23 Signs That You’re A Dog Person

why can't dogs talk
© iStock.com/kozorog

Written by Matthew Emma

Published: December 6, 2023

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Many people love animals. However, a solid number of such individuals favor a certain type of creature. Oftentimes, dogs fit that criteria. Furthermore, dog lovers typically engage in actions expressing this love. Learn 23 signs that you’re a dog person.

You Place Your Dog’s Needs Above Your Own

Oldest Dog

Dog people typically make sure their dog’s needs and comforts are met before their own.

©Cavan-Images/Shutterstock.com

You’re more than likely a dog devotee if you routinely place their needs and creature comforts before your own. Dog lovers often:

  • Feed their dog before feeding themselves
  • Immediately run to check on them if they cry or bark unexpectedly
  • Address the dog’s need for attention regardless of whether they’re tired or preoccupied
  • Make sure your dog receives adequate protection before heading out into stormy weather

Above all, they always give in when their furry friend gives them sad eyes or a cute look.

You Keep Photos of Your Dog Everywhere

Happy satisfied smiling dark skinned man carries small pet of french bulldog breed, spend leisure time together, expresses positive emotions during photoshoot with dog, isolated over blue background

Dog lovers often keep photos of themselves with their dog or individual pictures of their canine companion in places they frequent.

©Cast Of Thousands/Shutterstock.com

Chances are, you’re partial to dogs if photos of your pet appear everywhere you go. For example, pet pictures likely adorn your work desk next to those of your spouse and children, are prominently featured on the placeholders in your home housing photos, and appear in screen savers on your phone and other mobile devices.

You Let Your Dog Run Your Household

Adorable Boss nerd dog working on remote project online conference.

Dog people know that they’re dog in boss.



No one would argue that you hold a special devotion to your dog if you let your fur baby dictate how your household is run. Your dog is given free rein to jump on any piece of furniture, get you to feed them whenever they feel hungry, and get up when they want you to jump out of bed.

©Fly_dragonfly/iStock via Getty Images

You Talk to Your Dog

why can't dogs talk

Though dogs might not understand every word you say, dog lovers firmly believe that they can sense one’s innermost thoughts and feelings.

©iStock.com/kozorog

Everyone speaks to their dog to either call them for dinner or to go out. However, your membership in the dog lovers club will likely never be questioned if you hold actual conversations with your four-legged buddy. Dog people typically feel such an emotional connection with their pet and truly believe their beloved animal can sense their innermost thoughts and feelings.

You Take Your Dog Everywhere

two happy dogs in the car peep out. Jack Russell Terrier. Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever

Dog lovers bring their dogs wherever they go.

©dezy/Shutterstock.com

Dog enthusiasts never hesitate to bring their dogs along for the ride. From usual destinations like dog parks to trips to the homes of family and friends, no destination proves off-limits. You would probably take your furry friend to work if the boss allowed it.

Dog Hair Does Not Bother You

Furry long hair of merle dog. Australian Shepherd dog detail. Dog fur close up

Dog lovers accept dog hair everywhere as a small price to pay for being given the privilege of dog ownership.

©OlgaOvcharenko/Shutterstock.com

True blue dog devotees do not fret at the sight of dog hair on their clothes, their home’s furniture, or car upholstery. However, most embrace it as part of being a devoted pet parent.

You Keep Treats Everywhere

Dog lovers often stockpile treats throughout their house.

©boyphare/Shutterstock.com

Likely, friends and family will nominate you for membership in the dog lovers club if you keep treats stockpiled throughout your home. The reason behind this is that you are always ready to honor your fur baby for good behavior, learning a new trick, or simply for being themselves.

Your Dog Has Several Nicknames

Dog lovers often refer to their dogs by several distinct nicknames.

In many cases, dog lovers call their fur babies several nicknames. A couple are probably of the common variety like honey or sugar. One or two are often inspired by the owner’s ethnic background. Finally, one nickname is handed down for reasons that only the pet parent knows or understands.

Phone, social media and music with a woman in the city using her mobile for streaming, audio or communication. Web, internet and networking with a young female reading or typing a text message

You’ll never not be mistaken as a dog lover if your pooch is featured significantly on your social media pages.

©PeopleImages/iStock via Getty Images

Often, pampered pooch owners fill their social media pages with photos of or stories about their dogs. Usually, they display more pictures of their dog than they do their kids or significant others. Every topic is fair game including vacations, trips to the dog park, and holiday gatherings with family. In certain instances, the dog receives their own social media accounts.

You Firmly Believe Your Dog Understands You

Adorable image of dog kissing and licking his owner in the face.

You’re likely a dog person if you believe that your furry buddy always understands exactly how you’re feeling.

©Andres Jacobi/iStock via Getty Images

Many think that, if you’re truly a dog person, you honestly believe that your pet understands your emotions at all times. Moreover, you also probably feel that your dog serves as your go-to living creature when you experience emotional extremes like sadness, frustration, and anxiety.

You Share Your Bed with Your Dog

Cute German Shepherd in a blanket on bed. Lovely dog in home.

Dog lovers always welcome their canine companions onto their beds.

©Korneeva Kristina/Shutterstock.com

Dog parents always leave room on their beds for their fur babies to sleep. Usually, this space is not at the end or wherever the pooch fits. The dog snuggles into wherever they feel the most comfortable and expect their humans to like it. Such expectations also typically extend to other pieces of furniture like the family room couch.

You Leave Your Dog Entertained When You’re Away

Golden retriever listening to headphones

Dog lovers make sure that their four-legged friends are as entertained as possible during their time apart.

©ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

You might be a dog person if you leave the television or radio on so your dog hears noise after you leave for the day. This simple action ensures that they’re entertained and their lonely hours pass by as enjoyably as possible.

You Hold Birthday or Gotchya Day Parties for Your Dog

A dog has a birthday party

Devoted dog lovers celebrate milestones like their dog’s birthday or gotchya day with public gatherings.

©iStock.com/Ljupco

Many people calling themselves dog enthusiasts throw parties celebrating the day their dog was born or brought home. These gatherings are also usually public and include invitations, attendance by dog friends and neighbors, presents, and a host of special yummy treats for the guests of honor to enjoy.

You Schedule Playdates

two golden retriever dogs playing with falling leaves

Dog people fill their pet’s calendars with playdates.

©otsphoto/Shutterstock.com

Some believe that you cannot honestly consider yourself a devoted dog mom or dad unless you routinely schedule playdates for your furry friend. These gatherings often include meetups with dogs belonging to your neighbors, friends, and co-workers. Some pet parents even combine doggie playdates with those scheduled for their children.

You Plan Vacations Around Your Dog

Relax, couple and dog at a beach, happy and smile while bonding, sitting and touching their puppy against blue sky background. Love, black family and pet labrador enjoy a morning outing at the ocean

To the loving pet parent, vacations simply aren’t the same without the family dog.

©PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

If you refuse to go on vacation unless your dog comes along, chances are your membership in the dog lovers club won’t receive any stiff challenges. Moreover, the dog not only travels but the activities you plan are designed to ensure your pooch has as much fun as you do.

You Choose Your Dog Over Other People

two dogs watching dogs on tv

Dog lovers would much rather spend their time with dogs than people.

©Javier Brosch/Shutterstock.com

Dyed-in-the-wool friends of canines can probably and proudly point to several occasions when they turned down social events with people for quiet evenings with their dogs. Furthermore, such individuals likely enjoy spending time with dogs more than people as a general rule.

Your Dog is Included in Family Correspondences

Christmas snowman in santa hat at sandy beach

Dog lovers always make sure family correspondences like Christmas cards include the dog.

©EM_prize/iStock via Getty Images

You likely never miss a chance to show off your fur baby to family, friends, and other relations. Ergo, your dog stands proudly next to your spouse and kids in correspondences like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter/Passover cards.

Your Dog is Incredibly Spoiled

dog toy box

Dog lovers have been known to spoil their pooches rotten.

©Masarik/Shutterstock.com

Nothing is too good for the furry friend of a professed dog enthusiast. The animal’s diet consists of only organic food, they have their own wardrobe, and drink bottled water from Switzerland.

You Love Every Dog You See

Woman walking two dogs got tangled in the leash on a street. Leisure with pets in autumn city

A dog person’s love for canines isn’t merely reserved for their own fur baby.

©Oleg Elkov/Shutterstock.com

A true dog lover adores every dog they see. When they see someone walking their dog from afar, they will approach the individual, make acquaintance with the pooch before its owner, pet them if permitted, and ask about the dog’s name, gender, and age. Additionally, they will give the dog’s owner every intimate detail about their dog.

You Don’t Trust People Who Don’t Like Dogs

Joyful woman spending time running with dogs on sandy beach

You are most certainly a dog lover if you don’t trust people who don’t share the same enthusiasm about fur babies.

©Aleksandr Zotov/iStock via Getty Images

Your membership in the dog lovers club will never come into question if you don’t trust or simply flat-out avoid people who don’t love canines as much as you do.

You Also Love Movie Dogs and Media Personalities

dalmatian

Unquestioned dog people love all movie dogs like this

Dalmatian

that starred in the feature film “101 Dalmatians.

©iStock.com/Irina Nedikova

If you truly love dogs, this devotion even extends to fur babies you see in the movies. You know the name of every well-known movie dog, as well as their breed. You more than likely also follow dogs popular on social media.

A Dog’s Presence Always Improves Your Mood

Happy woman relax with her dog on sofa for mental health, wellness or emotional support, love and care. Young person relaxing on living room couch and stroking puppy pet, animal or Labrador retriever

The general mood and mindset of a dog person greatly improve simply through contact with a dog.

©PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock.com

You’re truly a dog lover if your mood always changes for the better upon seeing or interacting with any dog. Fur babies truly make you happy, which registers in your mind and body.

Your Dog is Truly Your Best Friend

Girl and dog sleeping together comfortably and cuddled in bed in the morning. In bed with best friend brown and white basset hound dog with happy face to wake up next to your pet

Dog lovers know the ultra-special bond man and best friend share.

©Daniel Myjones/Shutterstock.com

At the end of the day, dog lovers won’t hesitate to acknowledge that their dog truly is their best friend. The love and trust humans and canines share cannot be broken and is everlasting.

Summary of 23 Signs that You’re a Dog Person

SignShow of Devotion
Placing your dog’s needs firstDemonstrates a serious concern for their well-being
Keeping photosShows the special place your dog holds
Your dog runs the householdDisplays admiration and respect for their presence
Talking to your dogAppreciates their loyalty and support
Taking your dog everywhereShows your desire to spend time with them
Not being bothered by the sight of dog hairDemonstrates that you accept your dog’s appearance
Keeping treats everywhereExpresses your desire to make your dog happy
Giving your dog nicknamesShows your love for them
Featuring your dog on social media pagesDemonstrates your desire to show them off to others
Believing your dog understands youShows respect for your dog’s loyalty and intuition
Sharing your bedExpresses your desire to be close to them
Leaving your dog entertained while you’re awayShows concern for their well-being
Holding celebrationsHonors milestone occasions in your dog’s life
Scheduling playdatesIncreases your dog’s social network
Planning vacations around your dogExpresses the desire to include them as part of the family
Choosing your dog over other peopleDemonstrates loyalty and love
Including dog in mail correspondencesShows others that you consider your dog part of your family
Spoiling your dogShows your desire to reward them and make them happy
Loving every dog that you seeDemonstrates your desire to share the love with other dogs
Not trusting people who don’t love dogsDisplays the will to see dogs get the love that they deserve
Loving movie dogs and social media personalitiesShows your desire to see dogs get their due respect in public forums
Improving your moodExpresses your understanding of the power dogs can have over your feelings and emotions
Declaring that your dog is your best friendShows your overall feelings about your dog and what it means to you

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About the Author

I have been in the writing field for more than 20 years. During my career's first half, I served as print and online journalist for various local publications. Over the latter half, my interests turned to content and freelance writing where I've covered various topics for a wide-ranging client base. Relating to animals, I currently serve as a family assistant for a woman with two aging dogs. Raven and Cruz have intensified my love for dogs, increased my awareness of animal issues, and inspired me to devote more of my time and professional skills to promoting animal causes.

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