To us, owning a dog is a bit like rearing human children: those middle-of-the-night wakeups when your dog is still a puppy, potty training, socialisation, and even picking out tiny, cute clothes. The two experiences also bear striking similarities when it comes to parenting styles.
From the ultra-hands-on Helicopter dog owning parent to the decidedly more hands-off Maverick, from dedicated trainers to those all about fun and relaxation, there are numerous ways to parent a pooch. So, out of all the types of Dog Owners, which one are you?
In this blog, we explore the many types of dog parents and help you discover which one best describes you and what that might mean for both you and your furry companion!
The Many Types of Dog Parents: Which One Are You?
Just as human parents develop their own unique approaches to raising children, dog owners naturally fall into different styles of caring for their four-legged family members. These styles reflect our personalities, values, and even our own upbringing.
Understanding your dog parenting style isn't just about self-awareness, it can help you recognise your strengths and blind spots in how you interact with your beloved pet.
As we explore these 9 distinct dog parent personality types, you might find yourself nodding in recognition or perhaps discovering aspects of multiple types that combine to form your unique approach to dog parenthood.
1. The Helicopter Parent
Do you track your dog's every movement? Worry about them when you leave the house for five minutes? Check their poop for any irregularities? Then congratulations, you might be a Helicopter Dog Parent!
A Helicopter parents' pet is the centre of their universe, and they'll happily cross swords with anyone who poses a (real or perceived) threat. They are known for their constant vigilance. They ensure their dog is always safe, comfortable, and in perfect health. They regularly schedule vet visits, obsess over their dog's diet, and have emergency contacts for every possible situation.
These parents often use GPS trackers on their pup's collar and have cameras at home just to keep an eye on them when they're away. While their dog is undoubtedly well cared for, some might argue that they could benefit from relaxing a little.
Signs You're a Helicopter Dog Parent:
- You have a log of your dog's bathroom habits.
- You constantly Google symptoms when your dog sneezes.
- You've called your vet in the middle of the night, more than once.
2. The Spoiler
Some dogs live better than most humans, and that's thanks to their Spoiler parents! If your dog has more toys, accessories, and gourmet meals than the average child, you might be part of this category.
Spoiler's love showering their dogs with gifts. Their pup has a closet filled with stylish outfits, plush beds in every room, and a treat collection that rivals a bakery. Birthdays and "Gotcha Days" are celebrated with cake, decorations, and possibly a full-fledged dog party.
While there's nothing wrong with a little pampering, too much spoiling can sometimes lead to a picky eater or a dog who refuses to sleep unless they're on a memory foam mattress.
Signs You're a Spoiler Dog Parent:
- Your dog owns more clothes than you do.
- You bring home a new toy every time you go shopping.
- You feel guilty if you eat something and don't share it.
3. The Trainer
For some dog parents, obedience and discipline are top priorities. Trainer parents dedicate themselves to teaching their dog new tricks, commands, and even agility skills. They take pride in having the best-behaved dog at the park, and they're always up for a training session.
These dog parents spend hours watching training videos, attending obedience classes, and fine-tuning their pup's skills. Their dog can sit, stay, roll over, play dead, and maybe even fetch a drink from the fridge. Training is a great way to bond with a dog, but sometimes, Trainer parents can be a little too focused on perfection.
Signs You're a Trainer Dog Parent:
- Your dog knows more tricks than the average toddler.
- You always carry treats for impromptu training sessions.
- You secretly judge people whose dogs misbehave in public.
4. The Adventure Seeker
If you and your dog are always on the move, exploring new places, and embracing the great outdoors, you're probably an Adventure Seeker. These dog parents love taking their pups on hikes, road trips, and camping adventures.
Adventure Seekers make sure their dog gets plenty of exercise and excitement. They invest in the best gear, hiking boots for their dog, portable water bowls, and even doggy backpacks. Their social media is filled with pictures of their pup standing on a mountain peak or running on a sandy beach. While this lifestyle is great for active breeds, some dogs might prefer a cosy nap instead of a 10-mile hike.
Signs You're an Adventure Seeker Dog Parent:
- You have a special backpack just for your dog's travel essentials.
- Your dog has been on more holidays than most people.
- You take more pictures of your dog on adventures than yourself.
5. The Social Butterfly
For some dog parents, a social life isn't complete without their pup by their side. These parents bring their dog everywhere, dog cafés, dog-friendly restaurants, and playdates with other pups. Their dog has an impressive social circle, and maybe even an Instagram account with thousands of followers packed to the brim with adorable shots and witty captions, and your goal is to turn them into a global icon.
In an ideal world, your dog would be one of the top Instagram dogs with over half-a-million followers and an ambassadorship deal with their favourite dog food brand. Or, if you're more old-school, your dog will have simply racked up a shelving unit's worth of dog show trophies and ribbons.
Social Butterflies love introducing their pup to new people and experiences. They make sure their dog is friendly, well-mannered, and always looking their best. They know every dog park within a 20-kilometre radius and have RSVP'd to multiple dog birthday parties. While it's great to have a well-socialised dog, some pups might prefer a little more downtime.
Signs You're a Social Butterfly Dog Parent:
- Your dog has a bigger social calendar than you do.
- You always know the latest dog-friendly events.
- Your dog has their own Instagram with a dedicated following.
6. The Maverick
Some dog parents just love having a relaxed, low-maintenance relationship with their pup. They enjoy movie nights on the couch, casual strolls, and lazy Sunday mornings in bed with their furry friend.
As a Maverick, your dog can almost do whatever they want. They can walk around your neighbourhood off-leash, eat food straight off your plate, and poop anywhere they want to. It's natural doggy behaviour, after all.
Mavericks don't stress about training or fancy accessories. They believe in a simple life, full of cuddles and quiet moments. Their dog is more of a best friend than a pet, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
If you're not a Maverick yourself, you've almost definitely spotted one. It's rare that you'll see a Maverick wearing shoes, and their dog's leash might simply be a piece of rope tied to their collar – if they're even on one, that is.
Signs You're a Maverick Dog Parent:
- Your dog's favourite activity is snuggling.
- You believe belly rubs solve everything.
- You don't worry too much about rules, your dog can sleep wherever they want.
7. The Rescue Advocate
Rescue Advocates are deeply passionate about helping dogs in need. Whether they adopt, foster, or volunteer, they're always looking out for animals who need a second chance. They educate others on responsible pet ownership and actively support rescue organisations.
These parents often share inspiring adoption stories and encourage friends to adopt instead of shop. Their home might be a rotating door of foster dogs, and they wouldn't have it any other way.
Signs You're a Rescue Advocate Dog Parent:
- You volunteer at animal shelters regularly.
- You always encourage others to adopt rather than buy.
- You've fostered more dogs than you can count.
8. The "It's Their House, I Just Live Here" Parent
For these dog parents, the house belongs to the dog. The furniture? The bed? Definitely the dogs. They wouldn't dream of telling their pup "No" when it comes to comfort and convenience.
These parents let their dogs rule the household, and honestly, they don't mind. Who needs a personal space bubble when you can have a furry shadow following you everywhere?
Signs You're This Type of Dog Parent:
- Your dog sleeps in the bed, and takes up most of it.
- You've rearranged furniture for your dog's comfort.
- You'd rather be uncomfortable than disturb your sleeping pup.
9. The Wannabe Dog Parent
Not a dog parent yet, but dreaming of the day? You're the Wannabe Dog Parent, the one who scrolls through dog adoption listings, stops to pet every pup on the street, and spends way too much time watching cute dog videos online.
You might offer to pet sit for friends, volunteer at shelters, or even work as a dog walker just to get your canine fix. Whether you're currently unable to have a dog or just waiting for the perfect moment, one thing's for sure, you'll be an amazing dog parent someday.
And when that day comes, you'll be right back here, figuring out what kind of pet parent you truly are.
Signs You're a Wannabe Dog Parent:
- You follow more dog accounts than people on social media.
- You daydream about the perfect dog for your lifestyle.
- You find every excuse to spend time with other people's pups.
Finding Your Perfect Balance: Embracing Your Dog Parent Style
No matter what type of dog parent you are, or hope to be, one thing remains true: every dog deserves love, care, and companionship. Whether you're a strict trainer, a fun-loving adventurer, or a dedicated rescuer, the most important thing is the bond you share with your furry friend.
In the end, being a great dog parent isn't about fitting into one category, it's about making sure your pup feels happy, safe, and adored.
