Have you seen the film “Hachi“? It’s based on a famous (true) story from Japan about an Akita Inu named Hachi.  Hachi and his human, a college professor, were very very close. One day, the professor unexpectedly passed away while at work. Hachi, until his own death many years later, sat in front of the train station and waited for the professor to come home, day in and day out. Many of us are deeply touched by this story.  So much so that the people of Japan recently built a second statue of Hachi, which depicts a fictional and joyful reunion of the two.

Many of  us have also heard stories about dogs traveling some incredible distances just to reunite with their humans after getting lost or abandoned. Their incessant attempt to see their humans again is simply extraordinary.

When we try to explain what drives dogs to achieve such crazy feats (and I am specifically talking about non-working companion dogs), many of us tend to use the word “loyal”.  For example, the original statue of Hachi, built in 1934 in front of the Shibuya Station, has been viewed and loved as a symbol of ultimate faithfulness and loyalty.

But is it really loyalty? Is that really what’s happening in their heads?

According to Merriam-Webster, the word “loyal” means “having or showing complete and constant support for someone or something.”

I happen to have a dog that is fearful. He needs good amount of support from us constantly. If a huge truck came rolling towards me out of control, I know my dog would be the first to run the heck away. There would be no mental capacity left in him to be supporting anybody but himself.

I would not dream of him supporting me in daily life either. For example, when he senses that I’m upset at my partner, he often just walks away. A smart move. When he doesn’t walk away, he  attempts to diffuse the situation by coming closer to me and licking my face. Sometimes he even rolls over and asks for belly rubs.  And I just have to smile. He knows my frustration could lead to raised-voice and quarrels. He likes his home calm and quiet. So he does what he knows to make my heart go soft. That is not loyalty. That is him trying to create a better environment for himself.

To me, most of the so-called “loyal” behaviors can be interpreted, instead, as self-serving acts.  And to me, it does not minimize the dogs’ quality as companions at all. It makes living with animals even more exciting. We belong to completely different species, but our interests are often in sync. And what they choose to do for their own sake can bring so much joy into our lives.

Dog Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10 to 15 years. Any
separation from you will be painful. Remember
that before you get me.

2. Give me time to understand what you want of me.

3. Place your trust in me- it is crucial to my well being.

4. Do not be angry at me for long, and do not lock
me up as punishment.

5. You have your work, your entertainment,and your friends.
I only have you.

6. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don’t understands your words,
I understand your voice when it is speaking to me.

7. Be aware that how ever you treat me, I will never forget.

8. Remember before you hit me that I have teeth that could
easily hurt you, but I choose not to bite you because I  love you.

9. Before you scold me for being uncooperative, obstinate,or lazy,
ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I
might not be getting the right food, or I have been out to
long, or my heart is getting to old and weak.

10. Take care of me when I get old; you too will grow old. Go
with me on difficult journeys. Never say: “I cannot bear to
watch” or “Let it happen in my absence.” Everything
is easier for me if you are there, even my death.
Remember that I love you.

Author: Stan Rawlinson
(Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer)

Companion dogs are asked to live among us humans. They learn to navigate through the complex world we humans built for ourselves. In that process, I imagine the special relationship with their human keeper(s) becomes something of a crutch, something so crucial for their survival.

I remember the words of the veterinary behaviorist who treated my pup for a couple of years. “We humans bred them to need us. Then, we expect them to be alone at home all day long and be okay with it”.  Companion dogs don’t roam freely on streets anymore. Their worlds are smaller. Their humans are often all they have, and separation of any length is agonizing for them. Some dogs endure it stoically & quietly. Some handle it by howling for hours. Some panic and destroy things and themselves.

The story of Hachi does not tell us how loyal dogs are.  It tells us how painful and devastating it is for dogs to be separated from their humans. Hachi et al are simply driven by the compulsive need for being reunited. It’s desperation. Not loyalty.