City life used to offer a village for raising dogs — a network of support, shared wisdom, and mutual care. But today, that village has splintered into tribes. Training methods have become ideologies. Feeding choices are status symbols. And instead of helping each other raise confident, well-adjusted dogs, guardians face judgment, isolation, and pressure to perform.

UK data shows that 67% of guardians now feel solely responsible for their dog’s wellbeing, and only 18% rely on a support network. That’s not just lonely — it’s counterproductive. Dogs need variety, exposure, and flexible care to thrive. But when every choice feels like a moral test, people stop showing up — and dogs miss out.

We say it takes a village to raise a dog. So why are we scaring the villagers away?