29/09/2025
MISMATCHES
This topic is one of those topics that, in all honesty, breaks my heart, but it's something we, as professionals in the dog industry, see a lot. It's when a dog and person are just mismatched. There are good intentions from the person going in, but this dog usually overwhelms this person in every way and no matter how much we as professionals try to help, a mismatcch is usually a mismatch.
This is why education is so important. The idea of having a dog has become extremely romanticized, you get a dog and you get your soulmate, someone who can complete you and make you happy on your worst days. You won't feel lonely because you'll have your dog that you can take everywhere and socialize with everyone.
Those romanticized dogs that everyone wants, are 1 in a million dogs. They're the exception, and not the norm.
A normal dog is a dog that won't be perfect, they'll be a normal sentient being that struggles with certain emotions and issues, requires a lot of hard work, training (on both ends), and consistency. A normal dog will still be an incredible companion but they'll have some limitations.
I get asked all the time what breed of dog would I recommend for a first time owner, and my honest answer is none. The reason being is that person is asking for an easy dog, it usually comes with a list of expectations that are unrealistic. Because apparently you get breeds of dogs that:
-Are very social and especially with kids
-Doesn't shed but also low maintenance in grooming
-They don't bark
-They don't have a lot of energy but like the odd walk
-They must love other dogs
-They must also be healthy - not prone to health issues and joint problems
And this is why my answer is - no dog.
Every single dog will require a mountain of work, pet insurance and a ton of consistency. And if you get a dog you need to be realistic about if you will be able to cope with one. If you work from 7-5 and have no one to look after your dog in between hours, it might not be the best decision. If you aren't an active person, definitely don't get an active breed. Choosing the right dog for you is the most important choice you can make. Do NOT choose a breed that you think looks pretty, these breeds are usually, retrievers, pitbulls, collies, australian cattle dogs, australian shepherds, malinois and spaniels. Those breeds are all working breeds, and those are the breeds I see most commonly being mismatches with people, because apart from being high energy, they're all large breeds and high energy paired with being strong is a recipe for overwhelm.
This year I've seen more mismatched people and dogs than I have before. And I see both the people and the dogs suffer because of it. It's a hard topic to talk about but it's a reality that needs to be shared.
If you think you're mismatched, here is my advice.
-Get a qualified trainer AND behaviourist, and listen to them. The hard part will be taking their advice.
-Know that your lifestyle will require changes, start small that way it's more manageable.
-Get a support system. When you don't feel alone in this, you do cope better.
