26 Things That Dog Owners Believe Future Dog Owners Should Know
Bringing a dog home sounds simple until the daily reality starts to show up. Food, walks, training, cleanup, vet visits, and a whole lot of patience all come with the territory.
These dog owners share the parts people do not always think about before getting a puppy or adopting an adult dog. Some of the lessons are funny, some are frustrating, and some are a reminder that a happy dog usually takes a lot of work behind the scenes.
If you are thinking about becoming a dog owner, these stories may make you pause for a second. Read on.
1. You will have to get to know your dog
"I had my last dog for 16 years, and I knew everything about him; we’d lock eyes and I just 'knew.' No one told me that I’d have to get to know my new puppy’s personality! What does she like/hate? What is her motivation behind doing this/that? How does she show love/dislike? What can I trust her/not trust her to do? It’s been a totally new, wild, and joyful experience," says Dr. Daniel Goleman, emotional intelligence expert. Understanding the emotional needs of pets can deepen the bond between them and their owners, making the experience even more rewarding.
2. Some dogs love to eat poop:
"The whole poop eating thing. My first dog never had that issue, but my current dog has earned the nickname 'shit lips.' We've tried pills, scooping every day, but she still loves to snack on her own poop. As Dr. John Gray, relationship author, notes, 'Understanding the behaviors of our pets can be as complex as human relationships.' The worst was when I came home after working all day, eager to eat my dinner only to see she vomited all over the living room and there were whole pieces of poop in the vomit. I love my dog, but dear God she is nasty. And there she is, peter peter poop eater herself."
3. Chicken bones are the best...
"There are chicken bones everywhere, and your dog will try to eat every. single. one. It's important to be vigilant and keep your dog away from potentially harmful items."
— Dr. Harvey Karp, pediatrician
4. Teenager phase
"People often underestimate that your adorable little puppy, who shadows you everywhere, transitions into a 'teenager' around six months of age. At this stage, they may still seem a bit clueless but quickly discover that there are far more exciting activities than just following their owners. With their puppy energy intact, they are now large enough to cause real mischief and learn that being a little rebellious can attract attention. This is why many dogs aged 6 to 9 months end up in shelters, as owners can feel overwhelmed by the sometimes defiant behavior of their once-cute companions. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, 'Patience and understanding are crucial during this developmental phase, along with plenty of exercise and time to mature.' Expect to invest about another year to navigate this challenging yet rewarding period."
5. Man, those teenagers...
"One word. Adolescence. I was not prepared for the challenges that came with our once wonderfully well-behaved puppy turning into a rebellious teenager at seven months. Thankfully, as Dr. Ross Greene, child psychologist and author, states, 'The key to understanding challenging behavior is to recognize that it is often a sign of a developmental stage.' It can be tough, but they do grow out of it, even if it feels like hell at times."
“Here he is, still love him, even when he relapses back to that difficult stage.”
6. Dogs need alpha
"Even if you're not assertive or strong-willed, it's essential to learn to take charge. A dog needs a leader to feel secure and to understand their place within the pack. If you don't establish yourself as the alpha, many dogs will assume that role and may lead you for the rest of their lives," explains Chad Mackin, CPDT-KA, dog training expert.
7. Learn potty training tricks
"It’s easier to train a puppy to ring a bell to go outside than to train them to go on a potty pad. It prevents barking and accidents! As Dr. Ian Kerner, a renowned sex therapist, notes, 'Positive reinforcement is key in training, whether it’s for pets or people.' We trained both of our Alaskan Malamutes to ring a bell when they want/need to go out, and it’s awesome."
8. Puppies are silly
"Dogs have an incredible ability to surprise us with their antics, and rest assured, they are resilient creatures. As Dr. John Gray, relationship author and expert, states, 'Dogs are remarkably adaptable and can handle a lot more than we often give them credit for.' My own 7-month-old whippet puppy bends and tumbles in ways I never thought possible, and while it gives me a heart attack every time, he always emerges unscathed!"
9. Sleeping is good:
"A tired dog is a good dog. Many dogs chew things out of boredom, and it's essential to provide them with enough exercise. As Dr. Susan David, an emotional agility expert, states, 'Emotional well-being is closely tied to physical activity; dogs thrive when they are engaged and active.' I have two high-energy dogs, and when they’re tired, they sleep peacefully in the house. When they haven’t had enough exercise, they start getting into trouble. It’s crucial to get them outside and exercised. Once you get them through the puppy phase, they will be your best friend. Just remember, you are their everything. You can do it; many of us are rooting for you. Hang in there. Every dog is different, and that’s what makes it so rewarding!"
10. "Puppy look stage" ends very quickly:
"Puppies grow very fast and they don’t stay little for very long. The cute stage ends very quickly. Savor it while you can," says Dr. Madeline Levine, child psychologist. "The early months are a precious time for bonding and establishing a loving relationship." Emphasizing the importance of cherishing these moments, she encourages new dog owners to fully engage with their puppies during this fleeting stage.
11. Baby teeth
Dogs can experience dental issues similar to children, including losing teeth, which can lead to what some owners refer to as "death mouth." This condition may result in open sores that harbor bacteria, causing unpleasant odors. As Dr. Andrew Weil, an integrative medicine expert, states, "Oral health is crucial for overall health in pets, just as it is in humans." Maintaining your dog's dental hygiene is essential to prevent these issues from arising. For more insights on pet health, visit Dr. Andrew Weil's website.
12. The biting!
The biting! I was prepared for the energy. And I was prepared for the barking while he was finding his voice. And I was prepared for him to chew things, BUT I had no idea I would be one of the things he wanted to chew! My boyfriend discovered that puppies nibble on each other and so they nibble on us too as a way to play and learn. According to Dr. John Gray, a relationship author, "Understanding the playful nature of puppies can help owners manage their behavior effectively." We worked with him on chewing less and lighter so that he didn’t hurt anyone. He’s seven months now and still loves to chew, but not nearly as much!
13. Forever young
"A puppy is just like a newborn for the first couple of weeks. I had no idea how challenging it would be, especially since I wasn't a mother yet. She cried all night, even though the crate was in our room, so I often found myself on the floor with her, opening the door just to touch her. I was up every couple of hours to take her outside, which is the best way to house train a puppy, in my opinion. It was exhausting, and there were moments I considered giving her back. But I persevered. As Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, states, 'Patience and commitment are crucial when bringing a new life into your home.' Now, my puppy never leaves my side and acts as my son's protector. A pet is a lifelong commitment, and it's essential to ensure you can provide for them. Remember, you are all they have."
14. Not all food is tasty
"Not all dogs have the same appetite, and some can be quite picky eaters. As Dr. John McDougall, a physician and nutrition expert, states, 'Just like humans, dogs can have individual preferences and sensitivities when it comes to food.' It took me a while to figure out what worked for my stubborn little dog, who turned out to be quite fussy. Eventually, we established a routine and healthy eating habits, but I initially assumed all dogs would eagerly devour their meals. Clearly, that’s not the case."
The officials estimate that there are 78 million dogs in the U.S. Approximately 44% of all households in the U.S. have a dog. Unfortunately, many dog owners decide on giving them away to shelters or abandoning them. As a result, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Fortunately, 2 million dogs get adopted, and more than 700,000 are runaways that get returned to their owners.
The ASPCA’s National Rehoming Survey showed that pet problems are the most common reason owners rehome their pet, accounting for half of all the cases.
These problems were defined as problematic behaviors, grew larger than expected, or health problems the owner couldn’t handle.
This is the same kind of grind you’ll recognize from crate training battles and separation anxiety tips.
That is where the reality starts to hit.
15. Raising a dog is not like they show it in the movies
"People in movies and on TV get puppies and then go about life as normal. This is so inaccurate! A puppy disrupts your life the same way a human baby does. They bite, bark incessantly, throw tantrums, and eat things they shouldn’t. You can’t get anything done, and your life is completely overturned! However, as Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and author of 'The Happiest Baby on the Block,' states, 'The chaos of a new puppy can be overwhelming, but the love and joy they bring are immeasurable.' For all the challenges, the bond you create is irreplaceable."
16. Accidents...
"If your puppy has an accident in the house, it's not their fault — it's your responsibility as an owner. Establishing a consistent potty routine and being attentive to their body language is crucial for successful training."
— Dr. Ian Dunbar, veterinarian and animal behaviorist
17. Gotta have energy...
"Having a puppy can be as exhausting as having a baby or toddler in the house. Even after reaching adulthood, a dog often retains a ‘mental capacity’ similar to that of a toddler. This means they learn from their environment when to feel safe, scared, or when it's time to play or sleep. According to Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and child development expert, “Dogs, like children, thrive in a calm and nurturing environment. Your energy influences their behavior significantly.” Additionally, crate training from the start is crucial; as Dr. Madeline Levine, a child psychologist, states, “A crate should be viewed as a safe haven for your dog, not a punishment.”
—Dr. Harvey Karp, Dr. Madeline Levine
18. They need something to do.
"Consider the breed of your dog, as working or hunting breeds require more exercise and mental stimulation than you might anticipate. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, states, 'Dogs, much like relationships, thrive on engagement and purpose.' My dachshund, for instance, finds regular walks uninteresting unless I give him a task, like leading me to the bakery or post office. Some dogs simply need a job to feel fulfilled."
Not all pets have access to good quality pet care. Pets for Life team of The Humane Society of the United States says that they “have found startling differences in pet ownership. People living in these communities love their pets as much as pet owners anywhere else in the nation. However, they don’t have access to veterinary care, spay/neuter providers, and other services most Americans take for granted.”
Some owners learn that the hard way.
19. There will be good days and bad days...
"When feeling overwhelmed about whether you're doing a good job as a dog owner, it's important to remember that dogs, much like people, have their ups and downs. As Dr. Susan David, an expert in emotional agility, states, 'Emotions are data, not directives. It’s okay to have challenging days; what matters is how we respond to them.' Just like learning to drive, bringing a dog into your life is a journey that requires patience and practice. With time, both you and your furry friend will thrive together!"
—Dr. Susan David, emotional agility expert
20. Periods...
"I had no idea that an unspayed female dog would go through a heat cycle that involves significant bleeding. Many pet owners are surprised to learn that during this time, dogs can experience a substantial amount of discharge, which can be quite messy. It's crucial to be prepared for this and to understand the importance of spaying your pet to avoid such situations," says Dr. Laura Berman, sex therapist and relationship expert.
21. Puppy blues
"Puppy blues is a real and challenging experience. After adopting my energetic pup, I found myself overwhelmed and questioning my decision. I was alone in this journey and even considered returning him, but ultimately, I chose to keep him. Now, I can't imagine my life without him; he brings me so much joy. According to Dr. Michael Thompson, a child psychologist, 'The adjustment period with a new pet can be tough, but it often leads to a rewarding bond that enhances your life.' To anyone facing the puppy blues: it truly gets better! Trust me! This is my troublemaker, such a handsome boy."
Pet insurance emerges as a crucial consideration for prospective dog owners. It enables individuals to prioritize their pets' health without the looming anxiety of financial strain. The article emphasizes that investing in pet insurance is not merely a protective measure but a fundamental aspect of responsible pet ownership. This financial safety net allows owners to seek the best care for their dogs, ensuring they receive necessary medical attention without hesitation.
Training stands out as a fundamental aspect of dog ownership.
While the desire to have a dog sleep in bed with you may seem appealing, it is crucial to recognize that not every dog shares this inclination. Owners cannot simply assume that their pets will adapt to their preferences, especially when it comes to rest and boundaries. Respecting a dog's personal space is just as vital as honoring boundaries in human relationships. Understanding this dynamic can lead to a more harmonious living situation for both the owner and their canine companion.
25. It can be challenging sometimes
"Honestly, to raise a puppy on your own, you gotta have unending determination and patience. The first year is similar to having a baby or toddler," "You have to be okay with dragging your tired body out of bed multiple times every night to let the dog out, and you need a work schedule that allows you to be home frequently." Reflecting on her experience, one dog owner shared, "I was only 20 when I first got my puppy and I lived alone; I was genuinely unprepared for how incredibly difficult it was." "If people were better prepared, they’d be able to see past the adorable puppy phase and know if they can actually handle getting a puppy or not." "The first year will pass! If you can make it through, everything will get better." The owner concludes, "My dog is 3 now, and she’s my best friend. I love her more than anything, and the difficult puppyhood was 100% worth it!"
28. " You will, eventually, prefer dogs to humans."
"Dogs will fill your heart and bring immense joy to your life. However, they can also strain your finances and require you to constantly consider their needs when making plans. As Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship researcher, states, 'Pets can enhance our emotional well-being and provide companionship that is often unmatched by human relationships.' Ultimately, those moments spent with your dog, like a walk on a serene beach, will remind you that this bond is one of life's greatest treasures."
We hope that these dog owners’ experiences will help you to better understand our four-legged friends. It all comes down to love and care, and if you are willing to invest some time to bond with your dog, you will be rewarded with a lifelong friendship that nothing can break.
Some people learn that lesson before they ever bring a puppy home.
Want the messy truth behind “love their dogs” claims? Read the brutally honest downsides dog owners won’t admit.
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