Results: Dog Ownership Poll
Published on 08/29/2023
Let's talk about dogs!
QUESTIONS
GO to COMMENTS
Comments
1.
1.
Do you currently own a dog? Yes
33%
735 votes
No
60%
1318 votes
Interested in getting a dog or puppy at some point in the future
7%
147 votes
2.
2.
Before getting a dog, do you feel educating yourself as an owner on dog behavior, health, and styles of training is important to set yourself and your dog up for success? Yes
62%
1374 votes
No
38%
826 votes
- owned a dog as a child and used that knowledge
- You will have a better behaved dog if you are prepared to have and train it.
- Check out the breed
3.
3.
What general type(s) of training have you done with your dog so far? Please explain why or why not below. We will get into the styles & approaches next! Individual lessons with a professional trainer
6%
136 votes
Self-taught training at home
24%
528 votes
I have not done any type of training with my dog (by myself at home or through a professional organization)
6%
124 votes
Board & Train program through a professional trainer
4%
87 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
16 votes
Group lessons with a professional trainer
7%
161 votes
Group lessons through a large organization (Petco/PetSmart/Camp Bow Wow/etc.)
4%
96 votes
Not Applicable
59%
1305 votes
- I have had dogs all my life and I know how to train them.
- I teach my dog bite hard because I no want weirdo to sniff little girls and molest
- I knew what I wanted my dog to do and be, wanted them to listen to me, not someone else, it's too confusing for them, so I taught them what I wanted myself, by lots of love, patience, and repetition... not too much of the latter....smart dog!!!
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.35% | 4 | |
| research and common sense | 0.17% | 2 |
| Love cats | 0.09% | 1 |
| I'm a retired vet tech | 0.09% | 1 |
| I no longer teach "tricks" or even basic obedience with no purpose. My dogs know what is important to me and we train each other. | 0.09% | 1 |
| Real life positive reward training | 0.09% | 1 |
| Watch online how to videos | 0.09% | 1 |
| show dog | 0.09% | 1 |
| He had some basic training before we got him | 0.09% | 1 |
| Not had the time to do any obedience training in the last 2 years due to husband's health and need for nursing | 0.09% | 1 |
| service animal (vision canine) | 0.09% | 1 |
| Just self training skills | 0.09% | 1 |
4.
4.
Which best describes the style(s) of or approach(es) to training that you have done with your dog? In the "Please Explain" box, we would love to hear what worked best and what did not for you and your individual dog. Force Free / R+ (rewards-based only, does not use any type of correction or punishment)
11%
232 votes
Balanced training (Positive Reinforcement & rewards-based training paired with corrections or negative reinforcement as needed. It customizes the approach & tools used to your specific dog's needs and how they as an individual most clearly understand our communication)
17%
364 votes
Dog Sports training (agility, dock diving, nose work, flyball, rally, etc.)
4%
98 votes
Service or Guide Dog training (i.e. Seeing Eye/Hearing Dog, Seizure/Cardiac/etc. Alert Dog, specific to conditions such as Autism/MS/ALS/etc.)
3%
62 votes
Protection training through a professional organization or certified trainer
2%
42 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
15 votes
I have not done any style of training with my dog (by myself at home or through a professional)
7%
164 votes
Not Applicable
63%
1380 votes
- Both dogs and kids learn best this way.
- My dog no need too much extra train. He sense bad person who sniff little girls and molest
- Dogs like humans, need and thrive on encouragement, and they learn better, and faster.
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.61% | 6 | |
| Cats best | 0.10% | 1 |
| Reward and praise for correct behavior | 0.10% | 1 |
| At home only | 0.10% | 1 |
| See above answer. | 0.10% | 1 |
| Watch online videos on how to train your dog | 0.10% | 1 |
| trained dogs myself with love and patience nothing more | 0.10% | 1 |
| I used clicker and voice | 0.10% | 1 |
| just keep at same thing | 0.10% | 1 |
| professional trainer at my house | 0.10% | 1 |
5.
5.
Which best describes the benefits you see in training your dog? Select all that apply, and feel free to explain below! Opportunity to grow our bond and relationship
24%
528 votes
Provides my dog with more freedom and opportunities for adventure
15%
328 votes
Ensures my dog is able to be comfortable and confident in any setting
23%
515 votes
So I can relax and not worry about their behavior when guests come over
21%
465 votes
Allows me to keep my dog safe in our unpredictable human world
22%
478 votes
Avoids the risk of developing separation anxiety or destructive tendencies
14%
304 votes
Provides them with ample mental and physical stimulation
18%
386 votes
Because it's fun for both of us!
18%
398 votes
Other (please specify)
3%
61 votes
None of the above, I don't see any benefits in dog training/ Don't have a dog
48%
1065 votes
So that I can enjoy our walks and outings without worry that my dog will go nuts or react to something in a way that I don't like/cannot handle
21%
461 votes
- Dogs are better than most people, more comforting, honest and dependable to say the least, as long as you love and treat them well, like us, that's what they respond to best, and you can bond better , and have lots more fun
- The dog will work hard to fit in - let it.
- My dogs and I live together. They know what I like and dislike. I did not "train" them to know.
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.71% | 28 | |
| n/a | 0.18% | 7 |
| na | 0.10% | 4 |
| Don't have a dog | 0.05% | 2 |
| all of the above | 0.05% | 2 |
| Don’t have a dog | 0.05% | 2 |
| no dog | 0.05% | 2 |
| I don't have a dog | 0.03% | 1 |
| I just provide food and water with housing and protective pen.She provides a warning bark and a happy bruhy tail. | 0.03% | 1 |
| Not applicable | 0.03% | 1 |
| I don't own a dog | 0.03% | 1 |
| no dog to get any benefit | 0.03% | 1 |
| I do not have a dog | 0.03% | 1 |
| I have a cat | 0.03% | 1 |
| I don’t have a dog | 0.03% | 1 |
| None--no pets | 0.03% | 1 |
| I have 2 cats | 0.03% | 1 |
| I do not have a dog I have a cat. | 0.03% | 1 |
| I do not know as I have never had a dog/pet, never will have a dog/pet as I do not have the money. | 0.03% | 1 |
| don't have dog | 0.03% | 1 |
| I no longer have dogs. At my age the dog would outlive me and that's cruel to the dog. | 0.03% | 1 |
6.
6.
Thinking about your daily routine, do you find yourself doing any of the following with your dog? Waiting patiently at doorways (not rushing through as soon as you crack it open)
11%
242 votes
Asking for a heel on walks
8%
168 votes
Only allowing furniture privileges when I give permission
6%
142 votes
Waiting patiently for meals and treats
17%
375 votes
Using meals and daily treats as interactive games or to ask for various commands
9%
195 votes
Kennelling at night and/or when you leave the home
6%
134 votes
Asking them to respect guests' space by not jumping or rushing to greet them
12%
268 votes
Asking them to respect other humans'/dogs' space on walks or outings by not rushing to greet them
9%
205 votes
Incorporating basic commands into playtime
11%
239 votes
Giving dedicated rest time away from me during the day so they can physically and mentally decompress
8%
172 votes
None of the above/Don't have a dog
63%
1382 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
23 votes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 0.69% | 15 | |
| n/a | 0.09% | 2 |
| na | 0.05% | 1 |
| They learn better and faster, when you make a game of teaching times | 0.05% | 1 |
| So they are housebroken. | 0.05% | 1 |
| so hard to train, loves everyone when shopping loves to socialize but train????? | 0.05% | 1 |
| My dog is now 16,all of the above comes naturally for her for many many years | 0.05% | 1 |
| as I now require a hip replacement my dog suffers by my lack of mobility | 0.05% | 1 |
7.
7.
If you selected any of the choices in the previous question, but have answered so far that you do not do any training with your dog, would you be surprised to hear that this means you actually do provide training and structure in your dog's life at home? Please explain why. Yes
19%
409 votes
No
81%
1791 votes
- I don't understand your question.
- I love her.
- Same with children
8.
8.
If you have not chosen to do any training with your dog, or have not done anything besides what you already knew on your own, which best describes the reason why? Too expensive
7%
160 votes
Too time-consuming
4%
92 votes
It will take away my dog's personality
3%
76 votes
It will take away my dog's freedom
3%
72 votes
I simply don't know where to begin
2%
50 votes
Other (please specify)
1%
32 votes
Do not have a dog
60%
1329 votes
My dog is too stubborn to train
4%
83 votes
My dog didn't listen when I started trying
3%
61 votes
None of the above, I have done some level of training with my dog
19%
428 votes
- I trained my dog.
- Dog is very smart, understands what I say, except mooching food
- Love, patience, and time, is basically all it takes
| Other Answers | Percentage | Votes |
|---|---|---|
| 1.90% | 20 | |
| na | 0.19% | 2 |
| ,l | 0.09% | 1 |
| It depends | 0.09% | 1 |
| I have explained this repeatedly. | 0.09% | 1 |
| none of the above | 0.09% | 1 |
| Trained by niece | 0.09% | 1 |
| I work on training with my dog all the time | 0.09% | 1 |
| N/A | 0.09% | 1 |
| I’ve trained my dog myself | 0.09% | 1 |
| I DON'T TRAIN MY DOGS BUT THEY ARE SMART THEY LISTEN TO ME | 0.09% | 1 |
| Cats are best | 0.09% | 1 |
9.
9.
If you were told that numerous trainers share free content online that actually goes into the details of how to approach training and easily incorporate it into your existing daily routine, with many even highlighting dogs whose owners have felt were "too stubborn" or "didn't like training" etc., would you look up those trainers and start utilizing the resources they provide? Yes, I have not done this yet but I want to now!
9%
193 votes
No, I have not done this yet and have no interest in doing so.
13%
278 votes
Yes, I already do this!
10%
219 votes
Not Applicable
69%
1510 votes
- I learn from the experts.
- LP
- I would take advantage of free training if I ever get another dog in the future.
10.
10.
Which statement best describes your mindset toward dog training after going through this poll? I already love training with my dog, and feel empowered for doing so.
12%
259 votes
I have done some basic training with my dog, but now want to do even more.
11%
240 votes
I have not done any training with my dog, but now see the benefits and want to begin.
4%
83 votes
I have not done any training with my dog, and still do not plan to in the future.
4%
95 votes
Not Applicable
69%
1523 votes
- I am a good dog trainer.
- I do not have a dog. but if I did I would try to train it.
- It's fun to play and teach, plus it gives them more positive attention, so they'll want to do more
COMMENTS