10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Thinks of You as Their Mom or Dad
Two pet owners snuggling with their dog
Puppy love. There’s no better feeling than that. Whether you’ve had your furbaby for years, or just a few days, you know the connection you share with your dog is like no other. To you, they are more than just a pet. You’ve given them a name, enrolled them in doggy school, thrown them birthday parties, taught them right from wrong, brought them on vacation with you and have watched them grow up. Because of this, in your eyes, they are family.
But just because you treat them like your child, does that mean they think of you as their pawrent? If that’s a question that’s crossed your mind before, you’re not alone. Pet owners all over the world wonder the same thing.
That’s why we reached out to Animal Planet television host, author and celebrity dog training expert, Travis Brorsen. Keep reading to see what he has to say about the topic and how you can tell if your pet loves you "fur real." Here are 10 signs your dog thinks of you as their mom or dad.
Do Dogs See Their Owners as Their Mom or Dad?
If you’ve been hoping that your dog considers you to be their mom or dad, Brorsen says you’ll be happy to hear that lots of them do. However, it’s more so in a caregiver type of way. “Dogs are incredibly intuitive and capable of forming deep bonds,” he explains. “When a dog sees you as their mom or dad, it's a recognition of the nurturing and supportive role you play in their life, which creates a special and meaningful connection.”
10 Signs Your Dog Thinks of You as Their Mom or Dad
While your pet can’t actually call you “mom” or “dad,” Brorsen says there are tons of other pawsitive signs they can show that communicate how they feel about you. “If dogs could talk, things would be simpler, right?” he jokes. “But they've got their own way of showing love—wagging their tail, doing happy jumps and giving those deep, soulful stares. It's like they're speaking a language of their own. However, once you get the hang of your pet’s cues, it'll open up a whole new conversation where you can learn how much they adore you.”
See what cues Brosen is referring to, below.
1. They Look to You For Guidance
Just like children look to their mom and dad for help or instructions on how to deal with something, dogs do the same to those they consider to be their parents.
“When your dog looks to you for guidance, it's a strong indicator of the parent-child dynamic they perceive with you,” Brorsen shares. “For instance, if your dog encounters a new or uncertain situation and seeks reassurance from you by making eye contact or following your lead, it illustrates their trust in you as their mom or dad. This reliance on your cues showcases the special bond you share, as your dog looks to you for comfort and direction in unfamiliar circumstances.”
Related: How To Speak Your Dog's Love Language
2. They Give You Kisses
Is your pet obsessed with licking you? If so, don’t discharge it. Brorsen assures Parade it’s a good sign and is sort of their way of giving you a kiss. “Dogs lick for many reasons; to examine your daily lotion, to get attention, and with the latest research, it’s said to be a sign that your dog is happy to see you. So, the next time your pup licks you, think of it as them showing how much they love you!” he says.
3. They Bring You Gifts
“When your dog presents you with a thoughtful gift, like a stick or their favorite toy, it's a heartwarming display of affection and clear recognition that they view you as their cherished parent,” Brorsen explains. “In the canine world, this behavior is akin to offering a token of appreciation and trust, showcasing a deep emotional connection. Your dog sees you as a source of joy and security, and these gestures are their way of expressing love and reinforcing the bond between you as their mom or dad.”
4. They Listen to You
If your pup is good at listening to your commands, Brorsen says it’s not just because they want a treat. Instead, it’s because they love and respect you for teaching them those things.
“When you spend time with your dog on basic obedience cues, practicing daily and consistently, you are nurturing a bond,” he explains. “Bonds built on love, trust and respect are exactly what dogs live for, so who better to provide that than their mom or dad?”
5. They Enjoy Cuddling
When your dog snuggles up to you, Brorsen wants you to know that it's a sweet indication that they view you as their mom or dad. “Dogs, with their keen instincts, seek comfort and security, and cuddling is a way they express that deep bond,” he explains. “It's a beautiful testament to the strong connection you share, as your scent and presence become a source of warmth and reassurance for them. So, if your furry companion chooses to cozy up, cherish the moment, as it's a tangible sign of the special parent-child relationship you've built with your beloved pet.”
Related: The Real Reason Why Dogs Like To Sleep in Their Owners’ Beds
6. They Constantly Check on You
Has your pup ever opened the door to a room you’re in without them, or have you ever caught your dog peeking around the corner to see what you’re doing? If you have, don’t worry, it’s not their way of being sneaky or trying to scare you. It’s actually a sign of love.
“When your dog constantly checks on you and pops into rooms, it's a clear indication of the strong attachment they have with you as their parental figure,” Brorsen indicates. “This behavior stems from their instinct to seek guidance, assurance and a sense of security from their trusted caregiver. Your presence becomes a source of comfort, and their frequent check-ins reflect the deep bond they share with you as their mom or dad.”
7. They Wag Their Tail Around You
“When your dog wags its tail upon seeing you, it can be a delightful expression of joy and recognition, revealing their strong emotional connection with you as their trusted mom or dad,” Brorsen reveals. “Tail wagging is a universal canine language for happiness and affection, demonstrating their excitement and positive association with your presence. So, if your dog greets you with a wagging tail, they most definitely associate you with something positive… that you can count on!”
8. They Mirror Your Behavior
If you’ve ever noticed that your dog is mirroring things you do, you should take it as a compliment because it’s a sign that they love you.
“When your dog mirrors your behavior, it can indicate the strong bond and attachment they feel towards you as their mom or dad,” Brorsen points out. “Dogs often emulate the actions of their trusted caregivers, showcasing a desire to connect and a deep level of social bonding. This mirroring behavior can reflect the influence you have on your dog's emotional well-being and their perception of you as a guiding figure in their lives.”
Related: 9 Ways To Fill Your Dog’s Emotional Cup, According to Pet Experts
9. They Make Eye Contact with You
Brorsen tells Parade that when your dog makes eye contact with you, it's a powerful acknowledgment that they recognize you as their trusted caregiver.
“In the canine world, direct gaze signifies trust and a strong emotional connection, much like the bond between a parent and child,” he says. “So, when your dog looks into your eyes, it's a heartwarming confirmation that they could perceive you as their mom or dad.”
10. They Follow You
Just like a child follows around their mom or dad, Brorsen reveals that a dog can do the same thing. “Your dog is most likely following you around because you provide them with something of value; food, love, affection—in the same way that a parent provides for their children,” he says.
Next: The #1 Sign Your Dog Is Stressed, According to Experts
