Family's Fresh Puppy Proving Stressful Mainly for Female Members
A recent survey conducted by a British research team has shed light on the burden of dog ownership in families, particularly on women, especially mothers. The study, published in 2023, analysed the experiences of 382 adult and 216 child dog owners in British households who had added dogs to their families between 2019 and 2021.
The research revealed that more than a third (37%) of the main adult carers found keeping the puppy more of a challenge than expected, particularly in the early stages. First-time owners often found that their children were less involved in caring for the dog than expected, with the exception of feeding.
One problem mentioned was that the puppy nipped and bit the children while they were playing. However, many parents and children reported enjoying having a dog and found it helpful for their mental health. Dogs were often described as childhood friends, playmates, surrogate siblings, or litter mates.
The study found that women were almost always the main caregivers of the dogs (96%). Mothers often felt overwhelmed with the responsibility for the puppy, which could have negative consequences for their mental health. Over 20% of all dog owners stated that they had expected their children to play more with the animal.
Around one in 17 of the owners considered giving the animal back, with first-time owners being the most likely to consider this. The main reasons given for considering giving the animal back were that the time required had been underestimated, it was difficult to distribute dog care within the family, and many did not get on well with their dog's behaviour.
Researchers recommend further research into the mental load caused by dog ownership in families, particularly for women. The study highlights the need for better support and resources for families taking on a new pet, especially for first-time owners. It emphasises the importance of understanding the challenges that come with dog ownership and the significant impact it can have on the mental health of the main caregivers, particularly women.
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