The importance of proper interaction and communication

Humans have through centuries tamed and domesticated wild animals, in order to take advantage of them and their resources for their own purpose, using them for work, food and clothing. Several species of animals have over time gained a greater level of status in society, through transition from working animals to trusted companions. This is a ever growing trend, and the marked for animals and animal supplies has exploded over the past decades.

We often hear that a pet and its behaviour is the direct depiction of is owner, and more and more people seem to be treating their animals like human beings, forgetting the original source of origin, and what this had to say for each species biology and behaviour. In many ways this can unfortunately lead to a decrease in the animal’s ability to communicate by using its own language. It is constantly ignored by human beings trying to make their own imprint on their animals, paying little or no attention to every species’ specific needs, language and other forms of communication.

Parts of today’s society seems to have made up their own opinion on how each species of animal acts, and how they are perceived.

These perceptions are as mentioned earlier unfortunately often based on misinformation and pure ignorance, which in many cases leads to tragic outcomes for the animals effected. Animals perceived as angry or aggressive are in reality half of the time either frightened or under a lot of stress or pain, and misinterpretation can under these circumstances be quite dangerous, both for humans and the concerning animal.

(click on the image to go to its original source)

Obtaining the correct knowledge on each animal species-specific behaviour and requirements, as well as learning how to read the signals the animals are sending when trying to communication with us, can easily avoid misinterpretations like these.

It is of common knowledge that people often fear what they do not know, causing them to show prejudgement. Fear can also be a direct consequence of bad memories due to dramatic meetings between humans and animal’s, that could have been avoided with the right knowledge. It is therefore of great importance and value, both for humans and animals, that we learn how to communicate between us, on the animals' own terms, to avoid these misunderstandings.

I therefore encourage as many as possible to show respect toward animals and their species specific behaviours and needs. And if you chose to interact with animals, it is your responsibility to do so in an accountable way, showing respect for each species unique language. Only then can we continue living side by side with animals in a safe and proper fashion.