I agree that people treat their pets as if the animals were their children. I think I do that. But I don't understand
what you mean by your 2nd sentence? Are you saying that
the owners and pets on this show are not really owners and pets but mere actors? I suppose that's a possibility? I had never thought about it that way. But anything is possible.
Why would they do that? America is full of folks' that actually own and love dogs!