What type of people should never own a dog

Dogs are often portrayed as easy, loving companions, but the reality is that whether a dog is good or bad, loving or anxious, is largely due to the owner. Bringing a dog into your life is not just about choosing the right breed; it means committing to years of care and sacrifice. 

From the impact on your daily routine to the financial, emotional and practical demands involved, as the owner, you face the burden of making it work. Here are seven reasons why owning a dog might not be the right choice and why you might actually be an unfit owner.

1. You’ll get the puppy blues

Many people imagine that bringing a puppy home will be nothing but endless snuggles and joy. But in reality, the demands of puppies include sleepless nights and constant attention, which can quickly take its toll, according to pet experts at Rover. 

The expert admitted: “In fact, a recent study found that 45% of new dog parents had negative feelings during puppyhood. This malaise often stems from the overwhelming realisation that a little ball of floof has completely changed your whole world.

“With a bit of time and adjustment, the puppy blues will eventually go away, but while you’re in it, it’s rough.”

2. 12-year commitment

Another aspect of owning a dog is the long-term commitment. Studies reveal that the average dog lives around 12 years (depending on breed and size).

This long-lasting responsibility will shape your daily routine, your home, and even your lifestyle for over a decade. If you’re not prepared to adapt consistently, you should probably not own a dog.

3. Forever toddler

According to the blog at Rover, dog trainer Michelle Reindal of The Paid Pup shared: “Dogs are not a species you bring into your life and expect to fit in perfectly without work, consistency, and a deep commitment to their learning and welfare.

“They can be loud, annoying, and incredibly frustrating – pretty comparable to bringing in a forever three-year-old toddler. You’ll need patience, curiosity, responsibility, and an endless cup of compassion.’

4. You don’t have a garden

Dogs don’t need a garden to stay active and stimulated, but there’s no denying it’s much easier to let them out in a garden, whether it’s to use the toilet or to play. Depending on your breed, most dogs need one to two walks a day, with a minimum of 30 minutes of activity. Even with a backyard, you still need to take precautions to ensure your dog is safe.

There are several important safety measures every dog owner should take to keep their pooch safe. First, check that fences are secure and free from broken panels or gaps that your dog could squeeze through, as reported by Dogs Trust. 

Make sure their flea, tick and worm treatments are up to date. Finally, inspect your plants to ensure none are toxic, and never leave clippings or uprooted plants within your dog’s reach.

5. 800+ hours a year cleaning

Dogs can create plenty of extra mess around the house, so if you like a sparkling clean home, it’s best to avoid owning a pooch. According to Rover, in a survey of more than 2,000 pet owners, three in four admitted they now spend more time cleaning because of their pets, totalling an average of 832 hours a year.

6. Separation anxiety

The dog experts also admitted that one in every four or six dogs may have separation anxiety. “Just like reactivity, this behavioural issue can have a negative impact on a person’s well-being.

“If the dog has behavioural issues that are a struggle to deal with for the human, this can cause anxiety and even isolation for the human. This can be worked through, obviously, but it is a big commitment.”

7. You have small children

You should not own a dog if raising small children feels overwhelming at the same time. A dog is essentially another toddler in the house, demanding attention, training, and care.

For some families, it may be wiser to wait until the kids are older, while others might find certain breeds better suited to a household full of little ones.