The role of dogs in people's lives has changed significantly in recent decades. They are no longer just working or guard dogs, but beloved family members whose well-being is increasingly being cared for. But what does the future hold for dog enthusiasts and owners? What should we consider now to ensure that dogs are well for years to come?
I want to emphasize that dog breeders have a huge responsibility in the future as well, but according to the law of supply and demand, I want to emphasize the dog buyer's obligation to understand, research, and listen to the breeder's arguments. The buyer's choices have an impact on what kind of operators will succeed as dog breeders.
1. Healthier and happier dogs – but how to achieve it?
Dog health has been the subject of growing attention, and rightly so. Breeding has begun to pay more attention to genetic diversity and hereditary diseases.
🔬 Genetic tests and health screenings – Nowadays, many hereditary diseases can be identified and prevented even when making breeding decisions through various genetic tests and health screenings. This means that in the future, puppy buyers will have even more information about their dog's genetics and potential risks. Find out and ask the breeder about them!
📉 Maintaining breed diversity – Excessive inbreeding is a problem for many breeds. Breeders should make responsible combinations, but puppy buyers also have an important role to play: is appearance the most important thing for you, or do you also value health and good temperament?
💉 Better care and veterinary medicine – Dogs may live longer in the future, and new treatments are constantly being developed. This is great, but also more expensive – good health insurance or other precautions may become increasingly important for owners.
2. The changing world and the role of dogs in everyday life
Dogs need to adapt increasingly better to modern society.
🏙️ City life – More and more dogs are living in urban environments, where traffic, crowds and smaller spaces pose new challenges. Good nervous system and adaptability are increasingly important traits for both dogs and owners. Good nervous system starts with the puppy's parents, so make sure you get to meet the puppy's parents and see what the puppies are like.
💼 Remote work and separation anxiety – The pandemic brought remote work and many dogs are used to their owners being at home. Separation anxiety has become a big problem, and to prevent it, it is important to teach your dog to be alone from puppyhood. A strict line from the beginning is important and teach them to be alone as soon as they come home!
💛 Dog as part of the family – More attention is being paid to dog well-being than ever before. Awareness of high-quality nutrition, good training, and a dog's mental well-being is growing, which is a great thing for the entire dog world.
3. Will dog breeding change?
Dog breeding has seen major changes in recent years, and this development continues.
🏆 Show dogs vs. working dogs – Many breeds have long had a clear distinction between show lines and working lines. But more and more owners want a dog that is both beautiful and functional – and this can influence the direction of breeding. When buying a dog, the owner must think about what they want from their dog and seek it consciously.
🐕 Original uses vs. modern needs – Many breeds were developed as working dogs, but most live as family dogs today. The original characteristics of the breed, such as a strong herding instinct or guarding instincts, can pose challenges in today's everyday life. For this reason, there is an increasing emphasis on temperament and trainability in breeding, and it is good to be aware that each dog is still the result of its instincts and genetics. You can't take it away from a dog, so you have to learn to utilize it and not fight it.
🎾 Easily Trainable Family Dogs – In the future, the focus may shift more and more to making dogs easy to train, well-balanced, and suitable for as many families and life situations as possible. This is much easier said than done, considering that a dog's personality is based on genetics, parents, the first few weeks, and learned habits in their own family. Sometimes the problem with an unbalanced dog can be completely on the other end of the leash than the dog itself.
4. Responsibility of dog owners – what can everyone do?
Now and in the future, dog owners are expected to be more responsible and considerate before purchasing a dog.
📝 Get information before buying a puppy – A good breeder is open about the health of their dogs and their breeding choices. It is the owner's responsibility to find out about the breed's needs and potential health risks before purchasing a puppy. Therefore, research, meet breeders, and ask questions.
🐶 Everyday responsibility – training and activation – A dog is not just a cute bundle of fur, but an animal with species-specific needs. High-quality food, sufficient exercise and mental activation are the key to a happy life.
🌍 Ecological dog ownership – In the future, dog ownership will also become more ecological. Higher quality food, sustainable equipment and environmentally friendly care products are increasingly part of the everyday life of dog owners.
5. What does the future of dog ownership look like?
The dog world is changing, but certain things remain: the bond between dog and human, the dog's need for exercise and activation, and responsible upbringing and ownership.
As owners, we can influence the future of dogs by choosing ethical breeders, caring for our dogs' well-being, and sharing information about responsible dog ownership. The dogs of the future can be healthier, more balanced, and better adapted to society – but only if we all do our part!
So, what is your role in the future of the dog world? 🐶💙
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