Where Did You Learn That? Is Your Dog Copying Your Habits?

A longstanding joke is that your dog might look like you. For some reason, we can often see dogs and owners that appear to look similar.

Is this really a look, or are the dogs and owners simply behaving similarly?  Dogs are conditioned to behave in certain ways and will often do things the same way you do to fit into your family and the dynamics surrounding your lifestyle more easily.

Eight Ways Your Dog Might Act Like You

1. Your Dog Might Talk Like You

Do you talk to your dog? Does your dog talk back to you? This happens often. If you like to speak to your dog, they might simply speak back o you and let you know how they feel. When you spend time laughing, petting, smiling, or talking to your dog, they will understand these conversational behaviors are acceptable and mimic them.

2. Your Dog Might Sleep Like You

Dogs naturally sleep way more during the day than owners, but that doesn’t mean they’re up all night creating havoc. Instead, most dogs will become used to your nighttime schedule and sleep when you do. If you’re comfortable sleeping with a dog in or on your bed, your furry friend will be more than happy to join you under the covers.

3. They Might Get Hungry When You Do

Do you feed your four-legged partner when you have your meals? If you think you’re doing this to keep them from begging, you may find an additional benefit. If you’re consistent with meal times, there’s a good chance your pet will begin to get hungry at the same time as you and look forward to this time of the day, knowing it’s when you’re going to feed them.

4. Commit to the Walks; They Have

Your exercise routine is something else dogs like to mimic and if you get them used to a regular walk of a specified duration, it’s important that you stick to it. If you change your habits or take a day off from walking your dog, you might notice negative behavior. They get used to going on walks and want to get out and spend time with you during your walk or jog.

5. Dogs Express Emotional Contagion

It’s long been known that when you are sick, your dog will likely come and sit with you and just lay on the couch with you. When you’re sad, they are sad, when you are happy and excited, so are they. Dogs express emotional contagion and share your feelings with you. These wonderful creatures simply want to be part of your life and this is one way they do this.

6. You Can Teach Dogs Acceptable Forms of Affection

You can’t get a dog to purse their lips and give you a kiss, but if you don’t mind it, some dogs will lap up all your flavor with their tongues. Some dogs learn to give hugs by putting their paws on your shoulders and some will allow you to give them hugs if you teach them it’s a good form of love. Even if you’re not affectionate, your dog can learn and understand what your expectations are.

7. They Might Begin to Move Like You

When you move around or run down the road, your dog will likely do the same. You can dance with your furry friend, teach them to spin, and let them howl with joy. They learn to understand what you’re doing and join in. These pets are ready to be part of your life and want to experience all the same things that you do.

8. Dogs Get Excited About the Same People As You

If you’re having visitors or meeting family members, dogs can sense your excitement and joy and will be happy to see these people as well. By that same token, if you meet someone that you don’t like very much while walking your dog, they will pick up on this as well and might react appropriately.

Man’s Best Friend in So Many Ways

It’s amazing how much your dog will want to be with you, enjoy your company, and spend time enjoying activities with you. Take your dog with you for a walk, let them ride in your car when you can, and allow them to participate in your life. They might only be here for a short part of your life, but you are here for all of their lives; show them how much they mean to you and enjoy how they learn to behave like you.