The Joys and Challenges of Life with a Dog: A Mixed Bag of Emotions and Obligations

The ‘Dog Parenting’ Experience

The ‘dog parenting’ experience is made up of intense joys and daily challenges. While owners, often known as “fur parents”, derive many benefits from the presence of these canine companions, the costs associated with this form of “parenthood” should not be underestimated.

Benefits and Drawbacks

Numerous studies have demonstrated the health benefits of spending time with a dog: for instance, reduced blood pressure, improved blood lipid levels, greater ease of maintaining a healthy weight, and increased chances of survival after a heart attack.

A Study on the Perceptions of Dog Owners

Researchers from the Department of Ethology at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary conducted a study involving 246 fur parents. They were asked to rate 33 statements about their four-legged companions, ranging from “dogs can be messy” to “dogs keep children company.” Each statement was rated on a scale from -3 (great disadvantage) to +3 (great advantage).

Key Findings

In their study published in the journal Scientific Reports, the experts said the idea that dogs enrich the lives of their owners gets the strongest endorsement among respondents (2.78 on average), while their short life expectancy is seen as the main drawback to canine parenthood (-1.67).

Three Main Themes

In analysing the responses, three main themes emerged. The first covers the emotional, physical, and social benefits of living with a dog, while the second highlights the negative emotions and practical challenges associated with their presence, such as health concerns or behavioral problems.

Long-Term Responsibilities

Finally, the third axis concerns long-term responsibilities, such as the time and energy devoted to caring for and educating the animal. This last point is divisive: it is perceived positively by some, but as a constraint by others.

Caring for a dog comes with lifestyle benefits, such as the motivation to spend more time outdoors and exercise.

Spontaneous Answers

The spontaneous answers from participants to an open-ended question highlight some revealing trends. For 60% of owners, the main benefit of having a dog is the deep bond they have with the animal, describing their pet as a loyal, loving, and sincere companion.

Others cite lifestyle benefits, such as the motivation to exercise and spend more time outdoors (31%), while 15% especially appreciate the opportunity to get closer to the animal world.

Conversely, financial costs, particularly those associated with veterinary care, food, and accessories, are almost unanimously seen as the main drawback, cited by 95% of study participants. In comparison, emotional and practical constraints only concern a minority, accounting for 4-5% of responses.

Conclusion

This study reveals the richness of the “dog parenting” experience, made up of intense joys and daily challenges. Preparing future fur parents for the realities, both positive and complex, of this relationship could help build more thoughtful and harmonious bonds and help avoid abandonments, for the wellbeing of both humans and their faithful companions.

FAQs

* What are the benefits of having a dog?
+ Reduced blood pressure, improved blood lipid levels, greater ease of maintaining a healthy weight, and increased chances of survival after a heart attack.
* What are the drawbacks of having a dog?
+ Short life expectancy, financial costs associated with veterinary care, food, and accessories.
* What are the most common lifestyle benefits of having a dog?
+ The motivation to spend more time outdoors and exercise, getting closer to the animal world.
* What are the most common drawbacks of having a dog?
+ Financial costs, emotional and practical constraints.