As dogs become fully integrated members of the family, many guardians are choosing to invest more time, care and attention into their wellbeing. Accredited canine behaviourist, expert force-free trainer and bestselling author Sarah Rutten says this commitment is still commonly dismissed as 'spoiling'.
"Somewhere along the line, loving your dog well became something people feel embarrassed about," Sarah says.
"Guardians are often told they're 'spoiling' their dog simply because they allow them inside, buy them quality food, invest in training, or treat them like part of the family."
Sarah says she felt compelled to write a second book after repeatedly hearing devoted guardians criticised for "spoiling" their dogs.
"I kept hearing it everywhere, at parks, in consults, online. 'You're spoiling him.' And it was almost always directed at people who were simply meeting their dog's needs," she says.
"The true definition of spoiling is about harming someone's character through excessive leniency or indulgence. That's not what's happening in most of these cases."
"What I'm seeing are dogs who are well loved, given safety, enrichment, clarity and emotional security. That's not spoiling. That's responsible guardianship."
"And yes, we should absolutely be doing more of that."
In her upcoming second book, Sarah explores the myths surrounding the word 'spoiling' and unpacks what it truly means to care for a dog responsibly.
"There's a big difference between meeting a dog's emotional and physical needs, and creating behavioural issues through inconsistency or lack of boundaries."
"Providing comfort, enrichment, positive training and inclusion isn't spoiling, it's what responsible guardianship is all about."
In her first book The Canine Perspective: Using Force-Free Methods to Unleash Your Dog's Pawtential, Sarah advocates for force-free, relationship-based training that prioritises a dog's emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. She says this same philosophy underpins the message behind her new book.
"As guardians, we control every aspect of our dogs' lives - when they eat, when they walk, where they sleep, who they interact with," she says.
"With that level of control comes responsibility. Our dogs rely on us completely. Loving them well isn't indulgent. It's ethical."
Sarah says many of the criticisms aimed at devoted dog guardians stem from outdated beliefs about dominance and hierarchy.
"There's still this idea that dogs need to 'know their place' or shouldn't be treated like family, but decades of behavioural science has shown us that relationship, consistency and kindness is what creates well-adjusted dogs - not deprivation."
Far from creating behavioural problems, Sarah says a well-loved dog will enhance a guardian's life in profound ways.
"The bond between humans and dogs is extraordinary," she says.
"Studies consistently show dogs reduce stress, improve mental health, and strengthen social connection. When we nurture that bond properly, everyone benefits."
She also addresses the common fear that too much affection leads to naughty behaviour.
"Behavioural issues don't come from love, they come from unmet needs, lack of clarity, or inconsistent boundaries. You can absolutely have rules and structure while still giving your dog a beautiful life."
Simple Ways to Show Your Dog Love The Right Way
Sarah encourages guardians to reflect on how they can meet their dog's needs more intentionally. Her suggestions include:
Investing time in force-free training that builds confidence and trust
Providing mental enrichment through games, scent work and interactive feeding
Maintaining consistent boundaries so dogs understand expectations
Prioritising quality nutrition and regular veterinary care
Including dogs in family life wherever possible
Advocating for their wellbeing, even when others don't understand
"Dogs don't care about social opinions," Sarah says.
"They care about safety, connection, clarity and kindness. If you're providing those things, you're not spoiling your dog, you're honouring the role you chose when you brought them into your life."
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