Survey on the dog culture in the USA

[Michaela]

Hello everyone!
My name is Michaela, am from Germany and I'm studying English. At the moment I'm writing my diploma thesis about translation problems of dog websites and the general relationship between a dog and its owner in Germany and the USA in comparison.
My question is, whether it would be possible for you to complete a questionnaire of eight questions for me here in this forum or to e-mail it back to me to [email protected]?
I know, it's a weird request, but where else shall I ask than in an American dog forum?
Thank you very much for having read this and your help!

Michaela

Here the questions:

Questionnaire on the dog culture in the USA

Your age:
Your place of residence:
Age of the dog(s):
Number of your dogs:

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)

 

[ChRotties]

Questionnaire on the dog culture in the USA

Your age: 38
Your place of residence: Kentucky, USA
Age of the dog(s): 2.5yrs, 9yrs, 5yrs
Number of your dogs: 3

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? Rottweilers

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
FOR my dogs: around $100? ON my dogs(showing-training): $500 +

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? beds, bones, treats, nutritional supplements, monthly heartworm/flea and tick preventatives, toys.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family? YES!

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) 2-3 hrs over the course of a day, varies + or - depending on schedule

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog) all 3 are house dogs, 2 actively compete in herding trials, all 3 are Champions(AKC), 1 currently training for obedience competition, 1 still actively showing in conformation shows. (only have 3 dogs total)

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.) kennel club activities, breed specific legislation, mandatory spay/neuter laws, responsible breeding/ownership, internet dog forums

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? maybe 20 total?

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
maybe a doggie bandanna, or pretty collars/leads

 

[Maxy24]

Your age: 15
Your place of residence: MA,USA
Age of the dog(s):he has passed but was 10
Number of your dogs:currently 0 but 1 deceased

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Shar-pei mix

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
$25-30 (vet visits are not added in here neither are occasional buys like beds, grooming equipment etc.)

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
bed, grooming equipment (nail clippers, brushes, tooth brush and paste), toys, bones and other chews, training treats, heart worm preventative, flea and tick control products.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
Very much, yes!

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) 3 hoursish (a walk, playing, grooming, training)

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
simply a family pet but he got plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, he was completely obedience trained.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
I've read a few good training and dog theory books, I activley participate in forums and community service involving shelter dogs.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
about 22 hours

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
I never dressed him up or anything like that, I'm not sure what kind of accessories you mean though.

 

[Lynx]

Your age: 19
Your place of residence: Oregon
Age of the dog(s): Year and a half.
Number of your dogs: Just one.

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Merrick is a Tibetan Mastiff

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
Well, despite him being neutered this month, on averageeee.. 150 dollars a month. (Dog food, toys, treats.. etc)

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
Two extra large wire slicker brushes, Wide-tooth comb, some salon quality scissors for trimmings (I admit, I use it too! But it was originally for him.), Grooming table, Blow dryer fer sheddin' season, heartworm medications, flea medications, and his bed he decided he was too good for.. err.. think thats it!

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
Of course!

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
10 minute jogs.. hes young so nothing vigorous, and in total 1hr-2hrs.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
Training for random tasks. Open the fridge, rollover, stuff like that.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
Of course.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
Erm, I don't know! 5hrs per week maybe?

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
Besides his nice little pair of expensive scissors, he has no other luxury items. You try buying a cute coat for a long haired mastiff. :lol-sign:

 

[TopShelfPets]

Your age:24
Your place of residence: Cranston, RI
Age of the dog(s):10 months
Number of your dogs:1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Labrador Mix
2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
50 USD
3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
Toys, treats, a bait bag, clickers, more toys
4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
Yes.
5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
6+ hours
6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
obedience classes, walks, dog park
7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
yes. I read dog books, and books that have dogs in them, and post here, and i watch a lot of animal planet.
7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
10+
8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.) I buy him dog toys, but nothing extravagant.

 

[Toller_08]

I'm in Canada, but thought I'd answer anyway..

Your age:17
Your place of residence: AB, Canada
Age of the dog(s):4yrs
Number of your dogs:1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever cross

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
Approximately $55.00 (on food anyway, obviously more if I buy her a new collar or some toys)

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
Toys, grooming stuff (shampoo, a few pairs of scissors, combs, shedding blade, etc.), bed, bones, supplements.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
Yes.

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
3-4, approximately. Sometimes more.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
She's just a pet, but I'd like to get into agility and Rally-obedience. As far as occupying her currently, we've taken a few obedience classes and just play & train around the house or at a nearby park usually.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
Yes - dogs are my main interest. I visit a couple forums, read books, groom dogs for friends & family, etc. I do lots of dog oriented things.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
Probably 30+

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
I'm collar obsessed. For one dog, I have probably 20 or more collars. I also have lots of bandanas, but she doesn't wear them often anymore. She has a coat too, just for when its extremely cold.

 

[BostonBanker]

Your age: 27
Your place of residence: Vermont
Age of the dog(s):2 years
Number of your dogs:1


1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Mountain Cur

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
$100 - 200, depending on training classes

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
agility equipment, some grooming gear, a ridiculous number of toys and treats

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
absolutely

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
5 or 6
6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
companion, first and foremost. We also do several hours of agility/week.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
Yes.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
10?

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
More collars than a dog will ever need. She has several coats, but they aren't really "luxury", as she is outside with me in the cold most of the day.

 

[Beanie]

Your age: 23
Your place of residence: Central Illinois
Age of the dog(s): One and a half
Number of your dogs: 1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Sheltie.

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
Some months it's just treats and toys, other months it's training classes, vet visits, food... I think it averages out to about $30-40 a month.

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
Lots of grooming supplies; agility equipment; crate and pillow; toys toys toys; treats; and the "Wow Treats" like lamb ears, mini lamb ears, and filled bones. All of this I consider standard, though.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
Absolutely.

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
Maybe 4-5. He plays by himself or with my sister's dogs more than he used to, so it's gone down since when he was a puppy. If the weather is nice and we can work outside for a long time, it's closer to 6.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
General playing (tug, fetch, wrestling), dog sports (agility, obedience), and as a family dog. If he's in the room, I'm talking to him, engaging him.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
Forums.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
3-5.

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
I personally don't consider it "luxury," but he gets only organic treats, and eats a premium dog food.
He has a variety of leashes (Illini, Cubs, red training lead, and flexi-lead) and also several collars (red buckle, denim buckle, harness). I flat out spoil him with toys & tennis balls.

 

[NobleRuby]

Your age: 25
Your place of residence: Ohio
Age of the dog(s): 2
Number of your dogs: 1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? Basset hound

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month? About $40

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? We buy him treats and toys regularly, weve bought photos of him and also a personalized dog collar for him.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family? No, we love him but we know hes animal, not human.

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) Probably about 6 hours a day cuddling, walking, playing, grooming.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog) He is a family dog but we are considering teaching him to track just to keep him busy.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.) Yes, clearly.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? 1 or 2

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
If I found something inexpensive enough that I really liked I would definetly buy him a few outfits. He has special engraved tags and his own pet bed, though he prefers the couch

 

[Red_ACD_for_me]

Questionnaire on the dog culture in the USA

Your age: 32
Your place of residence: Boston, Massachusetts USA
Age of the dog(s): 21 months
Number of your dogs: 1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? Australian Cattle Dog

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month? Anywhere from $50 to $100

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? Toys, Bully sticks, dog bed

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family? YES! YES! YES!

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
About 2 to 3 hours

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
A family pet first, but he is my walking and hiking partner

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.) Love dog forums and doing my own research on dog health and nutrition. I also love educating clueless dog owners on this subject

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? N/A

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
I have a slight collar fetish LOL! So Caiza is spoiled with some pretty expensive neck wear!

 

[Whisper]

Your age: 14

Your place of residence: Arizona
Age of the dog(s): Millie- 5 years; Lucy- 22 months.
Number of your dogs: 2

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Border Collie mix and chi/terrier mix.

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
Wow, I'm not sure. It really varies.

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
All sorts of toys, treats, grooming supplies, supplements, beds, etc.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
Absolutely 100%.

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
6 + hours.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
My dogs are my companions and pets first and foremost. We practice agility on property and do training, and I spend tons of time taking them for hikes and playing with them. We also just hang out and cuddle.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
Almost constantly. Dogs are a huge passion of mine. I read books, visit forums, train with my dogs, help neighbors out with their dogs, dog-sit, etc.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
30+

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
I'm not a fan of dog "clothes" (for fashion) but Lucy has a couple of coats and a sweater for very cold weather, both of them have their own beds, I love collecting collars and leads for them, and bandanas.

 

[joce]

Your age: 23
Your place of residence: Northern Ohio USA
Age of the dog(s): 15,6,8,8,4
Number of your dogs:5

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
*beagle terrier mix
*siberian husky
*pembroke welsh corgi
*doberman
*west highland white terrier(supposed to be a foster but who knows!)

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?
*If its a month they happen to all go to the vet probally 2,000$ but on an average month with no vet visits I'd say 100-300$

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?
*They all have something to go out in. bandanas for all of them. My dobe has some bright pink frilly things for when we go to dog functions so people will pet him My dobe also has his own double bed.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
*definately

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
*lately actually doing something we haven't spent a ton of time. I jsut graduated and have been running aorund looking at jobs and my bfs been sick so there is a lot of cuddling with the dogs on the couch but not a whole lot of activity time except on the weekends.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
*I like to think they all have their own jobs but I guess they are mostly family dogs. My dobe is my protector(not my main goal in getting him-just happened) and also my mouser.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
*I am completely addicted to dog forums. I also enjoy a lot of dog books and go to all the dog shows and competitions whe they are around me.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
It really varies. One week could have full days at shows were another I'm jsut on a forum for an hour every day.


8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
*they all have clothes and nice beds. I used to get nice feed bowls but they always ended up breaking somehow-never figured that out.

 

[DoglessInSeattle]

I'm still waiting for my next dog. My last dog was 20+ years ago. I would be interested in seeing the results of your study. Especially how Americans compare to Germans.

 

[Zoom]

Your age: 24
Your place of residence: Kansas, USA
Age of the dog(s): around 3 1/2
Number of your dogs: 1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? Australian Shepherd

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month? $50-$75 dollars

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? Brushes, treats, toys

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family? Yes

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) He goes to work with me, so about 16 hours/day

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog) doggie daycare, training classes/training for fun

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.) Yes

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? Entirely too many...+/- 25-30 hours

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.) I bought him a seatbelt to wear in the car, does that count? We're pretty plain people.

 

[oc_spirit]

Your age: 18
Your place of residence: Ontario, Canada
Age of the dog(s): Both 4 but Ronan will be 5 soon
Number of your dogs: 2

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? Siberian husky

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month? Hmmm depends on the time of year really...not much of an average but I''ll go with $200

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? dogsledding supplies, stuff for the kennel (light, stall mat, etc), grooming supplies, toys, more leads and collars than is necessary - but they each serve a purpose! Hmmm that is all I can think of...

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family? yes but not like a human member, although compared to some of my extended family I hold my dogs in higher regards LOL

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) 3 hours

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog) dogsledding, dog scootering, rig running, weight pulling, obedience, trick training, hiking and at the end of the day always a pet

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.) I''m on various dog forums, read many dog books (whether or not I agree with the author), watch dog-related tv shows, go to dog events (shows, trials, tests), chat with all sort of dog people (enthusiasts, mentors, trainers, breeders, vets, etc), anything that can hep my expand my brain juice on dogs!

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? Hmm, cant be less than 30hours!!!

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.) Hmm dunno how to answer this, everythign I own has a purpose...except maybe the spiked collars...I dont go for the ""frou frou"" stuff and think dressing a dog degrades it LOL I''ll find with a horse blanket-style coat for a dog with short hair to keep warm or some of the sport-dog stuff they have out to keep a dog warm but excess sweaters and stuff is a little much for me...

 

[Kayla]

Questionnaire on the dog culture in the USA

Your age: 17
Your place of residence: Southern Ontario,Canada
Age of the dog(s): Duke- 7 months old
Number of your dogs: 1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? Rotti/German shepherd/uknown cross

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month? $80

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? WAY to many toy's to list, dog coat for those cold Canadian winters.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family? Yes

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) Roughly 70% depending on what's up for that day

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog) Working towards agility competition when he's old enough to begin jumping and so on. Hiking/camping as well.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.) Yes read dog orientated newspapers,magazines,books and dog forums

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? 4ish

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
Just the dog coat for cold days

 

[Luvntzus]

I don't think the responses of people from a dog forum represent most of America. We're probably more dog loving than most. Anyway, here's my response:

Your age: 29
Your place of residence: Richmond, VA
Age of the dog(s): 20 months
Number of your dogs: 1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? Shih Tzu

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month? About $75

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? Doggie seat belt, supplements, bed for his crate, sweater, toys.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family? Definitely!

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) I'm a housewife with no kids so I'm usually with Gingerbread 24/7. We just hang out together most of the time. I'd say I spend at least an hour doing things like playing, grooming, and walking.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog) He has a toy basket with tons of toys that he goes "shopping" through. I also give him a treat dispensing toy once a day or so- that keeps him entertained and his mind active for awhile. He also enjoys watching things from our third story apartment window and going for walks.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? I have a library of dog books and magazines, belong to 4 dog forums, a long list of favorite dog websites that I frequent, and a game that I subscibe to showdog.com

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? A LOT of hours because it's a major hobby. I'd say about 35-45 hours.

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.) Just a sweater to keep him warm on cold weather walks.

 

[GipsyQueen]

Hello everyone!
My name is Michaela, am from Germany and I'm studying English. At the moment I'm writing my diploma thesis about translation problems of dog websites and the general relationship between a dog and its owner in Germany and the USA in comparison.
My question is, whether it would be possible for you to complete a questionnaire of eight questions for me here in this forum or to e-mail it back to me to [email protected]?
I know, it's a weird request, but where else shall I ask than in an American dog forum?
Thank you very much for having read this and your help!

Michaela

Here the questions:

Questionnaire on the dog culture in the USA

Your age: 15
Your place of residence: FFM, Germany (But I lived in Rhode Island for about 8 years with my dog - So I'll post about our american way of life... )
Age of the dog(s): 7
Number of your dogs: 1

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs?
Chocolat Lab.

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month?

About 100 Euro (120$?)

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog?

-Fence... yes it was only for her.
-tones of Tog
-Doggy basket (Koerpchen?)

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?
YES!!!

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.)
about 60-70% aday.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog)
family dog, some sports.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)
Yes well forums and books.

7. b) If so, how many hours per week?
Im on here at least once a day.

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.)
Bandanas, Leather collers, Fresh Organic homemade food, Only Organic treats.

 

[Michaela]

Thank You!!

Hello!

I want to thank all of you, who have already completed my questionnaire!
You can't imagine what a great help you are for me!

Michaela

 

[Sweet72947]

Questionnaire on the dog culture in the USA

Your age: 25
Your place of residence: Northern VA
Age of the dog(s): 5 and 2
Number of your dogs: 2

1. What dog breed is your dog/ are your dogs? One is a lab/hound mix, the other is a schnauzer/dacshund mix.

2. How much money do you spend, on average, for your dog(s) per month? Hmm, its hard to say. Probably $100, give or take vet visits & trips to doggie daycare.

3. Which items, beside the standard equipment (lead, collar, animal feed, dog carrier), have you already bought for your dog? Dog bed, treats, dog coats, electric fence collars, medicines, shampoos, grooming equipment (clippers, scissors, brushes, etc.), my dad bought a doghouse (which is never used), stuffed dog toys, and probably other stuff I can't think of.

4. Do you regard your dog as a member of your family?Yes I do!

5. On average, how much time per day do you spend intensively with your dog? (walk, activity, etc.) *sheepish grin* not enough! They get a walk once a day, unless its raining or really cold, in that case they just go out back for a few minutes and come back in. On really nice days, we might take a 30 minute walk in the afternoon, and have smaller walks throughout the day.

6. How do you occupy your dog? (hunting, trialing, dog sports, simply as a family dog) Walks, stuffed dog toys, nearly empty peanut butter jars, simple obedience training.

7. a) Do you take any further interest in “dog-oriented” subjects? (literature, dog forums, etc.)Yes, I have a lot of dog books, mostly on the subject of training, but I have two animal psychology books I haven't started reading yet. I also have "The Complete Encyclopedia of the Dog" by Bruce Fogle, DVM. Its a great book!

7. b) If so, how many hours per week? Oh, anywhere from 2-4, depending on the time I have.

8. Which luxury articles do you buy for your dog? (clothes, accessories, etc.) The small dog has some shirts that my sister has bought for him.