Three Things to Know
Researchers proposed a two-phase model for the owner-dog relationship. The first phase, the motivational phase, occurs before acquiring a dog, where owners form their expectations about dog ownership. The second phase, the experience phase, begins once the dog comes home, and owners’ perspectives and behaviors evolve based on their actual experiences.
The study compared the experiences of first-time dog owners with those of experienced owners (current or previous) during these two stages. First-time dog owners initially exhibited more caution and lower confidence in their ability to handle a dog. They also demonstrated lower levels of commitment to dog ownership.
However, after six months, the self-efficacy and commitment of first-time dog owners significantly increased, reflecting the positive impact of real-life experiences with their dogs. In addition, shared experiences, such as regular walks, playtime, and training exercises, were identified as crucial factors in fostering stronger owner-dog bonds and increasing owner satisfaction.
For Dog Welfare Practitioners:
For dog shelters, trainers, and veterinarians, it is crucial to provide comprehensive support for first-time dog owners throughout their journey, particularly during the initial motivational stage and the crucial first six months of ownership. Setting realistic expectations can empower first-time owners to better prepare for the challenges and rewards of dog ownership. On the other hand, showing encouragement to first-time dog owners in the first six months can help them gain confidence and deepen their commitment.
Shelters, in particular, must critically examine their adoption processes to ensure they are not inadvertently creating barriers for first-time owners. Unconscious biases against applicants who may initially appear less confident or committed could be hindering the placement of suitable dogs in loving homes. This study highlights that with the right guidance and support, first-time owners are equally capable of providing excellent care for their canine companions.
Furthermore, dog shelters and trainers should actively seek ways to foster stronger owner-dog bonds by encouraging shared experiences. This can involve organizing dedicated events, such as puppy socialization classes or agility workshops, or suggesting simple, problem-solving activities that require owners to work collaboratively with their dogs.
The Full Picture
Dog ownership in the West is primarily sought for companionship, offering benefits like increased activity and reduced stress. On the contrary, it also poses challenges including health risks, emotional stress, and the demands of care, such as time and finances. Unrealistic expectations about these demands can strain the owner-dog bond.
Expectations are shaped by prior experience, knowledge, and societal views. While experienced owners may overestimate their abilities based on past successes, first-time owners may be overly cautious. Individual attitudes, beliefs, and confidence in handling dogs significantly impact their behavior and the quality of the owner-dog relationship.
The study, titled “Expectations Versus Reality: Long-Term Research on the Dog–Owner Relationship”, proposes a two-phase model for the owner-dog relationship:
- Motivational Phase: Expectations are formed before acquiring a dog, based on perceived advantages, disadvantages, and self-efficacy.
- Experience Phase: Owners’ perceptions and behaviors evolve as they interact with the dog over time.
This study followed dog owners for 18 months, observing how their thoughts and feelings about dog ownership evolved over time. Specifically, it examined factors such as their confidence in handling their dog (self-efficacy), their perceptions of the costs and benefits of dog ownership, and their commitment to caring for their pet. The study also tracked key outcomes, including owner satisfaction and the occurrence of any behavioral problems in their dogs. It aims to compare how these perceptions and outcomes differ between experienced and inexperienced dog owners.
Study Methods
The study recruited participants from the Netherlands who were planning to acquire a dog within a year. Through online questionnaires, data were collected at three points: baseline (T0), six months (T1), and eighteen months (T2) after acquiring a dog. A total of 183 participants provided complete data across all three stages for the same dog.
This study assessed self-efficacy (confidence in dog care), social comparison (perceived abilities relative to others), perceived ownership advantages and disadvantages, commitment to the dog, canine behavioral problems, perceived costs (financial and emotional burdens), and satisfaction with the dog.
Study Results
Most participants were female (87%) and highly educated (59%), with an average age of 43 years. The majority (76%) obtained a puppy, and 80% attended dog-training courses. Participants were categorized into three groups: first-time dog owners, those who previously owned dogs (previous dog owners), and those already owning another dog at the study’s start (current dog owners).
The study examined five social-cognitive variables — self-efficacy, social comparison, commitment, perceived advantages, and perceived disadvantages — in both first-time and experienced dog owners across three time points.
First-time Dog Owners
First-time owners entered dog ownership with lower initial levels of self-efficacy and commitment compared to experienced owners, also exhibiting lower perceived advantages and higher perceived disadvantages. Notably, first-time owners demonstrated significant increases in self-efficacy and commitment during the early stages of ownership, suggesting that initial caution and uncertainty were replaced by practical knowledge and confidence gained through experience. In contrast, experienced owners maintained relatively stable levels of self-efficacy and commitment, suggesting their initial expectations were realistic and shaped by prior experiences. Most owners demonstrated high commitment after 18 months.
No significant differences in reported behavioral problems were found between experienced and first-time owners. However, experienced owners may have better coping mechanisms or resources (e.g., other dogs in the household) to address these issues. The prevalence of behavioral problems in this study was lower than reported in other studies, potentially due to sample characteristics.
Other Findings
Perceived advantages of dog ownership increased for all owners over time, with current owners experiencing the highest levels. Conversely, perceived disadvantages declined across all groups, although first-time owners consistently perceived more disadvantages. Satisfaction with the dog and perceived costs remained relatively stable throughout the study period for all groups.
Commitment, crucial for navigating the challenges of dog ownership, is closely linked to emotional attachment and owner satisfaction. The study found a moderate relationship between commitment and satisfaction, emphasizing the importance of shared activities, such as walking and playing, in fostering strong owner-dog bonds.
Demographic Influences
Several demographic factors influenced the study outcomes.
- Education: Highly educated participants exhibited greater self-efficacy but perceived fewer advantages of dog ownership compared to those with lower education levels.
- Dog Age: Owners of puppies demonstrated higher self-efficacy, stronger social comparisons (comparing themselves to other owners), and greater satisfaction than owners of adult dogs.
- Participant Age: Older participants perceived more disadvantages and fewer advantages of dog ownership.
- Gender: Gender did not significantly impact any of the study outcomes.
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of understanding the dynamic nature of owner-dog relationships, particularly during the critical early stages. By examining how social-cognitive factors, such as self-efficacy, perceived advantages and disadvantages, and commitment, evolve over time, we gain valuable insights into the factors that contribute to successful and fulfilling owner-dog relationships.
The study found that significant shifts in these social-cognitive determinants occur primarily within the first six months of dog ownership, with subsequent changes being more gradual. This highlights the early experience phase as a pivotal period of adjustment and relationship formation, during which owners adapt to the realities of dog ownership and establish a foundation for a strong and fulfilling bond with their canine companions.
Furthermore, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing potential challenges and misconceptions during the pre-acquisition phase. By providing prospective owners with realistic expectations, addressing concerns, and fostering a sense of preparedness, we can potentially enhance the likelihood of positive and long-lasting owner-dog relationships.
Miscellaneous
Data From Study:
–
Year of Publication:
2020
External Link:
Bouma EMC, Vink LM, Dijkstra A. Expectations Versus Reality: Long-Term Research on the Dog–Owner Relationship. Animals. 2020; 10(5):772. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani10050772