The Three Types of Dog Owners

Throughout my life, dogs have always been a part of the family. With maturity, my relationships have evolved through different stages as has my role as a puppy parent. Sometimes time influenced my interactions with pets while at other times the simple chemistry dictated the interactions. In my experience, dogs complete a family by teaching us about unconditional love and acceptance. However, at the same time I have learned there are different parenting styles for pets. How would you define your pet parenting?

Momentary mommies and distant daddies

The first type of dog owners believes their pet lives for them. They are childlike as they embrace their furry friends like stuffed animals. These owners have clothes for every holiday. On St. Patrick’s Day, they wear green, and red for Valentine’s and every year purchase a new Halloween costume to adorn. Christmas cards display their pup up and center posed perfectly.

These parents come and go throughout the day, pet their furry friend and leave after a short game of tag or some animal lovin’. Kids love to be accompanied to the bus stop and greeted passionately upon their return. Adults expect their best friends to jump up in excitement when they walk through the door because that is what dogs do.

When these owners are done with their dogs for the day, they place them on the shelf to wait until called. They adopt a dog for companionship and comfort so they never feel alone. For them, a dog fills the role of being present when needed. Every person needs love and when there is nobody else around, they turn to the dog.

This can be disastrous because part-time parenting can lead to disobedient doggies. Dogs want to be involved in every single daily event and will act out if they do not get enough attention. When left alone too long, they climb off that shelf they have been placed upon and cause chaos by chewing, scratching, and barking. Just like children, dogs who are included and monitored learn appropriate behavior expectations.

Permanent parents

The second category of dog owners exists for their dog, an animal who provides them a purpose in life. Without their pet, their home is a shell empty of companionship. These animals want for nothing because their parents spoil them rotten with treats, toys, food, and luxurious spa treatments. These dogs are reflections of their owners so only the best will do.

Often people in this category, are retired or childless. Pictures of Spot and Fido are carried in wallets to be shared at work when others share pictures of their children. Imagine the stereotypical image of an elderly spinster lady with a dozen cats. If not careful, permanent parents may begin to resemble this typecast character.

Less often are these furry children dressed-up, showed off, or sported around town because their parents remain at home more often than not. When they do visit the outside world, the TV remains on as a company, a bone is provided to keep them busy while alone, and a treat rewards them for being good upon return.

Permanent parenting practices create an attachment disorder for a pup. The dog feels insecure when alone and can show similar behaviors to those of part-time parents with an increased potential for whining. When dogs are taught to be alone for short periods, they accept it as a normal part of life and become better adjusted.

Forever families

In a forever family, a dog doesn’t know she is a canine because she is treated like a child — as it should be. From the day of her adoption, life decisions revolve around her existence. This describes life with Dagney. She rides in a doggy basket on our motorcycles, bicycles, and four-wheelers. We travel in a motorhome so she has a secure area to call home. She is comfortable being left alone when we sightsee knowing when we return she will be held and cuddled. On the few occasions, she can’t tag along on extended trips, we have a babysitter on speed dial.

Though we dress her up for the holidays, it is not to show her off but to include her in the action. She is never relegated to the corner or placed away when company arrives. Anyone walking through our door enjoys dog kisses because they come with the excitement of meeting a new friend.

When the grandchildren snuggle, Dagney participates in the hugs. Just as the kids have Barbies and Legos in the playroom and a drawer of snacks at just the right level to allow easy access, dog toys, an assortment of bones, and cozy blankets are always available for our four-legged friends. All the kids are spoiled at grandma and grandpa’s house.

Mammals are social beings. Humans and canines enjoy the company of others. Few people live content in isolation and most of us search out companionship. An ideal situation provides a home with love mixed with space to relax, frolic and follow your interests. A family with a dog is complete.

Dagney is our baby and a member of our family. More of her stories are available to read.

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