20 December 2006
Ever wanted to take your pampered pooch out to a fancy French restaurant and faced rejection from the maitre d'? Creators of a new survey on dog lovers hope to challenge outdated attitudes to pets in public.
Forty percent of Australian households own one or more dogs, with studies consistently reporting that most of these animals are acquired primarily for companionship.
But their lack of acceptance in public places, such as hotels and restaurants, is out of touch with other countries, according to psychology researcher Jordan Schaan.
The Monash PhD student and qualified psychologist, based in Brisbane, is conducting a survey to investigate the attitudes, behaviours and expectations of people who treat their dogs as substitute humans.
While dogs may help people get through a personal crisis or be a good companion, poor acceptance of the animals at most public indoor venues does not reflect their social importance.
Ms Schaan said it was common in many western European countries such as Germany, Austria and France for dogs to be allowed in cafes and hotels.
"Dogs are allowed with their owners in many restaurants in those countries and so they are given a higher status as a result," Ms Schaan said.
"In Queensland, there are many pet friendly restaurants and that is something worth discussing on a wider basis."
"For my thesis, I wanted to look at the extent to which dogs have the companionship role in a human's life, and whether pet owners are psychologically and socially disadvantaged by their pets being excluded from public venues."
Growing anecdotal evidence suggests many modern dogs have a social status similar to children. Owners supply these cherished pets with special foods, comfortable bedding and even expensive medical or relaxation treatments.
Ms Schaan said members of pet chatrooms had responded positively to the survey and more participants are needed.
Anyone interested in taking part in the survey can contact Jordan at Jordan.Schaan@med.monash.edu.au or fill out the survey online.
For more information please contact Steve Pogonowski in the media office on 9905 1253.
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