It’s okay to admit it—your dog might just have a bigger piece of your heart than you expected. While you’ll never say you love your dog more than your kids, actions speak louder than words. From their unconditional adoration to their drama-free attitude, your pup might just edge out the competition.
1. You Share Snacks With Your Dog But Hide Them From the Kids
When it comes to your dog, you’ll happily hand over that last bite of your sandwich or a piece of your steak without hesitation. Meanwhile, if your kids ask for something sweet, you suddenly become the snack warden, claiming there’s “nothing left” while hiding the good chocolates at the back of the pantry. Your dog doesn’t ask twice or whine when they don’t get it—they just look at you with those big, trusting eyes. And honestly, who could resist that?
2. Your Dog Has a Fancier Bed Than Your Kids
While your kids make do with a simple mattress and a few throw pillows, your dog’s bed could rival a luxury hotel. Orthopedic memory foam? Check. Plush bolsters? Absolutely. Washable covers for convenience? Of course. You’ve even considered upgrading it because they deserve “better lumbar support.” Meanwhile, your kids get a lecture about “earning” a new mattress. After all, the dog doesn’t complain about bedtime or refuse to put on pajamas, which makes them the easier housemate to spoil.
3. You Brag About Your Dog’s Tricks More Than Your Kids’ Achievements
Your kid might have gotten straight A’s or scored the winning goal at their soccer game, but do they know how to high-five on command? Can they roll over or fetch your slippers? When your friends come over, you’re far more likely to showcase your dog’s growing repertoire of tricks than pull out your kids’ report cards. It’s not that you don’t care about your kids’ accomplishments; it’s just that your dog’s little stunts are way more entertaining to watch.
4. You Spend More on Their Grooming Than the Kids’ Haircuts
You’ll happily shell out for a professional dog groomer who provides your pup with a full spa day, complete with nail trims, paw massages, and even a blueberry facial. Meanwhile, your kids get quick haircuts at the nearest chain salon—or worse, the dreaded DIY trims in the kitchen. It’s not that you don’t care about your kids’ appearance, but your dog doesn’t throw a tantrum in the barber’s chair or cry over uneven bangs. That kind of peace is priceless.
5. Your Phone Is Full of Dog Photos
A quick glance through your camera roll is all the proof you need. Out of 1,000 photos, 900 of them are adorable snapshots of your dog in various poses, while the other 100 are blurry pictures of your kids—probably taken by accident. You even have curated folders of your dog’s cutest moments, while your kids’ school pictures get saved as an afterthought. Let’s face it: your dog doesn’t complain about retakes, and they always look effortlessly photogenic.
6. You Plan Vacations Around Your Dog
Forget the amusement parks or the all-inclusive resorts your kids dream of. When planning family getaways, your priority is finding dog-friendly destinations that your pup can enjoy. Whether it’s a pet-friendly beach or a cozy cabin in the mountains, your travel plans revolve around making sure your dog feels included. As for the kids? They can deal with skipping Disney this year. After all, your dog doesn’t throw tantrums or demand souvenirs, and that’s a win in your book.
7. You Talk to Your Dog More Than Your Kids
From “Who’s a good boy?” to long conversations about your day, your dog gets the bulk of your verbal affection. You even narrate their thoughts or ask them questions you don’t expect answers to. Meanwhile, your chats with your kids are reduced to short exchanges about chores or homework. Dogs don’t argue, interrupt, or roll their eyes, which makes them the perfect conversational partner. And let’s be honest, sometimes they just seem more interested than your kids do.
8. You Never Get Mad at Your Dog
If your dog chews up a shoe or rips apart the couch cushions, you find it in your heart to laugh it off because “they don’t know any better.” But when your kids accidentally spill juice on the carpet, it’s a whole different story. Suddenly, you’re lecturing about responsibility and respect for property. Your dog gets away with everything because, in your eyes, they’re just innocent little angels—no matter how much destruction they leave in their wake.
9. Your Dog Gets Gourmet Meals While the Kids Eat Mac and Cheese
While your kids are on their third night of boxed mac and cheese, your dog is feasting on a carefully prepared meal of chicken, rice, and steamed veggies. Maybe you even splurge on high-end kibble or cook special treats for them from scratch. The kids might complain about the dinner menu, but your dog? They wag their tail and eat whatever you lovingly provide. That level of gratitude is hard to compete with.
10. You Cancel Plans for Your Dog’s Comfort
If your dog looks even slightly sad when you’re about to head out, you’ll cancel plans without hesitation. Dinner with friends? Maybe next week. Your kids’ school recital? You’re “running late.” But if your pup needs a cuddle session or seems uneasy about being left alone, you’re staying put. After all, your dog doesn’t understand your absence the way your kids do, and the thought of them feeling lonely is simply too much to bear.
11. You Celebrate Your Dog’s Birthday Bigger Than Your Kids’
When your dog’s birthday rolls around, it’s a full-blown event. There’s a custom cake, festive party hats, and even gifts wrapped with care. Your kids’ birthdays, on the other hand, are a more subdued affair—maybe pizza and a store-bought cake if you’re feeling generous. It’s not that you don’t care about your kids’ big day, but your dog’s celebration is drama-free, fun, and just so much easier to plan.
12. You Let Your Dog On the Couch, But Not the Kids
Your dog gets to sprawl out on the couch, living their best life, while your kids are told to “sit properly” or, worse, banished to the floor. You justify it by saying the dog needs comfort for their joints or that they’re “part of the family,” but deep down, you know it’s because they don’t jump, squirm, or leave sticky handprints on your upholstery.
13. You Trust Your Dog More Than Your Kids
Your dog never lies, sneaks out, or gets into trouble at school. They’re loyal, predictable, and always have your back. Meanwhile, your kids? You’re double-checking their homework, monitoring their screen time, and wondering if they’re really at a friend’s house. With your dog, you don’t need to question their motives or intentions—they’re just there, loving you unconditionally.
14. You Buy Your Dog Fancy Clothes, But Won’t Splurge on the Kids
Your pup has a wardrobe that includes everything from designer sweaters to raincoats and even little boots for snowy days. Meanwhile, your kids are rocking hand-me-downs and clearance rack finds. You justify it by saying the dog needs the extra warmth or protection, but honestly, they just look so cute in their outfits. Plus, they’ll wear anything you choose without complaining.
15. You Schedule Playdates for Your Dog
Your calendar is filled with meet-ups at the dog park or playdates with your friend’s pup so your dog can socialize. Meanwhile, your kids haven’t seen their friends in weeks because coordinating carpools or hosting sleepovers feels like too much effort. Your dog never asks to borrow your car or demands snacks for their friends, making them the easier playdate participant by far.
16. You’d Rather Snuggle With Your Dog
At the end of a long day, there’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with your pup. Their quiet companionship and warm cuddles are the perfect antidote to stress. Your kids, on the other hand, want stories, snacks, or screen time, and their constant demands make relaxation impossible. With your dog, you can unwind without compromise—and that kind of love feels priceless.