Anthropomorphism is becoming an epidemic

 I am a big fan of Dancing with the Stars for several years now and last night marked the premiere of the sixteenth season. They include at least one reality "star" every season and this season is no different. This year's competitor is Lisa Vanderpump from The Real housewives of Beverly Hills, which I have not watched nor do I wish too. Mrs. Vanderpump has a male Pomeranian named Giggy whom she apparently takes everywhere with her and treats like a human baby. Last night for her debut on Dancing with the Stars was no different. She  dressed him  in a tuxedo and started her dance with him under her arm and passed him off to who I am guessing is her personal assistant, just before she started dancing. He was also included in the small video of dance practice which they always show before the  each couple takes to the dance floor. When Mrs. Vanderpump makes appearances on the red carpet at charity events or awards shows there is Giggy dressed to the nines and tucked under her arm.

    Correct me if I am wrong but these adorable toy and tea-cup breeds are dogs and not a fashion accessory or stuffed animal with which to play dress-up!
Dogs should be allowed to do what is natural to them such as socializing with other dogs and people, run around, explore their surroundings, play with toys etc. Anthropomorphism is the terms used to describe dogs who are treated like humans by their owners. Clearly because they are "pocket-sized' and are misconceived to be fragile the toy and tea-cup breeds are most often immune to this phenomenon. These reasons are by no means justification for treating these breed of dogs  like a human  baby or the latest fashion accessory.
The owners who treat their dogs like their children and insist on carrying them around like  helpless babies who are unable to walk are doing their pets a huge dis-service by not allowing them to do what comes naturally to them. Mrs. Vanderpump is doing her dog Giggy no favours by treating him like a fashion accessory. He appears to be devoid of any personality and looks comatose most of the time, probably because he is not allowed to be a dog.  As Cesar Millan you  can't have a well-rounded dog if they are not allowed to simply be a dog with  all rules and expectations that go along with it. . I have a toy mix breed and I do dress her in coats but only to protect her from the elements when I take her for a walk. I do not take her everywhere with me and I do not call her my "child". The result of which is that she is a happy well-rounded and well- adjusted dog who knows that she is a dog.
  
   This phenomenon of anthropomorphism will never stop if people don't stop treating their Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, and other small breeds like their "children". Dogs are not included in the list of things that are considered true fashion accessories and owners should stop treating them as such.