Why Your Dog Sees You As A Parent

The Science Behind Modern Dog Parenting

If you proudly refer to yourself as a "dog mom" or "dog dad," you're part of a new generation redefining what it means to care for our furry companions. And if you’ve ever thrown a birthday party for your dog or planned your Saturday afternoon around dog-friendly events and places in town, then you must be living your best life. But, if you haven’t embraced your dog parent life yet…jump on board. It’s fun and rewarding and you’re missing out.

In 2023, a study by Rover revealed that 81% of pet parents proudly identify as their dog’s mom or dad. We’ve moved beyond just caring for dogs; we’re parenting them with all the intensity and affection that role implies. And the science supporting this bond? Equal parts heartwarming and a little mind-blowing.

Science Says Your Dog Is Basically a Toddler

Did you know that your dog’s brain functions similarly to a 2-3-year-old human? Research from Emory University shows that dogs process human language and emotions in a way eerily similar to young children. They know when you’re happy, sad, or pretending to enjoy a kale smoothie (stop lying to yourself). They even look to us for guidance the same way toddlers look to their parents when they’re unsure about something—like whether the vacuum is a monster or a portal to the underworld.

And here’s the kicker: when you gaze lovingly into your dog’s eyes, both of you experience a spike in oxytocin, the “love hormone.” That’s the same chemical that bonds human mothers to their babies. So yes, your dog absolutely thinks you’re their parent, and honestly, who are we to argue with science?

The Rise of the FurBaby Movement.

The way we treat dogs has shifted dramatically in the last few decades. Gone are the days when dogs were relegated to the backyard with a rickety doghouse and a bowl of stale kibble. Today, they’re sleeping on memory foam beds, eating grain-free meals that cost more than our groceries, and wearing sweaters nicer than anything in my closet.

According to the American Pet Products Association, pet owners in the U.S. spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022. A significant chunk of that went toward services like grooming, training, and even doggy daycare. Yes, we are officially the generation that drops our dogs off at daycare and then goes to therapy to discuss our guilt about leaving them.

Dogs Are Also Kids (And We Approve!)

Let’s address the elephant in the room: a lot of people are choosing dogs over having children. A 2021 study from the Census Bureau found that birth rates in the U.S. are at a record low, while dog ownership has skyrocketed. Millennials and Gen Z are leading the charge, with many citing reasons like climate change, financial instability, and, loving companionship.

This shift isn’t just cultural; it’s psychological. Dogs fulfill some of the same emotional needs as kids. They provide companionship, unconditional love, and a reason to get out of bed so early in the morning (it’s usually a bark or paw in the face before 6 a.m.)

Modern Dog Parenting: The Good, The Bad, and The Hilarious

Being a modern dog parent comes with its own set of challenges and joys. On the one hand, we’re more informed than ever. We know that positive reinforcement training is more effective than punishment. We understand the importance of mental stimulation and enrichment. We’ve learned that dogs thrive on routine, love, and a squeaky toy that sounds like a dying duck.

On the other hand, we’re also dealing with new stresses of “keeping up with the Jones’s” Social media has turned dog parenting into a competitive sport. Is your dog eating a raw diet? Do they have a dedicated Instagram account with over 10K followers? Did you book a professional photographer for their Gotcha Day? It’s exhausting…but so worth it!

Real Dog Talk

At the end of the day, it’s not about whether you buy your dog a designer harness or let them sleep on your $500 duvet. It’s about the bond you share. Dogs don’t care about material things (although they’ll happily destroy them). They care about you. They care about the walks, the cuddles, the belly rubs, and the way you laugh when they tilt their head like they’re solving quantum physics.

So go ahead, call yourself a dog mom or dog dad. Throw that birthday party. Because if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s this: dogs are family, and family deserves to be celebrated.