The type of parent you wanted to be and the type of parent you are can be two different things: you can fantasize all you want, but the moment you actually have someone to parent, odds are you’re going to have to pivot. That goes for everyone; humans, cats, dogs…
Recently, though, a study uncovered that there are three distinct approaches to dog parenting, and all of them vary. You honestly might not be the type of dog parent you think you are, but don’t worry; your dog loves you no matter what kind of parent you are.
If you’d like to find out, though, they are:
1. Actual Parent
As divisive as saying that you’re your dog’s parent is sometimes, this parenting style is the most common, with 49.5% of survey-takers identifying with it. These people regarded their dogs as total family members and, often, more important than any human. Additionally, this type of dog parent is more likely to keep their dog inside.
“Parent” identifiers do tend to be more permissive with bad behavior, the study shows. People who identify as dog parents reported that their pups were more prone to issues like:
- Jumping up.
- Begging.
- Territorial behavior.
Interestingly, though, these people didn’t show a significant difference in “parental status,” meaning that those of us who consider our dogs to be our children aren’t using them as a child “replacement” by a wider margin than any other category. They are, however, skewing younger than the other types of dog parents.
According to this study, people who have dogs like Dachshunds, Boxers, and non-working Border Collies are among some of the most likely to think of their dogs as their kids!
2. Colleague/Coworker
The last parenting style is exactly as it sounds: 31.1% of people who have dogs view their dogs as a part of the team, rather than part of the family. You’re roommates. You work together. You share banana bread in the break room, perhaps.
“Colleague” status pups are the most likely to be kept outside and not allowed in: they’re usually working dogs. They might be part of the police force, or they’re service animals, guardians, etc.,. They have a purpose and their parents want them to reach their full working potential, even if it means maintaining a greater emotional distance.
Common “colleague” breeds are:
- Belgian Shepherds
- Border Collies
- German Shepherds
- Labrador Retrievers
Colleague-status dogs are regarded in the study as the most obedient; they have the best off-leash safety skills, for example, and their recall is generally very good.
3. Companion
The least common answer (19.4%) to this survey was that dog parents thought of their dog as a “companion,” rather than a child. While “companion” parents do not identify as their dog’s parent, and they skew slightly older (about 40 years), they do believe that their dogs are more obedient.
Companion dogs are often kept inside most of the time, but they’re given “jobs,” thus lending companion status well to breeds like:
- Labrador Retrievers
- German Shepherds
- Cocker Spaniels
“Companion” status animals also tend to spend less time with their caretakers, as they’ve often been trained for more obedience and independence. These breeds are content to entertain themselves when they need to, and they are perceived as part of the family, but they’re not given the same regard as animals with “child” status.
All dog parents agree on some things
Listen, finding out what kind of dog parent you are is all in good fun. If you have a relationship with your dog that is serving both you and them well, then you are good to go. The researchers did not find that one status is any “better” than the others; the dog parents they surveyed all love their dogs, and many actually identified with aspects from multiple statuses. Parenting is never black and white.
However, across the study, there were a few key points everyone seems to agree on:
- Positive reinforcement is important, regardless of status.
- Unconditional love and frequent, positive physical contact is vital to any parent-dog relationship.
- Dogs of all status still require basic care and necessities.
- Everybody loves their dogs.
Every parenting style has its pros and cons, but as long as you’re making sure your pup is loved and cared for, you’re doing a great job!
