In the framework of the early prevention of problems in the owner–dog relationship, it is important to have a broad perspective on the development of this relationship over time, starting before people actually acquire a dog. People who currently (or previously) own(ed) a dog can rely on their experiences when considering a new dog, while this knowledge is unavailable to first time dog-owners. In this study, we explore how self-efficacy, social comparison, perceptions about the (dis)advantages of ownership and commitment to the dog (so-called social cognitive factors), problematic canine behaviors, perceived costs, and satisfaction with the dog change over time. We examine changes from the motivational phase of relationship development (before acquisition of the dog) into the experience phase (six and twelve months after acquisition of the dog). We explore if patterns are different in experienced (previous (n = 73) and current (n = 80)) versus unexperienced (first time (n = 30) dog owners. The respondents filled in three online questionnaires—once before and twice after acquisition of their dog. From T0 (before acquisition of the dog) to T1 (having the dog for six months) participants (especially those with no ownership experience) had to adjust their perceptions about dogs and dog ownership. Experiencing the relationship for an additional year (from T1 to T2) barely changed the social cognitive factors, satisfaction, and perceived costs. A small decline in problematic canine behaviors was present among the experienced dog owners between T1 and T2. To conclude, perceptions about dogs and dog ownership change over time, but after testing these perceptions with reality, they become stable after about six months.

Dogs are the most popular companion animal in almost all European countries, the USA, and Australia (Global survey on pet ownership, 2016). Dog ownership has been associated with several benefits to human physical and psychological health, including increased physical activity, reduced stress, companionship, social support, and increased social interactions with people (O'Haire, 2010).Unfortunately, not all human-dog relationships are healthy and pleasant. Problems associated with dogs (e.g., difficulties in training, soiling, and aggressive behavior, Greenebaum, 2006;O'Farrell, 1997) cause inconvenience and suffering for humans. A sub-optimal relationship might also cause suffering for the dog owing to maltreatment (e.g., neglect, Arluke, 2006), relinquishment to a shelter (Coe et al., 2014;Lambert, Coe, Niel, Dewey, & Sargeant, 2015), or disposal in other ways (e.g., through a trading website).These undesired situations are at least partly related to a mismatch between characteristics of the dog (e.g., size, age, breed, health, and behavior), the owner's knowledge and capabilities concerning the dog's needs, and the owner's expectations of the relationship with the dog. Mismatches are more likely when dogs are acquired impulsively (Jagoe & Serpell, 1996).Impulse buying involves an instantaneous, overpowering, and persistent desire to buy a product when exposed to it. Such purchases are unintended and non-reflective (Rook, 1987). Rook and Gardner (1993) define impulse buying as unplanned behavior involving quick decision-making and a tendency toward immediate acquisition of a product. Several factors have been associated with impulse buying (Muruganantham & Bhakat, 2013). For example, impulse buyers are more social and status-conscious, and they do not spend much time considering their purchases. When they feel a connection with a product, they simply must have it. Such connections can occur when the product is physically close, seen on a website, or associated with a person that one admires (de Veirman, Cauberghe, & Hudders, 2017). Impulse buying can be regarded as sub-optimal decision-making. The social-cognitive factors involved in decision-making are described in the Theory of Planned Behavior (Ajzen, 1991). In a previous study (Vink, Dijkstra, & Epstude, 2019), we demonstrate that certain aspects of the decision-making process at time zero (T0) are related to the actual acquisition of a dog (T1; yes/no). In the present study, we examine how aspects of the decision-making process at T0 are related to canine behavior problems and owner satisfaction, as measured in two follow-up questionnaires, six (T1) and 18 months (T2) after acquiring a dog. The variables addressed in the present study call for a different theoretical framework: the two-phase model of owner-dog relationship establishment.Weighing advantages and disadvantages is central to making decisions (Dwyer, Bennett, &

To prevent potential problems in the relationship between people and their dogs, it is important to engage in a thoughtful decision-making process with regard to acquiring a dog. To map the most important elements in the decision-making process, a social cognitive model was applied using seven psychological constructs: perceived advantages of having a dog; perceived disadvantages; the social norm; self-efficacy; optimism; expected commitment; and the intention to acquire a dog. People who were planning to acquire a dog within one year were asked to fill in an online questionnaire and another one 14 months later. The social cognitive constructs were operationalized in the baseline questionnaire, and in the follow-up participants were asked to report whether they had actually acquired a dog during the 14-month interval. The sample (n = 588) largely consisted of females (88%) and those who had a high level of education (64%). The mean age of the participants was 40.9 years. The data showed significant relations among the decisionmaking variables, and significant differences between demographic variables related to these. In univariate longitudinal analyses, several social cognitive variables significantly predicted acquiring a dog in the 14-month period. When intention to acquire a dog was entered into the multivariate model, it remained the only predictor (OR = 2.16, p < 0.001); the model explained 33% of the variance in acquiring a dog. It was possible to assess the main constructs that play a role in decision making regarding acquiring a dog: Most baseline measures were related to actual later behavior, also when taking into account all changes in other internal and external factors that may have taken place. Insight into the decision-making process makes it possible to intervene in it for the good of people, dogs, and their relationships.

Background. Several studies have found an effect of pet ownership on human health and well-being. We propose that these benefits can only occur when the pet owner perceives the dog in a certain way: As having a human-like psychological functioning and experience of the world (anthropomorphism), and as part of one’s identity (assimilation). These perceptions are thought to support the development of a high-quality relationship with the dog that can lead to positive effects on health and well-being. Method. Two samples of dog owners (N=136 and N=928) completed an online questionnaire assessing anthropomorphism and assimilation, and relationship satisfaction and commitment to the dog (as measures of the quality of the relationship). In addition, a set of measures to validate the new anthropomorphism and assimilation scales were assessed. Results. Anthropomorphism and assimilation were related to satisfaction and commitment in moderation and in mediation. That is, the relation between anthropomorphism and commitment was especially strong when assimilation was low, and the relation between assimilation and commitment was largely mediated by anthropomorphism. Furthermore, validating the new scales, anthropomorphism was significantly related to secondary emotions recognized in the dog, and assimilation was significantly and negatively related to self-esteem and loneliness. Conclusion. The results show that anthropomorphism and assimilation had a significant relation with satisfaction and commitment, which is in line with the notion that this psychological process is important for the development of a high-quality relationship between owner and dog.