There's no denying it – our canine companions bring us so much joy. From late-night cuddles on the couch to early morning walks, everything is better when we have our loyal and faithful buddy by our side.
But being a dog owner can also bring with it a range of thoughts that never crossed your mind before you became a pet parent.
From thinking you couldn't love them more as you watch them happily tear around after one of the best dog toys to finding yourself jokingly thinking about putting them up for adoption as they counter-surf yet again, here are some of the most common daily thoughts of a dog owner...
1. Is it weird that when I call home I ask to speak to my dog?
Of course, you want to speak to your kids or your partner or the dog sitter....but we bet when you're traveling without your beloved canine companion, speaking to them when you call home is likely top of your list. As well as FaceTime or a regular phone call, the best pet cameras will also let you speak to your pup – and some will let you toss them a treat, too!
2. Your head tilt is irresistible...and you know it
As pet parents, most of us know that the best dog treats aren't meant to make up more than 10% of our pup's daily calorie intake, but that sweet head tilt can be so darn hard to resist.
3. It's funny how you always disappear when you hear the sounds of bath time
If you've figured out how to give a dog a bath with minimal fuss, we commend you! It's amazing how quickly our canine companions can run when they hear the sound of water filling the tub.
4. I love how excited you always are to see me...even if I've only been gone five minutes
Whether you've been at work for the day or you just ran to the bathroom for all of two minutes, your dog doesn't care – they'll still greet you enthusiastically each and every time you come back, which is one of the best parts of being a pet parent.
5. Please stop barking at our lovely mail carrier
Dog won't stop barking? We empathize. No matter how much time and effort you put into training your pup, if they still bark when someone comes to the door, you're not alone. From delivery people to family and friends, some pups feel the need to alert their owner whenever they spot people approaching the house.
6. Yes, of course, you can see photos of my family. Let me just scroll through all these dog photos first
Have you ever had friends or colleagues ask to see photos of your family and you've had to scroll through a million shots of your dog before you can locate your kids or partner? Us too! But seriously....all those sweet expressions and adorable poses are just so photo-worthy.
7. Am I speaking in a baby voice? Yes, that's definitely a baby voice
It's one thing when you're in the privacy of your home, but let's be honest – we've all had those moments where we're in the park or a cafe and find ourselves talking to our dogs in what is most definitely a baby voice.
8. How on earth do you know we're going to the vet and not the park?
Does your dog hate going to the vet? Most pups do, which is why we humans so often fudge the truth a bit and tell them they're going for a wonderful walk in the park – which they may well be doing, just after they've been to their most hated place in the whole world. And yet, even when we try to put a positive spin on things, somehow our canine companions always seem to know exactly where we're taking them.
9. Must we go through this drama every time I try to put your harness on?
Having the best dog harness is one thing, getting your pup to wear it is quite another! We've all had those days where our dog simply refuses to let us put their harness on or they let us put it on and then suddenly forget how to work their legs, lying down on the floor like they're unable to walk.
10. Who needs a vacuum when you have a dog
As long as the scraps that have fallen off the counter onto the floor are human foods that dogs can eat, sometimes it's just easier to let your pup clean up the mess for you rather than attempt to get your heavy vacuum cleaner out of the cupboard and cart it into the kitchen.
11. Of course you've rolled in raccoon poop again
Why do dogs roll in poop? It's a question you've likely found yourself asking on more than one occasion and while there's no one answer, it often comes down to things like territory marking, communicating with their pack, or simply boredom. Keeping your dog on a leash and having plenty of things on hand to distract them with can often put a stop to this behavior.
12. I spend more money on my dog than I do on myself
Whether it's buying 'just one more' dog toy or splashing out and treating your pup to a new luxury dog bed or winter jacket, most of us find that we spend more of our hard-earned money on our fur friends than we do on ourselves.
13. It's hard to be grumpy when you're looking at me with those sweet eyes
Whether they've just dug up your flower beds, woken you up in the middle of the night, or tracked muddy paw prints all through the house, it's hard to stay mad at your dog when they look at you with those big, sweet eyes.
14. Did I just tell my child to sit?
Alongside getting everybody's names mixed up, when you have dogs and kids in your house it's easy to suddenly find yourself issuing commands like 'sit' and 'lie down' to your child instead of your pup!
15. If there's one thing I hate, it's picking up poop
No matter how much you love your dog, there are likely days when the last thing you feel like doing is picking up yet another pile of their poop. When it comes to the worst things about being a dog owner, this one is definitely at the top of our list.
16. I know all dogs are cute, but you are the absolute cutest
If you own a dog, it's likely because you think they're the best animal in the whole world – which means you probably find all dogs absolutely adorable. But be honest, your dog is just a little bit cuter than everyone else's, right?
17. I could make a sweater with all this fur
Unless you're lucky enough to own one of the dog breeds that hardly shed, you likely find plenty of fur on your floors and furniture. Dealing with some degree of dog shedding is part and parcel of having a pup, although regular grooming sessions and a high-quality diet can help.
18. Step away from the turkey!
Whether it's the Thanksgiving turkey that you've just spent hours lovingly preparing or a simple dinner that you're looking forward to sitting down and enjoying, 'Step away from my food' is definitely one of the most common thoughts dog owners have.
19. By all means, do shake off right in front of me
Unless you're on a rainy dog walk and also getting soaked, you're probably not keen on having your clothes suddenly sprayed with water. And yet, our pups seem to love nothing more than running up to us after they've been in the water and shaking themselves dry right there beside us!
20. Are they supposed to run round and round in circles like that?
Are they broken? Do I need to send them back and ask for a replacement? There are so many funny things dogs do and if you've ever watched them sprinting around doing the zoomies, this is thought you've probably had at least once. The reasons why dogs get the zoomies are actually quite straightforward – more often than not it's a way to burn off excess energy. Whether they've just had a bath, done a satisfying poop, or enjoyed a delicious dinner, the zoomies are a way to get rid of pent-up energy or excitement.
21. You have a million chew toys and yet you choose my new shoes. Brilliant
What is it with dogs and shoes? Even if you've invested in a ton of the best dog chew toys, chances are that from time to time you'll still find your pup nibbling on things you 'd rather they wouldn't.
22. How can I politely tell the neighbors to stop feeding our dog?
If your neighbors love your dog, you're in good company. While many people choose not to become a pet parent themselves for various reasons, that doesn't mean they don't adore the company of animals – and if your furry friend catches a whiff of this and gets spoiled with a tasty tidbit or two when they approach the fence, weight gain could start to become a problem.
23. I have no idea how you always know when I need a snuggle, but you do
When it comes to the best emotional support animal breeds, dogs are at the top of the list. We have no idea how they always seem to know when we need a little bit of extra attention and affection, but they do, and it makes us love them all the more.
24. You can avoid eye contact all you like but I know you did this
While they may be furry and have four legs, it's amazing how much dogs can act like children sometimes. What dog owner hasn't returned home to find something in disarray and their pup quietly avoiding eye contact in the hope someone else will get the blame?
25. You do realize that tail is attached to you, right?
Why do dogs chase their tails is likely a question you've found yourself asking in between laughter as you watched your dog zoom about after their tail as if it's not a part of them. Most of the time, this behavior is a result of your dog playing and having a good time, but occasionally it can be caused by other things, like boredom or irritation.
26. Please stop chasing the cat
Dogs and cats living together have the potential to be a bit fraught, so if you have a multi-pet household, there's a high chance you've found yourself sometimes wishing that your beloved fur friends would get along better.
27. You honestly don't need to follow me to the bathroom
If you're a dog owner, you probably said goodbye to your privacy a long time ago! Dogs aren't big on boundaries and they'll think nothing of following their human into the bathroom and happily watch them shower or do their business.
28. Thank you for pre-washing the dishes, that's really helpful
Who needs a dishwasher when you have a dog? We know, that's a really gross thought but we bet your dog licks at least some of your plates clean before you get a chance to wash them properly.
29. Okay, so personal space is clearly a thing of the past
They may have one of the best dog beds money can buy, but chances are your pup probably spends more time sleeping on your lap or snuggled up into you in your bed than they spend in their own cozy sleep spot. Personal space is definitely a thing of the past once you've welcomed a fur friend into your family.
30. You can't possibly still be hungry
We swear dogs are like bottomless pits. Feed them a bowl of the best dog food and it seems like minutes later they're ready for another portion. As long as your dog is healthy, it can be good to keep in mind that all that begging and whining after a meal isn't really down to still being hungry – it's typically an attempt to get your attention so try to resist the sound effects and puppy dog eyes!
31. Really, another walk, so soon?
If you have a high-energy dog breed, chances are they're always up for another walk – which, if you're exhausted and have had a busy day, is likely the last thing you feel like doing. When it comes to our top tips to help keep dog walks fun for pet parents, picking a new route can help keep things interesting. Or, if you're super tired, why not let your pup tire themselves out with some scent work? It's a great way to give their brain a good workout, plus you can simply sit on a bench and let them get on with it.
32. You never fail to brighten up my day
There are so many reasons why dogs make the best companions, but chief among them is how much joy they bring to our lives. They're always on hand to talk to and cuddle with, and they're endlessly entertaining. If you have a pup in your family, you're guaranteed to always have a reason to smile.
Enjoyed this? I’ve also written about my daily thoughts as a cat owner.
