Session #2-2 "What Pet Owners Can Do and Should Do Going Forward"

Continuing from last time, we invited guests Keiko Watanabe and Eikou Hiyama, former editors-in-chief of Benesse Corporation's "Inu no Kimochi" and "Neko no Kimochi" magazines. Kotaro Osaki, a member of the Think Pet Project, spoke with them about the challenge of pet owners' "training" awareness, a key issue for achieving "coexistence between humans and pets."

(From left) Keiko Watanabe, Kotaro Osaki, Eikou Hiyama

 

Owners who don't think barking is "bad"

Osaki: From the perspective of "coexistence between humans and pets," I think we're seeing gradual progress—more pet-friendly cafes and apartments are appearing, and societal acceptance is expanding. However, on the other hand, signs warning against leaving feces or urine in public still exist, and incidents like loud barking in pet-friendly establishments cause trouble. It's also true that negative perceptions of pets haven't been completely dispelled. While this involves only a portion of pet owners, such issues persist. For the pet industry to grow in the future, we need to address these challenges too, right?

 

Watanabe: It might be difficult unless the awareness of many pet owners aligns. Occasionally, our magazine features spots where you can go out with your dog, but some locations refuse to be featured. Why? Because they've learned from experience that not all pet owners are considerate of their surroundings, and they're wary of being featured in 'Inu no Kimochi' and becoming known to many people. While it's true that the acceptance is expanding, unless the manners issue is resolved, that pace probably won't accelerate much.

Hiyama: Barking or biting habits often have reasons behind them; they can be various signals. Understanding those reasons is crucial for knowing your dog. However, the real issue is whether pet owners themselves recognize that ignoring "unnecessary barking or biting" can lead to missing those signals, escalate into problematic behavior, and potentially become a nuisance to others. Recently, campgrounds with dog runs have increased, and most visitors there have well-trained dogs. However, very rarely, you encounter pet owners who don't care at all when their dog barks loudly at night. I think the worst part isn't just the lack of training, but the indifference to it.

Osaki: One of our employees who dislikes dogs went on a business trip to Germany and encountered dogs walking without leashes. They said, unlike Japanese dogs, they weren't scary. I hear Germany has dog schools where dogs undergo thorough training over a year. Along with dog taxes, changing pet owners' awareness requires building infrastructure, doesn't it?

Hiyama: Changing things through legislation like Germany does might be a bit difficult in Japan. However, compared to ten years ago, pet owners' manners have improved in Japan, and society's awareness of proper etiquette has also grown. In our generation, quite a few people have experienced stepping in dog poop as kids (laughs). But nowadays, you hardly ever see feces on the sidewalk. It's become common sense that owners should responsibly clean up after their pets. In this way, pet owner etiquette has the potential to improve further as society evolves.

What can be supported as a business

 

Osaki: If pet owners' awareness of training and etiquette improves, it will create more time and places in society where pets can be present, ultimately contributing to industry growth. The Design with Pet Project also aims to propose various initiatives going forward. What do you think the private sector can do?

Watanabe: Improving pet supplies also contributes to better manners and training. Regarding the earlier topic of waste, while people used to rely on tissues or plastic bags, products for easy disposal are now available. There are also products designed to prevent barking or biting, though opinions on these vary. Making things convenient and simple reduces the burden on pet owners, making it easier for them to continue. Developing new products is one way to address these issues.

Hiyama: Furthermore, I believe it's crucial to continuously disseminate knowledge and information about pets. When pet owners understand animal behavior and know why their pets bark or bite, they can often handle the situation. That's precisely why magazines like 'Inu no Kimochi' and 'Neko no Kimochi' have featured special sections on animal behavior and training since their inception. I think there will always be a need for businesses that undertake such educational activities.

Osaki: That's right. If systems are firmly in place that consider pet owners, their pets, and even those without pets, more people will feel confident about keeping pets.

 

Hiyama: Above all, I think the most important thing is how much you can imagine the potential problems that might arise in daily life and the feelings of people who don't have pets when you decide to get one. While love at first sight can be the initial spark, you mustn't forget the resolve to take responsible ownership and the commitment to gain the necessary knowledge. Isn't the lack of such resolve and imagination what leads not only to poor manners but also to issues like euthanasia? I believe there are many crucial points that should be communicated as part of our business, not just to current pet owners but also to those considering getting a pet. Isn't the accumulation of such activities what will lead to a society where pet owners and their pets can live happily, and where people without pets can also live peacefully?

Osaki: I truly agree. I believe there's much we can support from the pet industry's perspective. Moving forward, I want to work with everyone to explore every possibility and develop projects that contribute, even in a small way, to transforming society.