No surprise. Dog owners are a simpler folk. All they want is absolute worship and absolute obedience.
I had a co-worker who talked me into giving his, and his son's, Golden Retriever, "Fatso" a good home. He had just purchased a new house and there was going to be no place for the dog.
Of course I took in Fatso to accompany my two other dogs, a yellow lab, Toby, and a newfie/lab mix, Blackie.
Fatso's spirit had been completely broken. If I simply lifted up my arm, Fatso would instantly cower down. It took many years for him to become completely happy.
His previous owner must of been one of those "Simpler Folk" that you were referring of.