The Downside of Dogs

It’s always best to live in reality—even if it’s sometimes uncomfortable. So, it’s not bad to consider that not everything about having a dog is great.

Dogs can be messy, expensive, and time-consuming. They need daily exercise, training, and mental stimulation, or they’ll find their own (often destructive) ways to stay entertained. Vet bills can be unpredictable, good food and training equipment add up, and finding pet-friendly accommodation or travel options can be challenging. Plus, dogs don’t always behave the way we want—barking, digging, pulling on the lead, or reacting to other dogs are all common struggles.

But here’s the thing: none of this means we don’t love dogs. It just means we believe in being realistic. Owning a dog is deeply rewarding, but it comes with responsibilities and challenges. When we acknowledge the downsides, we are better prepared to navigate the inevitable ups and downs, so that the good outweighs the bad.

In this issue, you’ll find:

• Reality-checking Walt Disney Dogs

• Tips for when dog-overwhelm kicks in

• An invitation to our March Social Walk! 👀👀😉😉

3 Disney-Dog sayings 🚫🐶

Dogs are amazing companions, but they’re also a huge commitment. Commonly people focus on all the positives and either downplay the negatives or are just totally ignorant of them! We are easily sucked in by the romanticised ideal, the Walt Disney movie version. Here are three common but bad sayings that you should bullet-proof yourself against.

❌ "I had a dog growing up and I want one just like her."
It’s natural to want to recreate a cherished experience, but every dog is an individual. A new dog - or the one you currently have - won’t be a carbon copy of the one you remember. It might need more training, more management, or have completely different traits. Plus, nostalgia has a way of filtering out the tough parts—we remember the good times but quickly forget the “model dog’s” chaotic puppy and adolescent phase that lasted two years or more.

❌ "I want to get a puppy for my kids."
Make no mistake: if you bring home a puppy for your kids, you will be the one caring for it. The excitement fades quickly—usually right around the time the puppy starts nipping little hands and chasing shrieking children. Raising a well-behaved dog takes patience, structure, and consistent training, all of which require an adult’s commitment.

❌ "I saw a dog like that in a movie, and it was so cool!"
That impressive, well-behaved dog on screen? It was trained by professionals (who work full-time training dogs) with multiple takes to get the perfect shot. Many movie-featured breeds are highly energetic working dogs that need serious training and a job to do—without that, their energy will explode in ways you won’t love (think destruction, reactivity, or nonstop chaos).

I have been contacted several times by owners who feel they have run out of emotional energy to handle their dog’s behaviour. No matter how much we love our dogs, there will be moments when they frustrate us, test our patience, or make us feel completely overwhelmed. Maybe they won’t stop barking, they’ve destroyed something valuable, or their reactivity feels like it will never improve. These feelings are normal—but how we handle them makes all the difference.

1. Take a Step Back

When emotions run high, it’s easy to react impulsively. This is often where “corrections” turn into anger-fueled responses on our part that leave the dog confused and ourselves feeling like we lost the plot. It’s where the word “No!” becomes so over-used that it becomes meaningless to the dog. It also creates another page in the book we are writing in our mind of how pissed off we are with our dog. Instead, take a deep breath and step away for a moment - if it's safe to do so. A short break can help you reset and respond to your dog in a way that’s calmer and better-informed as your thinking brain comes online again.

2. Reframe the Situation

When we’re frustrated, it’s easy to see our dog’s behaviour as defiance or disobedience, as if they’re challenging us on purpose. But more often, this reaction comes from our feelings of helplessness in the situation, and we project a negative label onto our dogs. Dogs aren’t trying to undermine us—they’re just acting in their own self-interest, as all animals do. Sometimes, they’re confused, anxious, or too overwhelmed to think clearly. Instead of reacting with frustration, shifting your mindset to problem-solving can make training more effective and reduce stress for both you and your dog.

3. Set Realistic Expectations

Dogs are not robots—they have their own personalities, emotions, and limitations. Progress takes time, and setbacks are part of the process. I have to admit, I find it hard to answer when people ask me questions like, “How long until my dog can heel/not chase cars/not bark at people/no lunge at other dogs” etc. Sometimes it’s really quick, sometimes it’s not. It often is more helpful to focus on the process. Is your dog steadily getting better? Is there improvement? Celebrate that, and don’t just focus on the outcome that hasn’t yet happened and feel bad about the dog.

4. Prioritize Self-Care

Caring for a dog is demanding, and if you’re running on empty, and you have significant canine challenges, small issues can start to feel overwhelming. Make sure you’re getting enough rest, taking breaks, and doing things you enjoy outside of dog life. Sometimes the best thing you can do for your relationship with your dog is to have a break from each other. Go away for the day and do something you like. This helps to get a fresh perspective on everything, and a well-balanced owner is better equipped to support their dog.

5. Seek Help When Needed

You don’t have to do it all alone. Whether it’s a trainer, a support group, or just a friend who understands, talking things through with someone can bring fresh perspective and encouragement. Forget trying the internet-variety help. There are just too many people out there with ridiculous advice, or trying to smugly show off their superiority.

6. Focus on the Wins

It’s easy to dwell on the problems, but don’t forget to acknowledge the progress—no matter how small. Celebrate the moments of success, connection, and joy with your dog. They’re what make the challenges worthwhile.

Feeling overwhelmed doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you care. By managing your emotions and taking a thoughtful approach, you’ll be in a much better position to support both your dog and yourself.

Time for some safe dog/dog socialisation! 🐕🐕

You’re invited to the next social walk around Hamilton Lake on Sunday, 30 March, at 9 am. Dogs will be around other dogs, all on-lead and in a controlled manner. We meet on the grass opposite the Hamilton Yacht Club.

Rules of the Walk

• Dogs must stay on the lead at all times

• No dog-to-dog greetings without the owner’s consent, please. Not all the dogs will welcome random dogs in their space.

• Pick up all poop (goes without saying, but there, now it’s said).

• Respect pedestrians and other dog walkers on the path. Make way for people as appropriate, so we’re not road-hogs.

• Remember to act as good ambassadors of the dog-owning community at all times (not everyone likes dogs - weird huh?)

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