My dog’s my best friend, so obviously I had to check this out when it popped up in my home feed.

I commented on every page/observation and reflected whether I can relate to with my Amy, and there were quite a few insights among them. A lot of these are very stereotypical and I don’t agree with all, but overall very fun. Would make a good gift for any dog parent.

As for the art style, the dogs are really cute, whereas the humans have a very heavy newspaper-caricature style. But it’s not that big of a deal. Still amazing how there are 119 drawings. Quite diverse, too.

Also, the adoption story of a rescue dog in-between (like a show break) was really sweet.

~

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing on Netgalley for a digital review copy. The book was released on April 29, 2025.

-Ayxan Solongo, 30.04.25

You’re Not a Real Dog Owner Until… by Jason Chatfield and Scott Dooley is a super cute comic collection about dogs and their adorable antics. This single-page comic. I don’t have a dog owner but this comic still made me smile and laugh. The comic is full of moments that every dog parent can totally relate to. Each page is filled with adorable illustrations, making it a fun and quick read.

If you are a dog parent or someone who adores dogs, you should definitely check out this adorable comic.

Most of these are just way too relatable. Having a sixth sense for chicken bones, poop bags in every pocket, packing in secret, and quietly picking up your keys (I still can’t manage this one). Super cute and I love the art style.

This adorable collection of comics is a love letter to life with dogs—full of sweet, funny, and oh-so-relatable observations that will make any dog owner smile (and maybe tear up a little too). From the quirks of different breeds to the unique bond between dogs and humans, each page offering a moment of joy or.... reflection. Sometimes hitting a bit too close to home.

The illustrations are charming yest simple, and it was fun to see all the different depictions of dogs and their owners. Some comics felt like they were pulled straight from my own life, while others will definitely strike a chord with fellow dog lovers depending on their experiences. There's also a mini story threaded throughout that quietly builds to a heartfelt moment—it’s subtle but powerful, and it definitely tugged at my heartstrings.

This is a super quick, easy read that’s perfect for picking up when you need a smile. I’d absolutely recommend it as a giftable book for any dog owner or animal lover. It’s a lovely little celebration of the joy (and occasional chaos!) our four-legged friends bring into our lives.

You're Not a Real Dog Owner Until... is a cute comic-style book full of humorous dog-themed art and quips such as "You're not a real dog owner until...a visit to the pet store gives you insight into what it's like to be a dugar daddy.". The artwork is colorful and cute, and adds to the text. This would be a fun gift to give to friends who are vets, involved in dog rescue, etc.

Thank you to Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley for a review copy of this title.

This one gave me a good chuckle. Reminds me little of How to Tell If Your Cat is Plotting to Kill You, but far more wholesome and less violent. I had me chuckling a few pages in because some of the things said were so relatable. I HAVE had to keep my mouth shut from telling someone that my dog has done the same thing their child was doing and I have had instances when my dog hasn’t greeted me as soon as I get home and knew something was wrong. Oh and I do totally trust my dog’s instincts about strangers. If my dog doesn’t like you, you are seriously someone to keep an eye on. I also say bless you when my dog sneezes…

There are things I’m sure people won’t agree with, like I don’t agree with the idea that once you have a dog you think “no dogs” signs only apply to other people’s dogs. And the idea that your idea of a good dog qualifies your dog as a service animal, no. Absolutely not. Service dogs are highly trained and in a class of their own. Never be such a big a-hole that you try to pass off your pet as a working animal.

But all in all this book would make a great little coffee table book and is good for a quick laugh!

**ARC provided by NetGalley for honest review**

You're Not a Real Dog Owner Until… by Jason Chatfield was an amusing and lighthearted comic collection of single-page panels portraying the difference that shows a true dog owner. The art was almost caricature and included lines such as "You're not a real dog owner until…you know something is horribly wrong if you're not greeted the second you enter the house." and "You're not a real dog owner until…head tilts render you completely helpless". Very silly and over the top illustrations accompany each line. It would be a great gift for dog lovers or light comic fans.

Very cute and relatable, and the comics made me chuckle! The story that was woven in between was very wholesome but the sketch style made it look like it was unfinished or left in error, which is a shame because I think that sweet story was my favorite part. I think a lot of dog owners could relate to the way our furry friends completely capture our hearts and take over our lives.

This graphic novel was almost akin to the philosophy of owning a dog. Or, perhaps a therapy guide for dog owners? Either way it is comedic relief for any dog lover. I don’t think non-dog lovers will appreciate the humor in each vignette. Honestly, I found myself almost in every drawing that started with “You’re not a real dog owner until …” Having been a dog owner for most of my life (and highly allergic to cats, thank you very much), only a real dog owner could come up with these scenarios.

I wasn’t too crazy about the drawings but I can see how the co-artists’ work would fit in with The New Yorker, MAD Magazine, etc. It was thoroughly entertaining and made me turn around and give my dog a big hug and kiss in thanks for letting me believe I was a real dog owner.

Lmao relatable 😂

This is a cute and funny collection that any dog owner will resonate with. I saw myself in quite a few pages! The one-liners accompanied with illustrations made this a breezy, engaging and quick read.

I was astonished by how much personality was in the cartoons. I kept thinking, I have seen a dog look exactly like that. How did they manage to capture that dog-ness so perfectly? However, the text at the bottom of each cartoon was not as relatable as I had hoped. Some of them didn’t even really make sense with the pattern. I think the text would’ve been better if it wasn’t trying to follow the pattern of repeating the title on every page. However, the cartoons are what really makes this book shine, so I would still consider buying it as a gift for a dog lover.

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.