Owning a dog is a rewarding experience. You get unconditional love, companionship and plenty of memorable moments. But at the same time, you also face many weird struggles! For every cute moment with your canine companion, there is a less-than-ideal tradeoff.
As a dog owner, you're likely so used to living with your furry friend that you've forgotten the sometimes hilarious struggles you deal with day-to-day.
Let's face it: Having a dog can be messy, ugly and ridiculous. However, that's our compromise to share our lives with a lovable dog. You likely wouldn't have it any other way. But just for laughs, here are some hilarious struggles dog owners deal with that you probably can relate to all too well.
1. The Not-So-Considerate Sleeping Companion
Getting a full night of uninterrupted sleep can feel impossible when you share your bed with your dog. There's nothing more beautiful than waking up to snuggles and kisses. However, dogs are notoriously bad about personal space!
If you have a small pup, it's usually not an issue. But it's a different story for those with medium-sized dogs or huge pooches. These little gremlins love to sprawl out on the bed! Forget about personal space. Your bed is now your dog's, and there's no way to get around it!
2. Choosing Your Words Wisely
Dogs are impressively astute. Say the words "walk" or "treat," and your pup will notice. The moment those words leave your lips, you'll hear them running up to you in pure excitement. Dogs can be in a different room and still respond to your words! It's like they have selective hearing, and certain words trigger them into full-on energy mode.
Canines can pick up on the meaning and weight of certain words. They may respond to certain activities, foods, etc. Not all responses are positive. For example, hearing "vet" or "bath" may force your dog into hiding!
Whatever the case, dog owners have a clever workaround: Spelling things out. Many get so accustomed to avoiding certain words that they spell them out even when their pup isn't around.
3. The Sneak Escape
If your dog isn't keen on watching you leave the house, you may start to sneak out. No one wants to hear those cries or see those puppy-dog eyes of sadness. It's heartwrenching. Even if you take steps to prevent separation anxiety, dogs aren't huge fans of you leaving.
The sneak escape is a dog owner classic! You peek around the corner to ensure your dog is occupied before stealthily making your exit.
4. The Inconspicuous Snacking
Another way dog owners avoid unwanted attention is by sneakily eating food. Sometimes, the very sound of a bag of chips opening is enough to send dogs into a frenzy! Other times, the smell of cooked chicken or steak will have them drooling.
Either way, dog owners everywhere don't want to deal with the begging. So, they scarf things down quickly in a separate room so their dog doesn't get jealous or fussy.
5. Finding Hairs Just About Everywhere
It doesn't matter if you have a short-haired breed or one with long flowing locks. Dealing with stray fur comes with the territory of owning a dog. It gets everywhere!
You'll find it on your clothes when you arrive at work in the morning, all over your bed sheets, covering your couch, etc. You may even go in for a bite of dinner, only to find that a stray hair wafted through the air to land on your food.
No matter how much you sweep, vacuum and lint-roll, the fur finds its way back. There's no getting rid of it!
6. Going Broke to Serve Your Dog's Needs
Owning a dog is a big investment. That's something that most shelters and breeders don't tell you! It all adds up from the food you'll need to buy to the toys and vet visits. Sure, there are plenty of ways to save. However, your dog deserves the best, right?
Many dog owners will go above and beyond, choosing the highest-quality food with premium ingredients and nutrition. Meanwhile, they browse the clearance aisle at their local grocery store to stock their fridges and pantries!
It's a common struggle that makes sense to ensure your dog stays happy and healthy.
7. Forgetting That You're Carrying a Bag of Stinky Gifts
Picture this:
You walk around your neighborhood with your dog when you run into a friend or acquaintance. You go in for a handshake or hug only to realize you're still holding a bag full of poop!
It's one of the nastier sides of dog ownership. However, it's part of daily life for dog owners. While others grimace at the thought of carrying a bag of droppings, you do so multiple times daily with a straight face.
It's an awkward situation that you can't help but laugh at!
8. Never Getting Privacy When You Need It
Everyone needs some privacy now and again, but good luck getting it when you have a dog! Dogs will follow you around your home, even in your most intimate moments.
Need to take a minute to use the bathroom? Your dog will be right by your feet, staring at you. Want to get dressed in peace? That's not going to happen with your dog around!
Dogs have no shame, and you can't have any around your pup. Thankfully, dogs can't tell others of your most private moments, so all you can do is welcome their presence.
9. Going the Extra Mile to Secure Everything
Dog owners get into the habit of securing everything to prevent messes and disasters. Canines have a strong sense of smell and an overwhelming desire to roll around in anything that catches their fancy. Therefore, you must get creative about preventing unwanted behavior.
That includes locking trashcans, keeping dirty clothes hampers far away from your dog and more. If you don't, it's only a matter of time before your dog wreaks havoc on your home!
10. Planning Your Life Around Your Dog
Finally, we can't forget the struggle of planning your life around your dog.
We've all been there. You go see a movie or hang out with friends only to check your watch every five minutes, wondering if you've left your dog alone for too long. If you plan an extended vacation, you constantly worry about how your dog is doing.
You might even have a strict curfew for yourself that revolves entirely around your dog's potty schedule. Those behaviors are normal and only show your dedication to your dog's well-being. It can be frustrating, but you can't help but worry when your pup isn't around.
What Makes These Struggles Worth It?
Those are just 10 struggles dog owners face. There are plenty more where they came from! While these painfully true struggles can affect your life in many ways, they're all worth it.
When you get frustrated, just think about all the great moments you share with your dog. Suddenly, they don't matter much anymore, do they?
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