Publishing date: 29.04.2025 (DD/MM/YYYY)
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.

TLDR: A cute little collection of relatable scenarios for dog owners. 3 stars

If you have heard the term "coffee table book" recently, this one also falls into that category. A cute no thoughts single sitting book. Also a very good gift to dog owners ...

This was overall very relatable and adorable. There are a few repetitive pages that is worder slightly differently and some that are continuations of another. But it is so short that is down't really impact it much.

The artstyle is simple, yet detailed. Not quite sure how to explain it. I enjoyed it. I also really enjoyed the underlying story with the adoption of a poor little dog. Very cute.

I would recommend this first of all to dowg owners, secondly to someone who needs a quick gift to a dog owner, and third to those who enjoy the old timey comic strips.

I give it 3 stars. Since I am not a dog owner and haven't been for a few years it didn't hit the same way it would if I was. But I did enjoy my time

I was unfortunately less impressed by the content of the book than I was by its cover or title. As a dog owner, there were parts that I connected with. However, there was just not enough content that was compelling enough to keep me reading.

After reading this book, it's safe for me to say that i'm a real dog owner. Actually, i'm a real friend of my dogs :D. It's funny, but in every page i could see mylself and my dogs and our stories. I really loved the art style and i was laughing out loud at most of the pages because it was so close to home!

I have to start by saying that I feel a strange mix of validated and called out at the same time.

As someone who's had dogs for my whole life I can say I see myself in most of the prompts, even if I feel a little bit guilty for it. The book is filled with funny prompts that I can guarantee that you've done at least one time or another. The graphics are just the cherry on top of an already funny book.

Thank you so much to Netgalley and the publisher for giving me a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a wonderfully cute novel that perfectly explains every aspect of owning a dog. The illustrations were also very funny!

Thank you Jason Chatfield, Scott Dooley, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for the ARC!

This book is just fun. It’s individual cartoons that illustrate what being a real dog owner is like. In between the single pages, there is the story of a dog getting adopted that’s heartbreakingly beautiful. Altogether this was a lovely and fun read great for any coffee table and any dog lover.

This is just to cute! Many of these antics sound just like me and my furballs. The illustrations are vivid and pretty as well. Some of my faves are

"You're not a real dog owner until" standing up sets off a chain reaction of movement and
"You're not a real dog owner until" you have a voice you use only with your dog.

Would make a great book for any dog lover.

First I would like to thank NetGalley, the Author, the Artist and the Publisher for this ARC.

This is a lighthearted read.
Fun and Funny.
It's a Graphic Novel about all the truths of being a dogowner.
I personally am the maid of 3 cats. But I grew up with dogs and I can say that this book is just a perfect representation of owning a dog. The only thing missing where the slobbering jokes... If you know what I mean...😂
Anyway, this is perfect as a small gift, a fun book to read with your kids or grand kids, or just for you to read when you have some "alone" time in the bathroom, without a dog trying to wiggle it's way under the door...😂

It was a cute read that I would expect to find on a coffee table for casual enjoyment. Some aspects of it got a little repetitive, but I did see myself with my dog in a few of the comics. I enjoyed the vignettes in between sections.
Overall a humorous book.

Very cute comics about dog ownership. Several relatable panels and a cute wraparound story about adopting a dog.

A charming, entertaining summary of life with dogs, the moments of love, joy and some of those not so good ones are illustrated wonderfully in this short engaging book.

Artwork is cute but so intricate. Some of these things are so accurate which makes this book so humorous.

Humorous and relatable for all those who have ever had the pleasure of having a dog in their life. The comics are like quick one-liner’s, and while I enjoyed the format, I wish they could have expanded a bit more in that sense. But all in all this is a very funny and enjoyable read. The art is also fantastic!

3 1/2 stars

As a proud dog owner, I laughed my way through You're Not a Real Dog Owner Until... by Scott Dooley and Jason Chatfield, nodding in agreement at every page. This book perfectly captures the hilarity, chaos, and heartwarming absurdities of living with dogs. From those "why do I even bother?" moments to the unconditional love that keeps us coming back for more, Dooley and Chatfield nail every part of the dog parent experience.

The humor is spot-on, the scenarios are all-too-relatable, and the illustrations are absolutely fantastic. Each cartoon brought a smile to my face, and I found myself thinking, “Yep, been there!” multiple times. Whether you’re a seasoned dog owner or considering adopting your first pup, this book is a delightful and hilarious read.

You're Not a Real Dog Owner Until... is the perfect gift for any dog lover—it’s lighthearted, laugh-out-loud funny, and packed with the kind of relatable humor that will have readers nodding in recognition. A huge thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the advanced online copy in exchange for my honest review. I can’t wait for its official release on April 29, 2025—this is a must-have for pet owners everywhere!

Everyone who has a dog in their life, that they love more than most people, will understand and adore this book! Very real and hysterical! The drawings fit in with the text perfectly! So cute and brightened my day!

This was a fun, quick read about the life of a dog owner. Each page is a cute illustration and there is an extra adoptions story that runs in between the comics. This would make a great gift for a dog lover.

Thank you to the authors, Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for this eARC!

Pet Parent Relatable

This book made me feel so seen, called out and in good company with so many other pet parents. I think it’s super relatable for many dedicated pet parents to relate to.

The illustrations were accurate to real life on some accounts and overall hysterical even during the over the top ones.

This would be a great book to give to a dog parent for Mother’s/Father’s Day. This could also be cute for an adoption day, dog or parent birthday.

I received a copy of this book from Scott Dooley and Jason Chatfield. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are my own.

Such a wholesome book. As a dog owner, I related most of the things mentioned in the book. The drawings were cute and funny, too.

The perfect gift for the dog owner or even about to be a dog owner. You're not likely to match each and every humorous cartoon but, well, if you're like me, you'll find yourself nodding, "Yep, that's me" frequently as you turn the pages. I mean, that couldn't possibly be me who just downloaded a weather app that lets you use your own doggie pix to showcase today's weather, could it? Guilty as charged.

Seriously, you'll be reminded of things you love (or maybe don't love quite so much) about being owned by a dog here. It's definitely relatable. Just a few examples: You're not a dog owner until your dog eats a better, more healthy diet than you? Yep. Just check my grocery bill. You enjoy sports events far more when some pet get loose and zips around the field while slow humans try to ruin its fun? Yep. You gravitate toward books and movies with a dog in it? Yep. Your dog's head tilt and sad eyes can disable your sternest attempt to convey your annoyance at something it has done? Yep. You have more photos of your dog than your family? Yep, just ask my friends. You....oh, just too many to list and if one doesn't quite hit home, the next may. I mean, I know I smile at photos of big, burly men holding a tiny dog. How about you or, shh, perhaps you're that dude?

Bottom line, it's pretty obvious I enjoyed every moment of this. The unexpected bonus was the story of a sweet pup that runs through the book. That one tugged at the heartstrings. Sure there's chaos, Daisy, I'm looking at you, but there is always love, unbounded and given to us without hesitation. Do make sure you read the "About the Authors" section, too. It's a hoot. Thanks #AndrewsMcMeelPublishing for allowing me this early look at this fun, humorous take on life with dogs, good and bad. I know my own dog has brightened my life.

Dog owners are going to identify with this book a LOT. If you're not a dog owner, I'm not sure why you'd be reading this in the first place. There were certainly pages where I just said to myself, "Yup!"