Do You Think Americans Spoil Their Dogs More?

[Gharrissc]

Compared to other countries, do you think Americans spoil their dogs more? I think we do,but I also think it varies depending on the person. I personally don't think there is anything wrong with indulging your pets,as long as it doesn't keep them from being an animal still,if that makes sense.

[katdog5911]

I think we do. Sometimes I feel guilty about how much I spend on my dogs! There are so many need humans that could use help.

I think we spoil our dogs more now than when I was a kid. There were no dog parks, and formal puppy play dates, dog chiropractors, doggie massages, dog bling, etc etc. And I never saw "purse puppies" back then. Now there is all manner of stuff for our dogs.

[Sunflowers]

Oh gosh do we ever!
We were in the Virgin Islands last week and my children were asking why those dogs were running loose in the streets. I told them that in other countries they are not pampered, coddled, and put on leashes like they are here.
I also agree that they are treated differently from the way they were treated maybe only 15 years ago. Back then I never saw dresses for dogs,strollers for dogs, and all the crazy stuff we see nowadays.

[LoveOscar]

Dogs are actually gaining status in American society, to the point that in divorce cases they are part of settlements including 'weekend visits' and 'doggy (child) support'. Its a bit ridiculous on that end of the extreme but I also know people who dont even let their dogs inside the house, ever, which is also a silly extreme to me. My dog is with me as constant as I can have him, and that is my pampering, having my constant affection and attention. Some people shower with treats and toys and cloths and collars. I cant do that though, mine wont stand for it.

Ive visited "dog friendly" cities that were not at all that dog friendly, like Pensacola, FL. They advertise being dog friendly and you can't take your dogs any where. Very few hotels, NO beaches, and even fewer resturaunts (even with outdoor seating most still say no). But then I visit New Orleans and everybody wants you to bring your dog to their establishment. Every resturaunt with out door seating welcomes dogs, brings them water and treats. Theyre welcome on tourist walks and carriage rides, and most hotels have dog friendly rooms. NOLA doesnt even really advertise being dog friendly, but they really are.

LO

[llombardo]

I think so. Personally I do not hesitate to buy them whatever they need and then some. My dogs are spoiled rotten, but they don't know it, they think that is how it is...boy would they be in for a surprise if they lived somewhere else It makes me sad that there are so many dogs that will never know what if feels like to be loved much less spoiled

[Jag]

I think this is true. I don't spoil my dogs, though. Grim did NOT get a Whopper with cheese yesterday, either. If you think he did, prove it.

[JeanKBBMMMAAN]

I have a hard time with such a general concept. Compared to where? Where have people who are opining been to and seen dogs to compare? What have they seen of dogs in this country? What is your standard for spoiling?

[Jag]

Originally Posted by JeanKBBMMMAAN

I have a hard time with such a general concept. Compared to where? Where have people who are opining been to and seen dogs to compare? What have they seen of dogs in this country? What is your standard for spoiling?

This was my first thought. I'm assuming it's compared to every other country in the world. I don't know what's considered 'spoiling' in this context, either. It's all relative.

[x11]

i think this could be objectively measured/estimated; as a first draft how about;

get the number of all dogs born in a country in a year multiplied by a weighting factor for overall level of nutrition and general health of the entire dog population divide that by (the number of dogs given up + detroyed in shelters + euthed by AC eg siezed dogs used for fighting etc + total incidence of emergency vet incidents + the number of charges of abuse + national GDP) per 100 000 people.

the numbers would need some assumptions but in theory something like this could be done.

[Mrs.P]

Originally Posted by x11

i think this could be objectively measured/estimated; as a first draft how about;

get the number of all dogs born in a country in a year multiplied by a weighting factor for overall level of nutrition and general health of the entire dog population divide that by (the number of dogs given up + detroyed in shelters + euthed by AC eg siezed dogs used for fighting etc + total incidence of emergency vet incidents + the number of charges of abuse + national GDP) per 100 000 people.

the numbers would need some assumptions but in theory something like this could be done.

Sounds like a Fermi-problem!



However, I think the US is more opt to humanize pups rather than spoil i.e. dresses for dogs, strollers, "bling, ect ect

Better off taking the time to provide structure, training, and adequate exercise. I spoil my pup with my time, enough exercise, and structure