Watch dogs: A mixed-methods investigation of dog owners’ views on dog monitoring technologies

Abstract

Dog monitoring technologies are increasingly integrated into dog owners’ routines, yet the perceived impacts of these technologies on dogs and their owners remain underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the perceptions of dog owners (n = 86) regarding use and impacts of these technologies through a mixed-methods questionnaire. Qualitative content analysis was conducted to identify owners’ reasons for adopting dog monitoring technologies and their perceived impacts. Quantitative data were summarized descriptively and associations of perceived impacts with owner demographics, dog characteristics, technology characteristics and scores on the Monash Dog Owner Relationship Scale were assessed using mixed-effect logistic regression models. Five main themes were identified as reasons for adopting and using technologies: 1) monitoring dog safety, 2) monitoring dog behavior, 3) monitoring dog health or disease, 4) owner-related factors, and 5) miscellaneous reasons. Perceived positive impacts on dogs included improved care and increased off-leash opportunities, while negative impacts involved owners’ low trust in the technology’s reliability and concerns about dog behavioral issues and discomfort. Most owners identified a positive impact on themselves, including reduced anxiety and enhanced self-assessed pet parenting. Stress and financial concerns were mentioned as negative effects. No associations were found between quantitative variables and perceived positive or negative impacts. The findings underscore the importance of considering both the benefits and potential drawbacks of these technologies to ensure their ethical and effective integration into the lives of dogs and the humans who care for them.