I had dogs as a kid. From 3-17 yrs old.

15 -20 years ago I was in college. 10-15 years ago, I was in the thick of new marriage, new career and then babies and diapers and then toddlers and special needs diagnosis.

A year ago we were finally settled enough in a place where we could welcome and care for a very much wanted dog.

Is that good enough reason for you OP?

Your observations are correct.
A lot of fancy apartments permit dogs this days.
I think the increase is due to loneliness.

It's trendy, why else? People can't help following trends.

Anonymous wrote:I think people have more mental and emotional issues than ever before.

They’re also a lot more selfish and entitled and think they can bring dogs everywhere whereas people in the past were a little more respectful of others and realistic about how their lifestyles aren’t always compatible with responsible dog ownership.

+1.

I know a lot of people who have recently gotten puppies. It many cases, the families are done having children and the youngest child in is elementary school. Maybe a surrogate baby? Or maybe they finally feel like they can add a dog to the mix?

Anonymous wrote:Nope, not true. I still don't want dogs.

+1

I think people have more mental and emotional issues than ever before.

They’re also a lot more selfish and entitled and think they can bring dogs everywhere whereas people in the past were a little more respectful of others and realistic about how their lifestyles aren’t always compatible with responsible dog ownership.

Rise in income level.



Plain and simple. Dog ownership increases with household income.

I have had dogs all my life and I noticed the same as you. People are much more dog obsessed nowadays. I think it’s because they’re having children later and their dogs become their substitute child. Also, the merchandising has gotten out of control! I think it’s because people are willing to spend a lot more on their dogs than they did in the past

We’ve had dogs all my life. I do t see an increase in ownership. I do see the increase in obsession though - that’s merchandising.

Owner of 4 dogs- had 4 different dogs 15 years ago too. And 3 dogs growing up.

Nope, not true. I still don't want dogs.

I think another factor is that people are having fewer children or not having children. Dogs are a substitute (and don't talk back!).

You’re crazy.

People tend to have children and acquire animals once they’ve settled in a house. It would make sense that dog ownership increases in many neighborhoods.

I think it's the rise of rescue dogs ... there are just so many more accessible now, and there is almost a stigma if you get one from a breeder now.

When we moved into my neighborhood 15 yrs ago with our dog there were only a few people had dogs but now every house has a dog or 2 or 3! It seems weird to me that everyone is now dog obsessed. Also I notice movies have gotten softer on dogs. There aren't any violent or vicious scenes killing dogs anymore whereas in the 90s dogs were decapitated or murdered gruesomely in some movies and no one seemed to bat an eye. Is it just because people like to follow a trend? I feel when I moved in with our gorgeous dog who would literally stop traffic everyone suddenly started to adopt or buy dogs.