Skip to main content

In ‘Happy Dog Owner’ Dr. Carri Westgarth Opens Up On How To Be A Happier, Healthier dog Parent

Dr. Carri Westgarth is a University of Liverpool researcher and an author.

In ‘Happy Dog Owner’ Dr. Carri Westgarth Explains Everything You Need To Know About Being A Happy Dog Owner

She has become so expert in the study of human-animal interaction that she's now empowering dog lovers to find health and happiness with the help of their pets.

In her new book, The Happy Dog Owner: Finding Health and Happiness with the Help of Your Dog, Westgarth gives an easy-to-follow guide on improving the health and well-being of dogs and their owners through science-led training techniques.

Relying on 15 years of research at the University and a wealth of practical experience with dogs, Dr Westgarth is now helping owners to gain a new understanding of their dog’s needs and how to be the best owner they can be.

The new book which is already making waves as ‘the go-to book for every enquiring dog owner,’ teaches how to maximise the benefits of dog ownership and minimise the risks through making intentional choices about where we get our dogs from, how we train them and what activities we do with them.

According to Westgarth, “If the media are to be believed, owning a dog is the perfect antidote to the crises of obesity, depression and now even coping with a pandemic. However, a deep dive into the actual scientific research shows a less conclusive or rosy picture. What is often forgotten is that owning a dog often comes with stresses of its own. It is important that owners have realistic expectations of the benefits that dog ownership will bring and know how to put in the work needed to achieve them.”

In ‘Happy Dog Owner’ Dr. Carri Westgarth Explains Everything You Need To Know About Being A Happy Dog Owner

Apart from being an evidence-based guide, Westgarth shared what inspired her to write the book. She said: I wrote this book because I felt there was a need for an easy to read and evidence-based guide for dog owners or people thinking about getting a dog.”

“In recent years there has been an explosion of scientific research into the health impacts of owning dogs and knowledge about canine welfare, behaviour and training.”

“At the same time, many people are living with chronic health conditions and disabilities and looking towards their dog to provide them with daily support. This book summarises and provides guidance on these issues, so that the latest expertise can be accessible to all and impact the lives and decisions of everyday dogs and their owners.”

The paper back copy of The Happy Dog Owner: Finding Health and Happiness with the Help of Your Dog by Dr Carri Westgarth is now available here on Amazon for a price of $15.95.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Real Risks: Weighing Vaccine Side Effects vs. Deadly Diseases

Some dog owners express concern about vaccine risks. Meanwhile, preventable diseases continue to pose a documented threat. For example, a two-year pause in dog rabies vaccination campaigns in Haiti resulted in a five to eightfold increase in animal rabies cases within a single year, creating a public health crisis that required an emergency response. This event illustrates a central fact: the dangers of vaccine-preventable diseases are quantifiably greater than the known risks associated with vaccination. This article will address concerns about vaccine safety by examining the precise nature of both vaccine risks and disease threats, using verifiable data to support informed decision-making for your dog's health. The Biological Impossibility of Canine Autism The claim that vaccines cause autism in dogs is not supported by veterinary science due to fundamental biological reasons. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a human neurodevelopmental condition. Its diagnosis depends on asses...

5 Must-Ask Questions Before You Leave Your Dog at the Groomer

A 2022 study in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior noted that over 50% of dogs show signs of stress during grooming. While severe physical injuries are less common, a single preventable incident is one too many. Cases like those in Louisiana, where dogs received ocular chemical burns from misused shampoo at a licensed facility, demonstrate that a groomer’s marketing claims are not a guarantee of safety. Your dog’s well-being depends on the protocols you cannot see. The only way to evaluate them is to ask direct, specific questions. The goal is not to create conflict, but to identify competence and build trust based on transparent practices. 1. “What is your exact step-by-step protocol for protecting my dog’s eyes during the bath?” The difference between a safe groom and a dangerous one lies in the specifics of execution. Indicator of a Professional “Before the bath, we apply a sterile, vet-approved ophthalmic ointment to lubricate the eyes and create a barrier against shampoo. We av...

The Practical Path to a Pet-Friendly Rental: A Data-Backed Guide

“I would have lived in a tent before I surrendered my dog ,” says Valerie Ducharme, a renter who faced the Yukon's housing crisis with her Australian shepherd. Her sentiment is common. According to a 2023 Canadian Rental Housing Index report , nearly 40% of rental households include pets, yet a systematic analysis of listings in major Canadian markets shows that less than 30% explicitly welcome them. This gap creates a logistical and emotional crisis for responsible pet owners . This guide provides a concrete strategy based on documented landlord concerns and successful tenant approaches. It replaces hope with a structured plan. 1. Reframe the Conversation from Problem to Solution Landlords decline pets based on rational risk assessment. The documented primary concerns are: Property damage (chewed moldings, stained carpets) Noise disturbances leading to tenant turnover Liability issues (dog bites) Residual allergens affecting future tenants Your application must address these poin...