UK Dog Ownership - Join A Nationwide Study

The University of Lincoln is conducting an Internet survey of UK dog owners into ways in which dogs have adapted to modern day domestic living. So far, Lincoln's researchers say, they have already identified the top 5 advantages and top 5 disadvantages of dog ownership..

From 199 dog owners surveyed, the advantages and disadvantages of dog ownership were prioritised as follows:

Top 5 Advantages:

  • Companionship
  • Encourages a healthier lifestyle
  • Teaches children responsibility & respect for animals
  • Provision of security & protection
  • Emotional enrichment


    • Top 5 Disadvantages:

  • Restriction on freedom of movement
  • Financial cost
  • Time commitment
  • Household hygiene
  • Illness or death of the dog


    • Join the Nationwide Study..

    University researchers are looking for as many dog owners as possible to complete their survey which they hope will tell them more about how dogs currently living in the UK spend their time.

    The sweetly named Doggy Diaries Internet Survey is just one part of the less-than-sweetly-named Owner Expectatiion & Development Of The Successful Human-Dog Bond research project.

    Based on the responses from both the dog owner and expert surveys, The Internet based survey has been developed to allow investigation into the time dogs spend engaging in a list of activity items. Researchers are also collecting data relating to the frequency, predictability, control and actual time spent on each activity and investigate the influence this may have on owner satisfaction and the welfare of the dogs concerned.

    A second shorter survey asks dog owners to record the additional time they spend on dog ownership, which does not directly involve engaging with their dog and also to record an estimate of the costs associated with ownership of their current dog.

    To participate in the study, UK dog owners are asked to visit www.doggydiaries.co.uk.