UK, Essex, woman holding her Cockapoo dog in a green field on an early spring morning (Image: Gary Yeowell via Getty Images)
The idea of owning a dog is often filled with images of cosy cuddles, long walks and a loyal companion waiting at the door. In reality, dogs require time, effort and money — and not everyone can handle the responsbility.
In fact, certain personality types may find the demands of training, exercise and constant care more stressful than rewarding. A professional canine expert, known as Sam the Dog Trainer, warns that certain people may not be suited to dog ownership due to their personality types despite their good intentions. He said, “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.”
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People that treat a dog like a human baby is on the list (Image: Catherine Falls Commercial via Getty Images)
The ‘Mummy or Daddy’
The dog trainer started by cautioning against those who treat a dog like a human infant.
He elaborated: “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 went on to say that ‘Mummy and Daddy’ type individuals often won’t train their dogs. These kinds of owners reject the notion that dogs are pack animals that flourish under clear leadership.
Without structure and guidance, dogs find it difficult to learn commands, adhere to rules, and overcome behavioural problems.
The ‘Sluggard’
The sluggard, or the procrastinator, is someone who derives no joy or reward from training their dog. This type of owner often leads to a miserable existence for a dog.
Sam revealed: “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 suggested that the Sluggard would benefit from collaborating with a personal trainer who could work with both them and the dog to maintain motivation for both parties.
Some dogs are only bought for their prestigious title (Image: eAlisa via Getty Images)
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,” Sam explained.
Anyone found guilty of breaching their duty of care, abandonment or other animal-related offences faces a fine of up to £40,000 or imprisonment for up to a year, or both penalties.
The Cheapskates
Another character type unsuited to dog ownership is the cheapskate. This describes someone with financial means who refuses to invest properly in their dog.
Sam expressed frustration: “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
Certain individuals merely chase what’s fashionable, prestigious, or visually appealing (the cutest) when selecting a dog to own, but the trainer condemns this approach. Sam elucidated: “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.”
