EP12 - The Psychology of Owning a Dog: Dogs As an Extension of Us

Why do so many dog owners treat their pets like family – or even like extensions of themselves?

In this episode of Marketing Made Clear, we dive into the fascinating psychology behind dog ownership, including the theory of the extended self, conspicuous consumption, and the rise of premium pet products.

From Darwin and Belk to Maslow and Veblen, we explore what makes our bond with dogs so personal – and how this impacts the way we buy for them. Whether you’re a marketer, dog lover, or both – this one’s for you.

🐶 Topics covered:

• Why dogs often look like their owners
• The psychology of the extended self (Russel Belk, 1988)
• Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs and pet ownership
• Conspicuous consumption and Veblen goods in the pet industry
• How people project their food values onto th ...