14 Things Only Dog Owners Understand

girl-with-a-lab-dog

Those who do not have dogs may not fathom the appeal will wonder why your pooch is not better trained, but they simply do not understand. Only other dog owners “get it” and here are some other things they comprehend better than those who do not have or appreciate a dog!

1) A Fourth of July tradition involves steering clear of the fireworks.
For the Fourth, there are fireworks just two blocks away from our house, and the whole neighborhood has lots of parties. But at my house, our Fourth of July tradition is putting our dogs in the car and driving far away for an hour because it’s just so stressful for them. We can still enjoy the parties before and after the show.
2) It’s Hard to Resist a Head-Tilt.
Every dog owner knows exactly what I’m talking about. Even though I’m the disciplinarian in the house (“no” means “no”), I do sometimes give in to the “best in show” of head tilts — when they seem so confused as to why you would scrape the plates vs. letting them help.
3) Even though we try to act like everything is normal when we’re packing to go on a trip, they still seem to know.
Dogs’ senses are so amazing: They can smell better, hear better and they’re just aware of things in ways we are not — and that includes sensing when we’re leaving. So whenever I’m going on a trip and I’m not taking the dogs me, I have a suitcase that I very slowly, nonchalantly start filling. I make sure not to make a big deal out of it by whistling, singing a happy tune and giving treats. But they know. They’re so aware, and they get a little frantic. If it turns out that we are actually packing for a vacation that they get to be part of, their frantic behavior turns to glee.
4) And when we come back being away from them on a trip, the excitement they show is unmatchable.
Even if you’re just gone for one night, you get a reception of joy as if you had been gone for months — they’ll dance all over the place and follow you everywhere. Heck, even if you leave to go around the block, you are guaranteed to come home to at least an enthusiastic, wagging-tail greeting.
5) There’s nothing quite like the pride we feel when our dog learns something new or overcomes a fear.
A lot of dogs come from backgrounds of abuse or neglect. So in that vein, it’s amazingly heartwarming and inspiring to watch them gain more confidence and overcome their fears. When they make a breakthrough, it’s amazing to watch them blossom into the dogs they are capable of being.
6) If they have a regular mealtime and we are late, they notice.
Humans know how important it is to have a regular mealtime. Dogs really know this.
7) When friends or coworkers ask to see pictures of our human family, we have to scroll through hundreds of dog pictures first.
Since I volunteer in animal rescue, I literally have thousands of photos of dogs on my iPhone. So when people ask to see pictures of my husband or my family, I have to look through all of them to find them because my phone is mainly full of pictures of dogs.
8) They are so helpful when we make a mess in the kitchen!
When my husband is in the kitchen cooking, I call the dogs his “assistants” because they’re always watching him as he cooks — and keeping the kitchen floor clear of crumbs.
9) We don’t give a thought to spending money on their care vs. spending money on luxuries for ourselves.
When it comes to their needs, you are happy to supply them with what they need and maybe pass on that new purse.
10) Financial priorities are different for people who have dogs.
It’s not uncommon for a dog guardian to say “I’d rather live in my car rather than give up my dog,” because they’re a part of the family. They’re not just a dog. The bond is so strong, you just can’t imagine giving them up without doing everything you can to be resourceful.
11) We sing… and compose.
We just start coming up with these songs that we sing to our dogs. About the walk, about how they’re a good dog. “Let’s go for a wa-alk!” You just start making up songs, like you do with babies.
12) We Really don’t mind picking up their poop every day.
Sure, it’s not exactly fun, but you just get used to it. In fact, you’ll even pick up other dogs’ poop, too, to be a good citizen.
13) We have multiple lint rollers in various locations.
You know how some people keep lip balm in their car, in their desk, at home, on the counter, etc.? That’s how dog owners are with lint rollers.
14) When We Give Someone a Lift we give them a heads-up that it is a “dog car.”
I do animal rescue stuff and often have to transport dogs, and I do my best to keep the car clean, but there’s just always a lot of dog stuff in it. People with dogs are used to it, but for people without dogs… sometimes they will then offer to drive.

Those poor souls who do not or never have had a dog will never grasp the significance of the above. It is their loss because, despite it all, it is all a part of having a loving fur baby in your life!

We do not mind it so much because even if it does take an extra Milkbone© to distract Rover when the mailman comes to call, we know – in many other ways – he is our loving forever loyal “good boy.” And we think he knows it too!

Oh, and there is more to read up on this fun subject over on Huffington Post.



Share This Post:

Add Comment