Are any of your family members 'dog people?'

[Julee]

Eh. My brother likes dogs, but is an idiot around them, and I hope he will never own one outside of living with my family. He can barely remember to feed himself, forget a dog.

My parents both like dogs but aren't super into doggy things. They know how to pick out a good food. The dogs go for car rides to the dump and the store when it's cooler. They have a very basic grasp on training.

 

[Finkie_Mom]

Goodness no. I'm seriously the odd one out in my immediate and extended family. Professional musician and dog nut. No idea where I came from.

 

[JessLough]

I'd lean more towards yes than no.

My mom adores dogs. She doesn't have a dog right now because it's just not a good time for her to have a dog. She loves coming out with me to see dog events. She knows about healthy food for dogs, and the importance of healthy food and exercise. She understands the importance of a trained dog.

She adores Finnegan. The last time I had Finn, we packed him up and took him to the arboretum. Once we got there, my mom jumped out of the car and "claimed dibs" on him. She then ran around with him and played with him and made it fun *for him*. I can honestly say I haven't seen her like that since Rosey.

My dad adores animals, and adores MY animals. He adored Rosey. But I wouldn't call him a dog person.

My sister and brother are the same as my dad.

Extended family? Eh, I have one aunt who adores all dogs, and is what most people would call a dog person. She tries her best, and from what I understand, was much more into them when she was younger.

Everybody else calls me when they have a problem, or dogs need groomed, or nail trims.

 

[DJEtzel]

A lot of my family owns dogs, buys them toys and collars sometimes from the grocery store, might take them to a parade... They are NOT dog people, however.

And I'm so glad. lol

 

[Raegan]

My family aren't dog people, but they are dog lovers. My grandma always had animals growing up and as an adult. Mostly dogs, and she still talks a lot about her favorite dog Jacques, a Miniature Poodle. She really loved Gatsby. My aunt, too. Always loved dogs, had a lot of animals growing up (though Jacques was bought to replace her when she went to school :rofl1. She really really loved Gatsby. They don't like Marsh as much. Gatsby had more personality, he was more like a person, which is why they loved him more.

 

[*blackrose]

Sort of. Because they grew up with me and my nerdiness rubbed off on them. LOL

My parents like dogs. They're competent trainers, understand behavior very well thanks to Chloe, the dogs get Christmas presents and their birthdays are celebrated, they understand basic health issues, they know how to read ingredient labels on foods, etc., etc. I'd say my siblings are like that, too, although I think only two of my siblings actually WANT to own a dog. The other two like dogs, but their world wouldn't end if they didn't have one around.

But that's about it. Lol

 

[Southpaw]

I would say I'm the only real dog person in my family. My mom loves dogs but more from a "they're fun to snuggle on the couch" perspective? Like she doesn't do anything else with them or care to learn or anything. My dad is so noooooot a dog person. He just allows them to live in the house really.

With my siblings it's split. I'd say half of them are not dog/animal people and half of us are. But again that's just the perspective of them liking dogs but not necessarily caring about anything beyond that.

One of my uncles I guess is more into dogs, I think his rottweiler is shown or that was at least considered. I know he feeds raw and the couple times a year I see him we usually talk about stuff like that.

 

[monkeys23]

My brothers' not so much. But everyone else is.

Mostly working ranch dogs in our family. Either BCs or BC/Aussie mixes. I'm the oddball with my shepherd and husky. I've been into training since I was little, there is photo evidence of me having our BC go over jumps I made from boards and chairs lol.

I think it is interesting that most here seem to think that one must be really hardcore into the same certain criteria in order to be a dog person... I always thought of it more simply: either you are the type who needs a dog in your life always or you would rather not. *shrug*

 

[Michiyo-Fir]

I'm going to say no. That being said, I don't even think I'm a dog person...

I know a bit about dog nutrition, and feed a high quality food but that's about it. In terms of training, I really don't do much. Sit, stay, down, plus any tricks I feel like and I think that's it. We go to the park, play fetch, but I think that's all pretty normal dog stuff, not nerdy dog stuff. I would say the people that have dogs in my family are the same way. So I guess none of us can be considered dog people in a super into everything dog related sense.

 

[Dogdragoness]

My sister has dogs (well, just Henri right now) and I think she would probably fit in fairly well around here - she's not a dog geek the way I am about behavior and nutrition and the various science aspects of dog ownership, but she loves Henri and he gets Halloween costumes and Christmas presents and all that stuff.

My dad said no more dogs after Happy Express died so our childhood post-Happy was devoid of dogs. It wasn't until my sister moved back in with Happy Conquistador and Kota, then moved out and took them with her, that he relented. And I got Auggie. Adding a second dog was, um, not easy. Especially because the second dog I was going to add was ultimately Pepper and that was not... pleasant. Payton, erm, my mom basically told me to go get Payton and I didn't really ask. Literally the conversation my dad and I had that morning was:
"Are you going to bring this dog home?"
"I don't know... we're going to look at him, and if I like him and he fits all the criteria, I'm going to buy him. But I don't know until I go see him."
"Oh."
I didn't say anything else and he didn't either.
And then I came home with a Payton.

They of course have Georgie now and I really think they will have a second dog after we all finally get settled in the house... my mom isn't sure my dad can be swayed to get a second dog but she thinks Georgie will really want a doggy playmate. And I think my dad would prefer a nice Payton-type dog (though not quite so much dog.) So we will see. But they are definitely not "dog people." My mom doesn't do much training with Georgie. She is really kind of rotten as a result. But, well, she's cute and they have fun throwing a tennis ball for her, and I think that's really all they need.

My aunt and uncle have always had dogs but not sure they are "dog people" either really.


ETA: I always tell my parent friends "Yeah, my dad told me no more dogs when I was a kid, NOW LOOK HOW MANY DOGS I HAVE. Get the kid a dog." ahahaha.

Boo, I wish my folks were that supportive of my decision to get another dog, they don't like it, but in the end it's my decision, not theirs and I am financially responsible for them and I am adult and it's my life, I take their opinions with a grain of salt
.

 

[LostAndConfused]

My husband - no. Just, no. He tolerates Hudson and sometimes even likes him a little bit, but just today was complaining that Hudson 'ties us down'. Whatever, loser.

My parents - The like dogs. They had dogs all while I was growing up, and I can't think of a time where they have been without a dog for more than a year and a half. They don't really have any desire to do dog sports, or training, or anything like that. Their food choices are fine, Diamond or Blue Buffalo. But, my mom (vet tech) would, and has, bent over backwards to keep a dog alive. Most recently, my pretty little grey dog when he got into antifreeze.

My sister - she has a dog. He is fine. She also has 2 young kids and another on the way. Her dog hangs out with the family, goes places with them, and is a member of the family. She would also do whatever she could to save him if he got sick or injured. He isn't fed the best food available, but it isn't Ol' Roy either, and he is a bit fat. When he passes, I'm not sure if they'll get another dog. Both of her little ones LOVE dogs, so I imagine they will and I'm hoping I can take them and mold them to my will. I mean, bring them up in the way of The Dog.

My Brother - He has never owned a dog. He would probably enjoy a small, active little dog (Jackson comes to mind), because growing up he always liked the smaller dogs. But he is busy with his baby girl and his crazy wife.


So, in short, I have family members who like dogs, but none as crazy as I am.

 

[noludoru]

Hahahahaha oh god no.

Yes. This.

 

[TheDarkestMinds]

I think it is interesting that most here seem to think that one must be really hardcore into the same certain criteria in order to be a dog person... I always thought of it more simply: either you are the type who needs a dog in your life always or you would rather not. *shrug*

Yes this ^

As I have mentioned before I do not make the kind of income that allows me to participate in dog sports or events. Doesn't mean that I haven't always been interested in agility, flyball, dog diving, etc.

So because I can't afford to take the classes I can't call myself a genuine "dog person"? That is hilarious but sounds like the typical attitude.

But yeah I was always grew up thinking a dog person was a person who...um... loves dogs? But hey what do I know? LOL

 

[Oko]

Yes this ^

As I have mentioned before I do not make the kind of income that allows me to participate in dog sports or events. Doesn't mean that I haven't always been interested in agility, flyball, dog diving, etc.

So because I can't afford to take the classes I can't call myself a genuine "dog person"? That is hilarious but sounds like the typical attitude.

But yeah I was always grew up thinking a dog person was a person who...um... loves dogs? But hey what do I know? LOL

I don't think anyone said this. Everyone is entitled to their own definition of 'dog person', there's no reason to base what you feel you are on other's opinions.

 

[JacksonsMom]

Yes this ^

As I have mentioned before I do not make the kind of income that allows me to participate in dog sports or events. Doesn't mean that I haven't always been interested in agility, flyball, dog diving, etc.

So because I can't afford to take the classes I can't call myself a genuine "dog person"? That is hilarious but sounds like the typical attitude.

But yeah I was always grew up thinking a dog person was a person who...um... loves dogs? But hey what do I know? LOL

I don't think that's people were implying. At least not most people on this thread?

Like honestly, I'm not as 'into' sports as some ppl are on here because I can't afford them, either. We haven't taken a class in over a year.

I think though that, like, a lot of on here are just... above and beyond the 'normal' dog crazy lol. I mean we're on a forum where we talk about dogs constantly so there's that. I think that one ups a lot of 'regular dog lovers' lol.

I don't think anyone is saying one is better than the other in ANY way.

I've seen quite the opposite attitude on this forum actually-most of us are just happy to see dogs in a loving home even if they don't do anything but cuddle and explore their backyard.

 

[sassafras]

I don't think doing dog sports is the definition of a dog person. But like... I have relatives who LOVE dogs and who either have or would love to have a dog.

But they don't necessarily really "get" dogs or value them the same way I do, kwim?

 

[Dogdragoness]

My husband - no. Just, no. He tolerates Hudson and sometimes even likes him a little bit, but just today was complaining that Hudson 'ties us down'. Whatever, loser.

My parents - The like dogs. They had dogs all while I was growing up, and I can't think of a time where they have been without a dog for more than a year and a half. They don't really have any desire to do dog sports, or training, or anything like that. Their food choices are fine, Diamond or Blue Buffalo. But, my mom (vet tech) would, and has, bent over backwards to keep a dog alive. Most recently, my pretty little grey dog when he got into antifreeze.

My sister - she has a dog. He is fine. She also has 2 young kids and another on the way. Her dog hangs out with the family, goes places with them, and is a member of the family. She would also do whatever she could to save him if he got sick or injured. He isn't fed the best food available, but it isn't Ol' Roy either, and he is a bit fat. When he passes, I'm not sure if they'll get another dog. Both of her little ones LOVE dogs, so I imagine they will and I'm hoping I can take them and mold them to my will. I mean, bring them up in the way of The Dog.

My Brother - He has never owned a dog. He would probably enjoy a small, active little dog (Jackson comes to mind), because growing up he always liked the smaller dogs. But he is busy with his baby girl and his crazy wife.


So, in short, I have family members who like dogs, but none as crazy as I am.

I am lucky, my fiancee isn't a dog person ... he likes dogs and likes to pet them and wha6not, but he knows they are my passion and leaves me to it. He sees how my mental state and issues are much improved by having a dog with me, and his joy is seeing me happy ... awesome guy.

 

[TheDarkestMinds]

I wasn't trying to start anything. I was just curious. I have been away from the dog "community" and specifically this community for years. And obviously thought and opinions change. I was just curious and confused as to what constitutes a legit "dog person". And now I have a general idea .

 

[Laurelin]

Honestly I haven't met too many 'dog people' outside of sports but I think that's more of an access issue than them not existing. There does tend to be a dog sports community and its easier to get to know them since you see them a lot at training seminars, classes, and events.

I wish sports weren't so prohibitly expensive though.

I have had a couple coworkers that are dog nerds to an extent. I have taken Hank to the dog park a couple times (I still don't like them and doubt I'll go again). There's a lot of dog people there ive met. Genuine 'dog people' but they don't run the same rings as the sports people. Heck the agility people and the flyball people don't tend to run the same rings. Or the confo people and the agility people.

 

[Brattina88]

My mom loves dogs. She was always really allergic and has bad asthma so she just medicates herself :rofl1: she loves them like they're her kids. But she's not a "dog nerd" like I am; she'll ask me advice on things. If I'm going to a dog event she'll usually go with me if I ask her she is always supportive of my dog activities.... Unless she thinks I'm spending too much money LOL. She's always like yay new dog, especially now that I've moved out. They have 4 dogs themselves

My dad acts like he doesn't, but he loves them too. He tolerates them, mostly, but enjoys their company when no one is looking. He always acts like "grrrr you want ANOTHER dog" but lately he's been more okay with it. Not that I need their approval, but it's still nice to have their support...

My brother doesn't like dogs much. He likes my two, because they're well behaved, and he'll watch them for me. He likes Maddie (like a sister haha) because he grew up with her, too Once in a while he'll "click" with a dog (like my parents dogs Miya) but he doesn't want one of his own.

I have distant family who loves dogs, too. A couple cousins and an aunt.... My great grandma (rip) was a big dog lover and we always got along really well. But I don't see any of them very much (just on FB). My one cousin is like the only person besides my parents who understands going out of your way, the big expensive vet bills, etc. other family members are like.... Um just have them PTS and get another dog... her dog got hit by a car and we were there for eachother on FB. Kinda nice.