[Emmalein]

I think a lot of it is based on respect as well, whether it's pets or kids. Several of my friends have kids who don't respect them and from what I see it seems it's because the parent has never set boundaries (or in the doggie world been the dominant alpha), or if they did the parent didn't consistently stick to them. When this happens the kids (animals) now know that they are the ones ultimately in control.

[GLDNGUN]

I think a lot of it is based on respect as well, whether it's pets or kids. Several of my friends have kids who don't respect them and from what I see it seems it's because the parent has never set boundaries (or in the doggie world been the dominant alpha), or if they did the parent didn't consistently stick to them. When this happens the kids (animals) now know that they are the ones ultimately in control.

Yep. Ultimately, it still comes down to discipline. Your friends' lack of boundaries for their children is simply a lack of discipline.