturalistic perspective.