Abstract
ABSTRACTPolicy and campaigning messages related to dog ownership and welfare center on the concept of responsible ownership. However, the perspectives and experiences of pet owners and how they perceive and perform their responsibilities has not been studied in depth. This qualitative study used conversations about owning and walking dogs in order to elucidate beliefs and views about responsibility in dog ownership. Data comprised 12 in-depth interviews with dog-owning households, 14 short interviews with dog owners while walking their dogs or representing their breed at a dog show, and autoethnography of the first author’s experiences owning and walking dogs. All participants considered themselves responsible dog owners, yet there was great variation in key aspects of their dog-owning behavior. The feelings of responsibility were rooted in the valued unconditional and reciprocal love that owners believed underpinned their human–dog bond. Dogs were described as dependents, similar to, but different from, children. In deciding how to look after their dogs, owners sought to balance their views of dogs as kin, having individual needs to be met, with consideration of the needs of others. Four processes through which issues of irresponsible dog ownership may arise were suggested: owner–dog relationship being too weak or too strong; differences in interpretation of what is best for the dog; difficulties predicting and avoiding situations of conflict; and differences in tolerance of negative impacts of dog ownership. While “responsible dog ownership” has considerable appeal as a concept, how it is perceived and interpreted varies so extensively that simply telling owners that they should “be responsible” is of limited use as a message to promote behavior change. Facilitating “responsible dog ownership” and reducing “irresponsible dog owner” behaviors relies on a detailed understanding of the variables which influence how the dog’s role is constructed within the family and the wider society.
Highlights
❖ The issue of responsible dog ownership is commonly discussed in regards to solving societal nuisance and animal welfare problems perceived to be due to irresponsible owner behavior
Typical interview discussions were around questions such as “What are the most/least enjoyable parts of owning a dog?”, “Can you describe a typical dog walk,” and “How important do you think exercise is for dogs and why do you believe that?” The data collection was supplemented by autoethnography of the first author’s own experience of dog walking with three dogs and a baby over a-two-year period and documenting discussions had with others about dog walking and dog ownership during this time
Owners primarily used the term responsibility when talking about decisions made regarding care for their dog; they believe that their responsibility is to the dog and less to others who may be impacted by the dog
Summary
❖ The issue of responsible dog ownership is commonly discussed in regards to solving societal nuisance and animal welfare problems perceived to be due to irresponsible owner behavior. If one were to try to make a generic list of characteristics associated with being a responsible dog owner, it might include having control over the dog, providing appropriate nutrition and exercise, removing its feces from public places, neutering, correct identification and micro-chipping, and taking care of the dog’s health and wellbeing (Dogs Trust, 2016; The Kennel Club, 2015) These descriptions appear to be underpinned by a desire to make owners behave in certain ways that are perceived by various stakeholders as good practice. Even where there are clear associated governmental regulations concerning dogs, such as registration and identification, they are proving difficult to enforce (Rohlf, Bennett, Toukhsati, & Coleman, 2010)
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