By Ben Tanner, Breeder at Rocky River Retrievers

As a professional dog breeder, I spend a good chunk of my life surrounded by wagging tails, muddy paw prints, and the occasional stolen sandwich. So you can imagine my reaction when someone asked me:

“Ben, do you think AI will replace dogs as pets?”

I laughed. Out loud.

But then I thought about it… and here’s what I’ve got to say.

🤖 What AI Pets Can Do

Sure, AI and robot pets are getting fancier every year. You’ve got things like Sony’s Aibo that can walk, bark, blink, and even “learn” tricks. They don’t shed, they don’t chew your couch cushions, and they don’t need a walk at 6 a.m. when it’s 20 degrees outside.

They’re like Tamagotchis on steroids.

So yeah — on paper, they’re convenient.

🐶 What Real Dogs Do That AI Just… Doesn’t

But here’s the deal: dogs aren’t just for show.
They’re companions. Teammates. Sometimes therapists with paws.

Dogs do things robots simply can’t:

• Feel real joy when you come home

• Learn your routines and break them when you least expect it

• Sense when you’re sad and quietly nudge their head under your hand

• Form lifelong bonds based on trust and shared experience

• Look at you like you’re the most important person in the universe

AI can’t fake that. And if it ever tries… you’ll know.

🧠 Ask the Experts — The Real Ones

Ask any vet, groomer, trainer, or seasoned pet parent — dogs have emotional intelligence, intuition, and warmth that can’t be programmed.

There’s something deeply human about the connection we have with dogs. That’s why they’ve worked beside us for thousands of years — herding sheep, hunting birds, comforting kids, protecting homes, or just being the best couch buddy you could ask for.

🤔 Could AI Ever Compete?

Maybe one day your robot dog will fetch the remote, tell you when you’re out of milk, and open the back door with its little mechanical paw.

But will it get excited when you rustle the treat bag?

Will it sneak onto your bed when it thinks you’re asleep?

Will it give you that goofy, sideways grin after doing something naughty?

Not a chance.

🐾 Final Word from a Guy Who Raises Dogs for a Living

I breed English White Labradors for a living — and let me tell you — no battery-powered pup is ever going to replace the joy, love, and full-hearted chaos that a real dog brings to your life.

So if you’re thinking about a pet and wondering whether to go digital or natural… get the real thing. Your heart will thank you.

And hey, if you ever want to meet some pups that definitely aren’t powered by AI, come visit us at Rocky River Retrievers. We’ve got plenty of tail wags and nose boops to go around.

—
Ben Tanner
Professional Dog Breeder
RockyRiverRetrievers.com