What is your definition of an 'average pet owner'?

[SoCrafty]

So, this is a spin off from the easy or hard dog thread. I saw lots of people saying their dog wouldn't be good for the average pet/dog owner. I'm curious as to what makes a person or family considered the 'average' dog owner? Why do you think you are not average? Is it because you show, or take extra time to look for the right kind of food, or spend hundreds on grooming or 'accessories' for your dog etc. Or is it something completely different?

This is something that I've been curious about for a while and that thread made me even more curious. I hope my question comes across right

 

[SizzleDog]

IMO, the average pet owner...

... gets a dog with little to no research into the breed (or breeds, if a mixed breed dog.)

... feeds highly-advertised food like Beneful or Iams, and doesn't really care what they're putting in the bowl every day.

... maybe goes through one session of obedience class... MAYBE.

... has no interest in "doing things" with their dogs outside of normal pet activities like walks and playing fetch in the backyard.

... usually doesn't know much about canine behavior. (Is the type to think that dogs "should just know" that knocking over the kids and stealing food from the countertop is bad.)

... doesn't know (and doesn't care) what their dog is being vaccinated for.

... doesn't even try to do even basic grooming (even trimming nails) because "the groomer will do it in a few weeks."

... owns a dog, but don't spend much time really appreciating what it's like to live with a dog. I guess this could be compared to how I personally view my backyard. I mow it because I have to, but I don't spend my free time thinking of ways I could better landscape it. I don't spend extra time or money on my backyard because it's "just" a backyard to me. My neighbor, on the other hand, LOVES his backyard. He's out there every day.. mowing, trimming, planting, weeding, edging... rain or shine, he's out there improving his lawn. I am an average backyard owner.

 

[xpaeanx]

I think most people on here consider an "average pet home" to be one where the dog gets minimal training(none-to puppy classes) and spends most of their time as a couch potato with either outside yard play time or afternoon walks only.

But...idk... Tomorrow afternoon I will officially have a full course of competition sized agility equipment and I go hiking on a regular plus daily(albeit short) training sessions... But I feel average. And I certainly don't think I have any super training skills... In fact I often feel they suck and lean heavily on other people for advice/critique. I usually call myself an average pet home... But idk if I really am.

 

[Airn]

I consider myself an average dog owner. I'm planning and gave signed up for classes but it's nothing serious. We don't do much on a day to day basis. Especially with SO and I's hours. And this foster dog.

I try to feed higher end food, but I don't budget nearly as much on dog food as others seem to.

This is compared to Chaz, though.

I think for non dog people, it's having a dog that eats whatever grocery food you buy, occasionally sleeps outside and only goes out of the neighborhood for vet visits.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Pretty much agree with SizzleDog.

I consider my grandma an 'average pet owner'. She loves dogs in general, loves her dogs, put a fence up for the dogs. Her new pup got 6 weeks of obedience class and I have a feeling that's all he'll get lol. They pretty much never get out of the house/backyard for much other than a very occasional walk. They get vet care when necessary. Food is not much thought put into it, but I tried to teach them a little, not actually sure what they're feeding though.

I don't consider myself "extreme". I'm probably well above average though. I spend alot of time online discussing dogs and dog-related things. I probably know more about dog food and brands than the own food that I eat lol. I spend a lot of unnecessary money on my dog (collars, harnesses, toys, bags, treats, and LOTS of other things). My dog comes with me wherever he can - vacations, errands, friends houses, family, etc. I like to try new things with him, whether it be finding new parks, new classes, new sports. I've never been serious about anything we've done, but had fun in agility classes, dabbled with a tiny bit of dock diving, barn hunt, and would love to dabble in more. But we don't do things EVERY day, there are some days/weeks where we literally just chill around the house and he runs around the backyard a bit for exercise. I'm very aware of his health, and we're in the vet more than most would probably go (most would not have cared enough to fix his tooth/overbite/puncture issue for $1400 lol). Things like that.

 

[iriskai]

I guess this could be compared to how I personally view my backyard. I mow it because I have to, but I don't spend my free time thinking of ways I could better landscape it. I don't spend extra time or money on my backyard because it's "just" a backyard to me. My neighbor, on the other hand, LOVES his backyard. He's out there every day.. mowing, trimming, planting, weeding, edging... rain or shine, he's out there improving his lawn. I am an average backyard owner.

This is pretty much on point with what I think, I have nothing better to follow up with!

 

[frostfell]

IMO, the average pet owner...

... gets a dog with little to no research into the breed (or breeds, if a mixed breed dog.)

... feeds highly-advertised food like Beneful or Iams, and doesn't really care what they're putting in the bowl every day.

... maybe goes through one session of obedience class... MAYBE.

... has no interest in "doing things" with their dogs outside of normal pet activities like walks and playing fetch in the backyard.

... usually doesn't know much about canine behavior. (Is the type to think that dogs "should just know" that knocking over the kids and stealing food from the countertop is bad.)

... doesn't know (and doesn't care) what their dog is being vaccinated for.

... doesn't even try to do even basic grooming (even trimming nails) because "the groomer will do it in a few weeks."

... owns a dog, but don't spend much time really appreciating what it's like to live with a dog. I guess this could be compared to how I personally view my backyard. I mow it because I have to, but I don't spend my free time thinking of ways I could better landscape it. I don't spend extra time or money on my backyard because it's "just" a backyard to me. My neighbor, on the other hand, LOVES his backyard. He's out there every day.. mowing, trimming, planting, weeding, edging... rain or shine, he's out there improving his lawn. I am an average backyard owner.

/thread
go home, nothing more to be said

 

[Elrohwen]

My definition of an average owner comes from what I see dog owners around me doing. In the NE, I don't see lose dogs or dogs chained in people's backyards, so for me that's not "normal".

Regarding Sizzle's list, I don't see many of those traits in any of the dog owners I know, so for me that's not average, but some certainly ring true.

To me, normal dog owners are people who love their dogs dearly and consider them a member of the family.

The dogs probably get a walk 1-2 times a week, and some time to run around in the backyard.

The dogs maybe went to one basic obedience class, but nothing beyond that.

The owners' hobbies are all non-dog related things, though their dogs may be able to come along for the ride.

The dog is expected to basically be a good dog who doesn't destroy things or get into too much trouble. The owners may know little about dog behavior and psychology, and modern training methods.

They take the dog to the vet once a year for vaccs, but wouldn't consider getting xrays for HD or other tests.

They get a dog with little research into the breed or specific breeder, or get the cutest one from the shelter on their first visit.



I would say that every single one of my friends, outside of people I've met doing doggy things, is an "average owner" as I define it. They don't do dog activities or dog sports and they don't care about training, but they love the heck out of their dogs and do their best to get the proper vet care. The dogs sleep on the couch, sleep in the bed, and are generally spoiled rotten.

I don't consider myself an average owner in some ways, because I spend a ton of time attending classes and generally training my dog and doing things with him (compared to "average" owners, not compared to some people on here!). I show in conformation and hope to show in other sports. But on the whole, the way I treat my dog day to day and the basic vet care and grooming I provide seem pretty typical for the people I know. I definitely exercise him more, but then he's also an adolescent male who is of a more active breed than almost any other dog I know.

 

[*blackrose]

IMO, the average pet owner...

... gets a dog with little to no research into the breed (or breeds, if a mixed breed dog.) Or thinks because they had X dog that was Y breed, that Z dog of Y breed will be exactly the same.

... feeds highly-advertised food like Beneful or Iams, and doesn't really care what they're putting in the bowl every day. Or spends lots of money on a "high quality" food without understanding why the food is supposedly "good".

... maybe goes through one session of obedience class... MAYBE. Or really tries to train their dog, but has no idea what they are doing and aren't making progress due to XYZ.

... has no interest in "doing things" with their dogs outside of normal pet activities like walks and playing fetch in the backyard.

... usually doesn't know much about canine behavior. (Is the type to think that dogs "should just know" that knocking over the kids and stealing food from the countertop is bad.)

... doesn't know (and doesn't care) what their dog is being vaccinated for.

... doesn't even try to do even basic grooming (even trimming nails) because "the groomer will do it in a few weeks."

... owns a dog, but don't spend much time really appreciating what it's like to live with a dog. I guess this could be compared to how I personally view my backyard. I mow it because I have to, but I don't spend my free time thinking of ways I could better landscape it. I don't spend extra time or money on my backyard because it's "just" a backyard to me. My neighbor, on the other hand, LOVES his backyard. He's out there every day.. mowing, trimming, planting, weeding, edging... rain or shine, he's out there improving his lawn. I am an average backyard owner.

I agree with this, with some additions. The underlined parts are what I added.

My parents are "above average" dog owners, I think. The dogs get fed, watered, and given attention. They get bathed/groomed regularly, but I still have to trim their nails because Mom doesn't want to learn how. They get a good food (due to allergies) and get spoiled with treats/toys. They get proper vet care. But, in the end...they're dogs. Mom cares for them the way she does because she has me as a daughter, and she understands that dogs have a certain level they have to be cared for. But the dogs are not her passion, but they are a part of the family.

I think that is the difference. For "premium" dog owners, the dogs are their passion. Their hobby. Part of their life. For "average" dog owners, they're just dogs. They may be a part of the family, but they aren't what their owners live and breathe, if that makes sense.

And then, of course, there are "below average" dog owners...the ones that don't do anything with their dog and don't want to put any money into them, be it healthcare, expensive food, treats, what have you.

 

[Elrohwen]

I think that is the difference. For "non average" dog owners, the dogs are their passion. Their hobby. Part of their life. For "average" dog owners, they're just dogs. They may be a part of the family, but they aren't what their owners live and breathe, if that makes sense.

Yes, I think for me this is the key difference, everything else aside.

 

[Saeleofu]

Sizzle nailed it.

 

[Fran101]

Other than the state of the yard, dog food bowls in the kitchen, sound when the doorbell rings and other little things... their lives wouldn't change THAT MUCH if they didn't have dogs.

That is not to say they love them less, I mean just in general if they never got a dog in the first place their lives wouldn't be all that different.

Most dog PEOPLE I know, their lives would radically change if they didn't have dogs. It's a huge thing to take away.

 

[Oko]

So, this is a spin off from the easy or hard dog thread. I saw lots of people saying their dog wouldn't be good for the average pet/dog owner. I'm curious as to what makes a person or family considered the 'average' dog owner? Why do you think you are not average?

Because I went to the beach with my dog in a monsoon and enjoyed it?

 

[Southpaw]

I totally see myself as an average dog owner. In some ways sure, I'm more than that - I care about their health and what goes into their bodies, I research everything before I do it. But in most ways I'm just like everyone else. I just want a dog that I can take for walks, to the dog park, play fetch with in the yard, and snuggle with on the couch. I don't wake up early so that I can take my dogs for a walk before work. I don't do training with them anymore because, well, they know what I need them to know. If it's cold, raining, too hot, too dark, or I'm too tired, the dogs just have to accept that we're having a lazy day at home.

I include my dogs in my life, but I don't rearrange my life for them.

 

[AmandaNola]

IMO, the average pet owner...

... gets a dog with little to no research into the breed (or breeds, if a mixed breed dog.)

... feeds highly-advertised food like Beneful or Iams, and doesn't really care what they're putting in the bowl every day.

... maybe goes through one session of obedience class... MAYBE.

... has no interest in "doing things" with their dogs outside of normal pet activities like walks and playing fetch in the backyard.

... usually doesn't know much about canine behavior. (Is the type to think that dogs "should just know" that knocking over the kids and stealing food from the countertop is bad.)

... doesn't know (and doesn't care) what their dog is being vaccinated for.

... doesn't even try to do even basic grooming (even trimming nails) because "the groomer will do it in a few weeks."

... owns a dog, but don't spend much time really appreciating what it's like to live with a dog. I guess this could be compared to how I personally view my backyard. I mow it because I have to, but I don't spend my free time thinking of ways I could better landscape it. I don't spend extra time or money on my backyard because it's "just" a backyard to me. My neighbor, on the other hand, LOVES his backyard. He's out there every day.. mowing, trimming, planting, weeding, edging... rain or shine, he's out there improving his lawn. I am an average backyard owner.

Pretty much that. They love their dogs, but aren't very bonded to them and/or see them as "just a dog".

 

[Toller_08]

If I ever reference somebody as being an average dog owner, it's not to be taken negatively. My mom is an average dog owner, but a good dog owner. But being an average dog owner, many dogs just would not be suited to her.

What I mean when I say average dog owner is somebody who has a dog, but the dog is just there as a companion and nothing more. Life isn't surrounded by the dog and for the dog. The dog just fits into life. The dog doesn't go anywhere or do much of anything aside from the occasional walk, the person didn't put a whole lot of thought besides maybe looks and size into what kind of dog they wanted, the person might feed a premium brand food or they might not, but basically what it comes down to is that the dog is a dog and just that. There are no extras.

Before I got super into dogs, my family was just an average dog family. We just wanted a family companion. A dog to pet, to love, to play with. We fed the food we thought was one of the best out there, and we made sure the dog(s) were interacted with and fed, but aside from that, the dogs were just kind of... there, I guess. If that makes sense. And these dogs were totally fine with that. They were laid back, knew their obedience basics and a trick or two, went through one or two rounds of classes, and didn't know any different than just sitting around the house and playing in the yard and going for a leashed walk twice a week or so.

Why do I think I'm not average? Because I am over the top neurotic about everything regarding my dogs haha. From the rules they have, the amount of training they've had, the food that they eat, the guilt I feel when I don't get them out at least a few times a week for a good run, how I worry about them whenever I might be gone from home longer than usual, how I worry when I go on a trip and have to leave them with somebody, the amount of time and thought and research I put into my dogs' breeds and where I get them, the sheer fact that I flew half way across the country for my last dog (pet owners are totally shocked by this), the fact that I form bonds and relationships with my dogs vs. the love of just a family dog. All kinds of things.

Being not average doesn't make me 'better' than an average dog owner by any means necessarily. Every person and situation is different. Lots of average dog owners are good owners. When I say, for example, that Journey is not the dog for an average dog owner all I mean is that she is not suited to that particular lifestyle necessarily.

 

[SoCrafty]

Apparently I never hit submit on my reply last night :lol-sign:

I think that Elrohwen hit the nail on the head about what is an average owner to me. I feel that an.average owner, at least in my area or my circle of family or friends, would take the time to research breeds and breeders, foods etc.

To me a below average owner would be what Sizzle described. I think that dog owning is becoming a lot more nowadays versus just getting Fido and letting him in and out and getting Pedigree from the store.

 

[Gypsydals]

Other than the state of the yard, dog food bowls in the kitchen, sound when the doorbell rings and other little things... their lives wouldn't change THAT MUCH if they didn't have dogs.

That is not to say they love them less, I mean just in general if they never got a dog in the first place their lives wouldn't be all that different.

Most dog PEOPLE I know, their lives would radically change if they didn't have dogs. It's a huge thing to take away.

^ This. Along with what Sizzle said too.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Why do I think I'm not average? Because I am over the top neurotic about everything regarding my dogs haha. From the rules they have, the amount of training they've had, the food that they eat, the guilt I feel when I don't get them out at least a few times a week for a good run, how I worry about them whenever I might be gone from home longer than usual, how I worry when I go on a trip and have to leave them with somebody, the amount of time and thought and research I put into my dogs' breeds and where I get them, the sheer fact that I flew half way across the country for my last dog (pet owners are totally shocked by this), the fact that I form bonds and relationships with my dogs vs. the love of just a family dog. All kinds of things.

Being not average doesn't make me 'better' than an average dog owner by any means necessarily. Every person and situation is different. Lots of average dog owners are good owners. When I say, for example, that Journey is not the dog for an average dog owner all I mean is that she is not suited to that particular lifestyle necessarily.

Yup, this is me too.

 

[Dizzy]

A person who has a dog as a pet, and treats it as such. It gets fed, it gets walked occasionally, it is likely to be very loved, but other than that, it's an animal living in a house with humans.

I think most dogs are owned by average owners, and that's ok

I think the difference is about what makes a 'dog enthusiast'. I'd say my dogs are more of a hobby and passion than a pet.

That's the difference to me. I like films, but I'm not a film nerd.... I don't have racks and racks of DVDs and discuss them on the Internet. It just happens I like dogs... That's my thing.

I'd say being a NON average dog owner is the anomaly!!!