Anyone who is buying a dog, whether he or she is a puppy or grown dog, knows the thrills of what is years to come. Dogs are precious companions, friends, and sometimes children. Dogs have so many contributing traits to fulfill a role in our world; dogs are friendly, caring, loving, good listeners, protective, and worth the money. Some people, like myself, believe that having a dog growing up is the way to go and, as you grow up to adulthood, it all follows you that the one furry friend has taught you. Now, I do not plan on having kids any time soon, but having a dog all of my life has definitely taught me some very "parent" traits that show us the kids our dogs can be.

1. You get excited every time you hold them

Even the joy of just picking your dog up and looking them in the eyes show how happy and grateful you are to have such a beautiful fur baby in your life. You can hold them for .2 seconds and just feel pure joy. Probably the same joy you did the first day you might have adopted or even rescued him or her.

2. Your voice changes pitches, even octaves, around them

I am so guilty of this one. It is somewhat like being around a newborn baby for the first time until they grow up to walk and talk without your help. The fun thing with dogs is they never ever talk, so you can use a "dog voice" even if they are 15 years old. They probably will have no clue what you're saying or why you chose to use such a hideous sounding voice, but they will socially accept it because they love you.

3. You applaud them when they go to the bathroom where they're supposed to

At first, this is totally normal. All dog parents know the stress, anger, and prep for dealing with accidents around the house, so when us dog parents catch the minute our fur baby does their duty (pun intended) where they are supposed to, it is perfectly okay to praise them before they get back in the house, where they will be rewarded with hugs, kisses, and treats, of course!

4. You dress them up

Sacrificing an extra $10-20 for that new sweater shows you are not only proud of the beautiful fur baby you have, but it shows you care about their appearance and that next Facebook cover photo you are just dying to get. Dressing up your dog is fun because their reaction could range from "Oh my goodness, thank you, kind owner!" to "get this scratchy crap off my back." and presentation is always a good thing to be ahead of.

5. You sign them up for puppy classes and get excited for their graduation

This one could be for their own obedience or because you have officially hit the proud dog parent stage. Hard. Seeing your fur baby get that diploma and wiping the tears away just shows you have worked hard and spent proper money to ensure your baby gets the intelligence they need to survive the real world....in your home. You are definitely more excited than they are, too.

6. You groom them, even when they don't really need to be groomed

Baths and haircuts are probably the most intimidating thing for dogs, alongside the vet. As a dog parent, you are probably dying to get your dog a new do to dress him or her up in bowties, ribbons, ties, clothes, etc. You need your fur baby to look and smell their best. Investing 24:7 just shows that personal hygiene for a dog is just as important as a human!

7. You take them everywhere with you. Everywhere.

This may be tougher for bigger dogs, but my point being is whenever you are leaving the house, your dog is, too. Whether you are going to work, the grocery store, the gym, the doctor, vacation, or even just for a quick coffee run, they NEED to go with. Of course, the dog gets the passenger seat over everyone for petting, singing, and talking purposes.