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Original poster

To think most people shouldn't own dogs

135 replies

JamSandle · 18/06/2023 10:52

I love dogs but I think a lot of owners:

  • infantalise their dogs and treat them like babies, not animals who have instincts and needs.

  • don't train them. Let their dogs bark, howl and growl all day long.

  • don't look them properly. Walk them, trim nails, clean them, look after teeth.

Good dog owners are amazing people. But so many people have dogs and don't put the effort into training them or understanding the animals needs.

I dont really think most people should be dog owners.

OP posts:
junglejane66 · 18/06/2023 11:03

Most people aren't dog owners

Weveforgottenwhoweare · 18/06/2023 11:03

I think this most times I meet a dog owner. I say this as a dog owner.

Original poster
JamSandle · 18/06/2023 11:04

Rephrase: most dog owners shouldn't own dogs.

OP posts:
cantcopenow · 18/06/2023 11:04

Agreed. I grew up with them and adore them, but I don’t have one now because I simply don’t have the time and energy required to bring up a good canine citizen. Hopefully one day in the future…

80sMum · 18/06/2023 11:07

Do you mean that most dog owners shouldn't be? I certainly agree that for many people who've chosen to have a dog, it doesn't appear to be an appropriate pet for them and their circumstances.

I do feel that the ownership of any animal should come with certain legal obligations and a licensing and monitoring scheme of some kind.

Original poster
JamSandle · 18/06/2023 11:10

80sMum · 18/06/2023 11:07

Do you mean that most dog owners shouldn't be? I certainly agree that for many people who've chosen to have a dog, it doesn't appear to be an appropriate pet for them and their circumstances.

I do feel that the ownership of any animal should come with certain legal obligations and a licensing and monitoring scheme of some kind.

Yes just that.

A lot of people with dogs aren't good owners/custodians.

You see it in everything from:

  • putting the dog in outfits (a friend of mine does this and lives in Australia)

  • not taking them for walks and allowing them to get overweight

  • not trimming nails or grooming

  • not training a dog to not bark all day

  • not calling dog back when it runs up to another dog and attacks it

  • not having time to spend with them

  • not understanding their complex needs

  • leaving them alone all day

  • not feeding them properly

  • not stimulating the dog mentally, physically or emotionally

It takes a lot of work to look after a dog properly.

I think a lot of people get them for company, a baby substitute, something to ease their boredom but don't really fulfill their side.

The good dog owners stand out a mile long.

OP posts:
thecatsthecats · 18/06/2023 11:12

I think a vast majority of the "casually bad" dog owners - the under-trained, under-exercised, left at home all day types - as opposed to dreadful neglect/bully dog types, actually want a cat.

They just, for whatever unintelligent reason of their own, think they want a dog.

If you want something furry to love you, if you don't want to train it, if you want it to be OK alone during the day, and to largely exercise themselves - that's a cat.

Original poster
JamSandle · 18/06/2023 11:13

thecatsthecats · 18/06/2023 11:12

I think a vast majority of the "casually bad" dog owners - the under-trained, under-exercised, left at home all day types - as opposed to dreadful neglect/bully dog types, actually want a cat.

They just, for whatever unintelligent reason of their own, think they want a dog.

If you want something furry to love you, if you don't want to train it, if you want it to be OK alone during the day, and to largely exercise themselves - that's a cat.

Absolutely!

A cat, though they still require good ownership of course, is so much easier in general.

OP posts:
wetotter · 18/06/2023 11:14

I agree. I have a good-natured small breed, who is generally on lead except in places/circumstances where I know she can behave herself.

I am absolutely sick of people with over friendly dogs letting theirs bound over. No, my on-lead dog doesn't want to play with your doodlepoo who is 3x her size and jumping all over her and clearly causing her to give stress responses (and from whom we can't get away, as your damned dog won't recall to you to be out on a lead, and who is following us as we attempt to walk away calmly). If that's your dog, no they're not "just being friendly" - they're being a menace

One owner looked a bit taken aback when they called "don't worry, he won't hurt anyone" and I pointed out how he'd just thoroughly upset a small child (who he's dashed past close enough to cause to stumble) and had jumped up at me causing scratches - which I pointed out was an injury and she should never again think her dog didn't hurt people. I doubt they'll have changed their ways though, unfortunately. Unless more people start calling out bad behaviour when they see it

Theeternalrocksbeneath · 18/06/2023 11:15

I 100% agree. I own several dogs but I don’t work and therefore am able to give them the time, attention, training and love they need. That’s not to say they’re always perfectly behaved and that they’re never left alone for a few hours, of course not.

I truly believe people who get a dog “because I want one” and then proceed to leave it alone for hours on end, every day, should not be dog owners. It’s unfair to the dog who will be miserable (no, it doesn’t sleep all day 🙄 yes, it is lonely and unhappy). People who don’t walk their dogs regularly, people who don’t train them, people who just don’t understand that their dog is a sentient being that can’t just be put into a crate for hours on end because you’re too busy to look after it - those people should not be dog owners.

EvilElsa · 18/06/2023 11:15

Agree. I find it astounding how many dog owners don't provide even the basic levels of care. Always remember my old hairdresser telling me that he had his family only walked their dog once or twice a week. He had been moaning to me that the (working breed mix) dog was destructive in the house. No shit Sherlock. Many people pick puppies they like the look of best without doing any research into what the breed will require in terms of exercise and also if the breed have any health problems (looking at you friend with two frenchies moaning about your vet bills and the snoring and eye problems).

ripplingwater · 18/06/2023 11:15

I have a dog and I agree with you.

I find the infantilising thing creepy and weird. Its not a "fur baby" its a dog and treating dogs like children or babies is absolutely not good for them. Dogs are hard work. I've been taking my dog for walks at 6am currently because its so hot, I dont mind it, its actually rather nice being out so early when its quiet but I see so many still walking them at midday, and it makes me rage- its cruel.

I also see many people dressing their dogs up on FB and cradling them like a baby and the dogs always look really stressed out and their body language screams that they dont like it. Its wrong. If you get a dog, you should research how dogs perceive the world and acknowledge the fact that dogs think and behave like dogs, not toddlers.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 18/06/2023 11:17

I agree - and I say that as a dog owner and dog walker. There are a lot of poor owners out there. They're not abusive or purposefully cruel or bad people - but they just don't really seem to care all that much.

Around here we have the same dogs over and over again who are found roaming the streets having escaped from gardens. There are dogs left alone to bark in gardens or left to just run riot on walks while the owners make no attempt to control them or pick up their poo.

Most of the dogs themselves are actually fine - they're friendly and don't cause any real danger (just annoyance) but they're clearly not being looked after very well either. It's a shame.

Original poster
JamSandle · 18/06/2023 11:17

ripplingwater · 18/06/2023 11:15

I have a dog and I agree with you.

I find the infantilising thing creepy and weird. Its not a "fur baby" its a dog and treating dogs like children or babies is absolutely not good for them. Dogs are hard work. I've been taking my dog for walks at 6am currently because its so hot, I dont mind it, its actually rather nice being out so early when its quiet but I see so many still walking them at midday, and it makes me rage- its cruel.

I also see many people dressing their dogs up on FB and cradling them like a baby and the dogs always look really stressed out and their body language screams that they dont like it. Its wrong. If you get a dog, you should research how dogs perceive the world and acknowledge the fact that dogs think and behave like dogs, not toddlers.

Yes I know someone who puts her dog in little outfits, calls herself his mummy, (to me a dog is a friend...perhaps that's also weird!), and basically treats him like a small son.

I find it kind of undignified for the dog. Sort of like performing circus animals in a way.

I'm glad she loves her dog. But the dog doesn't want to be in little outfits. That's for her benefit.

OP posts:
wetotter · 18/06/2023 11:20

The worst doggy stuff I see on SM isn't dressed up dogs, it's people who nestle babies and toddlers with their dog. Bloody reckless, and betrays a bad attitude

(And no, i don't mean the shots where there is one or more adult less than arms reach, I mean the DC and the pet together with no adult in shot at all)

ripplingwater · 18/06/2023 11:23

I'm glad she loves her dog. But the dog doesn't want to be in little outfits. That's for her benefit

Yup- dont get me wrong, I'd rather see that than someone who abuses their dog, obviously, and its clear that they do love them. However, the problem is, when you treat them like children, they dont understand why you are doing it, its really confusing to them and it often then creates behavioural issues that the owners then seem utterly baffled by.

redboxer321 · 18/06/2023 11:31

I don't think people should own any other sentient being.
I do because in this world we have created, I, or someone like me, was the best chance she had of at least a reasonable life.

gogohmm · 18/06/2023 11:33

What is wrong with outfits? I personally don't usually, he's got a thick coat of his own though we have a waterproof reflective coat for wet / night winter walks so he doesn't make his bed too wet.

And yes he knows who mama and daddy are due to the kids.

Mostly though he's a rugged dog who likes his own company, has free rein of the house but chooses to be in a different room to meConfused

verdantverdure · 18/06/2023 11:34

thecatsthecats · 18/06/2023 11:12

I think a vast majority of the "casually bad" dog owners - the under-trained, under-exercised, left at home all day types - as opposed to dreadful neglect/bully dog types, actually want a cat.

They just, for whatever unintelligent reason of their own, think they want a dog.

If you want something furry to love you, if you don't want to train it, if you want it to be OK alone during the day, and to largely exercise themselves - that's a cat.

I think anyone who wants to leave an animal alone all day actually wants Furbie.

Cats have needs too.

coffeecupsandwaxmelts · 18/06/2023 11:35

gogohmm · 18/06/2023 11:33

What is wrong with outfits? I personally don't usually, he's got a thick coat of his own though we have a waterproof reflective coat for wet / night winter walks so he doesn't make his bed too wet.

And yes he knows who mama and daddy are due to the kids.

Mostly though he's a rugged dog who likes his own company, has free rein of the house but chooses to be in a different room to meConfused

There's a big difference between clothes with a purpose and fancy dress.

But saying that, most dogs don't need coats - they're there to make things easier for us.

Maddy70 · 18/06/2023 11:42

Ridiculous. What makes you the font of all knowledge in dog care

TeenLifeMum · 18/06/2023 11:47

I actually disagree. The majority of dog owners I know are dedicated and loving and the dog is part of the family. But then I don’t know owners who don’t walk their dogs or leave them all day. Everyone I know has done puppy training courses and consider their dog’s needs.

travelingtortoise · 18/06/2023 11:48

Maddy70 · 18/06/2023 11:42

Ridiculous. What makes you the font of all knowledge in dog care

Nothing OP's said has required being 'the font of all knowledge' - it's very basic stuff.

What part of 'keep them clean, train them, don't neglect them' seems ridiculous to you?

greenacrylicpaint · 18/06/2023 11:50

yanbu

I think keeping pets in general is cruel in most cases.
meeting all the animal's needs is expensive and time consuming and in most cases difficult to achieve around bormal family/work life.

jc12689 · 18/06/2023 11:50

Unless their assistance dogs perhaps people shouldn't own them at all.