Companionship & Affection:
* Unconditional love: This is perhaps the most fundamental expectation. Pet owners want their pets to be a source of comfort, affection, and companionship. They want to feel loved and cared for by their animal.
* Playfulness: Pets are often seen as a source of fun and entertainment. Owners expect them to be playful, engaging, and able to bring joy into their lives.
* Loyalty and devotion: A strong sense of loyalty is expected, with pets being seen as reliable companions who are always there for their owners.
Behavior & Training:
* Basic obedience: Most pet owners want their pets to be well-behaved. This usually includes basic commands like "sit," "stay," and "come," as well as good manners around people and other animals.
* Housebreaking: Cleanliness is important, and owners expect their pets to be housebroken and not cause messes.
* Minimal destructive behavior: While some destruction is expected, especially with puppies or kittens, owners generally hope their pets will not cause significant damage to their belongings.
Health & Well-being:
* Good health: Owners want their pets to be healthy and have a long life. This involves regular vet visits, vaccinations, and proper nutrition.
* Active lifestyle: Many owners encourage their pets to be active and engage in regular exercise.
* Proper grooming: Depending on the breed, this might include brushing, bathing, nail trims, and dental care.
Beyond these core expectations:
* Specific breed traits: Owners often have expectations based on their pet's breed. For example, owners of herding dogs might expect them to be intelligent and trainable, while owners of lap dogs might expect them to be cuddly and affectionate.
* Individual personality: Some owners have specific preferences regarding their pet's personality. For example, they might want a pet that is outgoing or shy, energetic or laid-back.
It's important to remember that expectations can vary greatly depending on the owner, the pet's breed, and their individual personalities. However, these general areas provide a good framework for understanding the most common expectations of pet owners.