Puppy Love; nearly 75 per cent of Aussie dog owners give more affection to pooches than people

Almost three-quarters of all dog owners kiss and cuddle their pet more than people, and half show more affection to their pooch than their partner, according to a new study. When asked about the survey by pet retailer Petbarn, dog lovers at the Bunbury Dog Park on Thursday were in total agreement on how much affection they give their four-legged friends. “Oh yeah alright, we’ll all agree to that,” said Anne Marie McGuigan of Usher. Many said it came down to the reciprocal nature of canines as compared to humans. “When I rub Zinger’s belly he licks my hand to say thank you, when I rub (partner) Ashley’s belly, nothing,” said Michelle Durrant of East Bunbury. “That’s Java, he never stops. Not enough to cuddle, anyway,” said Josh Joynson of South Bunbury. The study also showed that 56 per cent of dog owners let their dog lick their face. The line seemed to be firmly in the sand for local dog owners on where the line beyond affection is blurred, with June Couperwhite from Dalyellup having strong feelings towards letting your dog lick your face: “No, no, no, no, no,” she said. Some were more open to affection: “I give him lots of kisses, he loves his mummy,” said Ms McGuigan “Love a snuggle and a pat with the puppy, but not into kisses,” said Ashley Hastie of East Bunbury “I’d never say no to the kisses from the missus, so not sure Petbarn got it right,” he said. The study coincided with International Dog Day on August 26.