# Dogs Anonymous: A support group for struggling pet owners > A new nonprofit offers weekly Zoom meetings where dog owners can confess their frustrations without judgment, modeled after 12-step recovery programs. - Title: Dogs Anonymous: A support group for struggling pet owners - Summary: A new nonprofit offers weekly Zoom meetings where dog owners can confess their frustrations without judgment, modeled after 12-step recovery programs. Pet… - Keywords: dogs anonymous, support groups, pet owners, dog behavior, mental health, louise crane, daphne mendoza-tervanis, jerri scherff, dog reactivity, pet care, online communities, shame and guilt - Source: WIRED — https://wired.com/story/inside-dogs-anonymous-the-online-support-group-for-people-with-difficult-dogs - Author: Jason Parham - Published: 2026-09-20T11:00:00+00:00 - Read time: 2 min - Topics: dogs anonymous, support groups, pet owners, dog behavior, mental health, louise crane, daphne mendoza-tervanis, jerri scherff, dog reactivity, pet care, online communities, shame and guilt ## 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. ## Key takeaway Pet owners dealing with difficult dogs often feel isolated and ashamed, and peer support groups focused on the owner's wellbeing, not just dog training, can help.