What do dogs need for a well-adjusted life?

(Photo by Vitaly Gariev via Unsplash)

Veteran dog owners all agree this is the most important wisdom to pass down: be patient.

The advice emerged in a survey of 2,000 dog owners which split respondents by how long they’ve been with their pup.

Veteran dog owners with over 10 years of experience named “be patient, dogs feel your energy” (39%) as the best piece of wisdom they’ve encountered.

Conducted by Talker Research on behalf of Darwin’s pet food, other wisdoms included further patience when training (36%), consistency is more important than perfection (29%) and exercise solves many behavioral issues (23%).

And have you scheduled your dog cuddles this week?

The survey also pinpointed the activities veteran dog owners swear by for a well-adjusted dog: daily exercise, consistent feeding schedules and committed bonding time.

Experienced owners also emphasize the importance of regularly letting their pet socialize with other animals.

The research also pinpointed the most valuable lessons or things dog owners wished they'd known or done earlier in their pet parent lives.

“Seasoned dog owners tend to learn that the small, repeatable moments matter most,” said Paul Hagenson, a spokesperson for Darwin’s pet food. Regular movement, predictable routines and intentional bonding time help dogs feel secure and that sense of stability can shape behavior just as much as training does.”

(Talker Research)

And many owners feel they learned lessons when it came to getting their pet’s diet right.

Experienced owners of 10+ years say the most important factors are ensuring the quality of the ingredients (51%), followed by avoiding artificial fillers or additives (34%).

So what do dog owners say really made the difference when looking back on years of doggie diets? Dog veterans said feeding on a regular schedule (38%) and avoiding or lessening the temptation to give human food or scraps made a big difference (34%).

Switching to high-quality kibble (33%), adding more fresh food (28%) and reducing both portion sizes (27%) and treats (25%) were also commonly cited diet hacks that experienced owners said made a big difference.

To newer owners looking to get their pet’s diet right sooner, owners with 10 years of experience selected ‘not all dog foods are equal’ (37%), ‘hydration matters more than you think’ (35%) and ‘start with higher-quality food early’ (35%) as the nutrition tips they agreed with most.

“Taken together, the findings show how dog ownership evolves with experience,” added Hagenson. “Many of the things owners wish they’d prioritized earlier, from training and socialization to nutrition and vet care, are about thinking long-term and recognizing how early choices shape a dog’s health and behavior over time.”

TOP 10 CONSISTENT HABITS EXPERIENCED DOG OWNERS RECOMMEND

1. Daily exercise 71%
2. Consistent feeding schedule 49%
3. Dedicated owner/dog bonding time 46%
4. Regular socialization 41%
5. Regular grooming 38%

BEST PIECES OF WISDOM FROM EXPERIENCED DOG OWNERS

1. Be patient, dogs feel your energy 39%
2. Training takes time but pays off 36%
3. Consistency matters more than perfection 29%
4. Don’t skip vet checks 30%
5. High-quality nutrition early on makes a difference 24%
6. The bond deepens every year 25%
7. Enjoy the small moments 22%
8. Exercise solves many behavior issues 23%
9. Socialize early and often 23%
10. Start dental care young 18%

Research methodology:

Talker Research surveyed 2,000 dog owners who have access to the internet; the survey was commissioned by Darwin’s pet food and administered and conducted online by Talker Research between Dec. 23 - Dec. 29, 2025. A link to the questionnaire can be found here.

To view the complete methodology as part of AAPOR’s Transparency Initiative, please visit the Talker Research Process and Methodology page.