A safe space to admit dog struggles

Dogs Anonymous holds weekly Zoom meetings where pet owners confess frustrations they're afraid to discuss publicly, from aggressive behavior to constant barking.

“I admit that life with my dog is not what I imagined.”

Founded in 2025 by three cofounders

Louise Crane, Daphne Mendoza-Tervanis, and Jerri Scherff launched Dogs Anonymous as a nonprofit combining animal behavior expertise with emotional support for owners.

Modeled after Alcoholics Anonymous traditions

Scherff, who is 13 years sober, shaped the group around AA principles including anonymity, confidentiality, and the core practice of sharing experience, strength, and hope.

“We wanted to create something that was repeatable, sustainable, and eventually autonomous.”

Shame is the biggest barrier

Pet owners struggle most with embarrassment over having a difficult dog, especially women who feel judged for not being capable owners or meeting neighborhood expectations.

“There's so much shame when you don't get Lassie.”

Research shows widespread isolation

A June survey in the journal Pets found 53 percent of owners with difficult dogs felt alone, and 78 percent reported elevated caregiver burden from emotional and financial strain.

Dog reactivity is the top issue

A 2026 University of Lincoln study found dog reactivity falls into three categories: oral attacks, frustration, and posturing, with lunging and barking as the most common symptoms.

Owners prioritized over dogs

Unlike other dog behavior groups, Dogs Anonymous puts owner wellbeing first, recognizing that most owners lack affordable support when their dog doesn't meet expectations.

“Why we're in the problem that we are right now is because we are putting dogs before people.”

Training costs are prohibitively expensive

Private dog trainers in Los Angeles charge up to three hundred dollars per hour, making professional help financially inaccessible for many owners seeking behavioral guidance.

Social media warps dog expectations

Petfluencers like Viola the Husky with 5.8 million Instagram followers create unrealistic standards, making owners feel inadequate when their dogs don't perform perfectly.

Community bonds over shared struggles

The group's power comes from members realizing they're not alone, with attendees from the US, Singapore, Costa Rica, and beyond finding comfort in shared experiences.

“Part of what you'll do here is grieve the dog you thought you would have as you grow closer to the one you have.”

A refuge from toxic online judgment

Members value the confidentiality and non-judgmental space, where they can vent frustrations without fear of social media backlash or public scrutiny.

“This is a place where you can come and say, I fucking hate my dog today.”

Weekly meetings cover all topics

Sessions range from discussing anxiety and euthanasia decisions to lighter moments, creating a flexible space for owners to process any aspect of dog ownership.