Owning a dog is a big obligation that goes far beyond cuddles and playtime; dogs need consistent time, patience, and a commitment to prioritising their needs above your own.
Dogs are often hailed as man’s best friend, but not everyone is cut out to be a dog owner. Owning a dog is a significant commitment that extends beyond cuddles and playtime; dogs require consistent time, patience, and a dedication to prioritising their needs above your own.
A professional dog expert, known as Sam the Dog Trainer, cautions that some individuals (despite good intentions) with these personality types may not be suited as pet owners. He stated, “I meet and see a lot of people who shouldn’t own a dog. If you get offended by what I am about to say, then you shouldn’t own a dog.”
The ‘Mummy or Daddy’
The dog trainer began by warning against people who treat a dog like a human baby.
He explained: “They refuse to treat a dog like a dog. Their dogs fill an abnormal need for attention and companionship that robs the dog of its dignity and place as a dog in their homes. These people spoil their dogs.”
Sam continued to say that ‘Mummy and Daddy’ type of people often won’t train their dogs. These types of owners reject the idea that dogs are pack animals that thrive under clear leadership. Without structure and guidance, dogs struggle to learn commands, follow rules, and overcome behavioural issues.
The ‘Sluggard’
The sluggard, or the procrastinator, is someone who gets no pleasure or reward from training their dog. This type of owner often leads to a miserable life for a dog.
Sam shared: “As long as this kind of person stays unmotivated to train and care for a dog, they shouldn’t own a dog. There is always something better to do than take care of the dog. Meals are skipped, the house is a mess, and cleaning is put off.”
He added that the Sluggard would benefit from working with a personal trainer who worked with them and the dog to keep them both motivated.
The ‘Nitwit’
“A Nitwit is a negligent dog owner. Some let their dog run the streets, or they don’t keep up the dog’s vaccinations, or they let kids or adults provoke their dog into an explosive attack, or they don’t control their dangerously aggressive dog, or they don’t protect their dog from harm,” said Sam.
A person convicted of failing their duty of care, abandonment or other offences to an animal can be fined up to £40,000 or jailed up for up to a year, or both.
The Cheapskates
Another personality type that should never own a dog is a cheapskate. This is someone who has money but won’t spend money on their dog.
Sam complained: “They bargain shop when caring for their dog. Their idea of bargain shopping is not getting the best dog for their money, it’s finding excuses why they shouldn’t have to spend any money on their dog at all.”
The Acquirer
Some people only follow what’s popular, prestigious, or aesthetically pleasing (the cutest) when choosing a dog to own, but the trainer criticises this mindset.
Sam explained: “The acquirer gets a dog because the dog will get the owner something.
“This includes the person who gets a dog because they want to attract other people to them, not because they feel they have a need in their lives for a companion dog […] These people lack compassion for dogs and are likely to ‘throw away’ a dog to get another one.”
