Low-Income Dog Owners Face Hidden Barriers to Training Access

A UK pilot study reveals that offering free dog training is not enough to ensure participation among economically disadvantaged dog owners. Researchers from the University of Bristol trialed free face-to-face and online training classes in areas of high deprivation and found extremely high dropout rates: 100% for the online course and 43% for in-person sessions.

These figures were starkly contrasted by a paid dog training course running in the same area, which had a dropout rate of just 24%. The findings suggest that barriers beyond cost—such as variable work schedules, childcare duties, or transport access—are key contributors to non-participation among low-income owners.

Participants who completed the free in-person classes had significantly higher household incomes and were less likely to receive means-tested benefits. These results challenge the idea that free access alone guarantees inclusivity and participation.

The authors recommend that future programs explore why participants discontinue courses, using qualitative methods, in order to design more accessible and effective training solutions for all socio-economic groups.