04/07/2026
Like most people who grew up sharing their lives with a dog, I always referred to myself as an owner. Because this was my dog, who lived with me, in my house.
But over time, this has changed. When I first began learning about dog training, I also began to hear different terms from different people. āGuardianā was one, and I liked it. I still do. But my favourite, and the word I now feel best represents my own relationship with my dogs, is ācaregiverā. These animals may live in our homes, and they may be our responsibility, but do we really āownā them? Depending on where you are in the world, they may be legally regarded as property, just as your phone or your laptop is. But they are living creatures with their own minds and personalities. They didnāt ask to live with us. We chose to take care of them and meet their needs as best we can. To be their companions, their friends, their guardians and caregivers, for as long as they are in this world with us. To be loved and trusted by a dog is a privilege, not a right. And thatās why the word āownerā no longer resonates with me the way it once did.
Of course, everyone is free to use whatever word they choose to describe their own relationship with the dogs they know and love. Whether you call yourself a dog owner, a dog guardian or a dog caregiver is irrelevant if you are doing your best for your four-legged friend every day.
How would you describe your role in your dogās life?
