It's not just a dog! How have you changed since becoming a dog parent?

Owning a dog can bring about humorous and unexpected changes in your life! There was me thinking I was just getting a dog but oh no how wrong was I? As a result of Mash coming into my home I not only changed the direction of my photography business (if you don't already know, I'm the photographer behind www.lovephodography.co.uk creating stunning memories of dogs and their humans in the natural environment). I also found my Instagram feed was chock full of cute dogs up to their daily antics, no more reading doom and gloom on social media, Magic! and of course Love Dog Co, was born - full of fabulous eco friendly treats, toys and gifts for you and your 4 legged friend!

So it got me thinking, how else has my life changed after introducing the Mash Monster to my home?

Give yourself a point for each one you find yourself nodding at;

• Becoming a Professional Poop Inspector: Suddenly, you find yourself analysing your dog's poop like a detective. (What was that green and red thing in his poop - oh yeah, that used to be Mr Tuggy!) You might even catch yourself discussing its colour, consistency, and contents with other dog owners. 💩

• Speaking in Baby Talk: Your vocabulary shifts, and you start using a high-pitched, overly enthusiastic voice when talking to your dog. You might catch yourself saying things like, "Who's a good boy? Yes, you are!" 🤭

• Perfecting the Art of the One-Sided Conversation: You realise you're having full-on conversations with your dog, complete with pauses for their "responses." And you're totally okay with it. Also, if you live alone with your dog you may find that they do answer you back! Seriously! I have the most chatty dachshund which is super cute (until I tell him to Shhh! when barking at the TV for him to look at me and get the last bark in!) 🙄

• Cleanly laundered poop bags: How many times have you opened the washing machine to find one or two poop bags swimming around? These little things are like the opposite of socks going missing and often seem to multiply in the washing machine 🧦🧦🧦

• Talking of pockets; You can't go anywhere or wear anything that doesn't have either treats or treat crumbs in them! 🍪

• Developing a Love for All Things Slobbery: Suddenly, you're unfazed by slobbery kisses and damp, drool-covered toys that your dog insists on sharing with you. 😘

• Having a New Social Media Star: Your dog becomes the centre of your social media universe, with more photos and posts than your friends might care to see. #DogLife #PuppyLove

• Mastering the Art of Negotiation: You find yourself bargaining with your dog for their toy or treat in exchange for a belly rub or a game of fetch. 🎾

• Becoming an Expert in Strange Noises: You become fluent in interpreting your dog's various barks, whines, and grunts, and you can even tell the difference between a "I'm hungry" bark and a "Let's go for a walk" bark.

• Solving Mysterious Disappearances: You become an expert at locating missing socks, shoes, and other household items that have mysteriously vanished into the depths of your dog's hiding spots.

• Unleashing Your Inner Dog Fashion Designer: You start coordinating your outfits with your dog's accessories, and you find yourself considering matching sweaters or bandanas. 🎀

• Perfecting the Art of Contortionism: You become a pro at contorting your body to accommodate your dog's sprawling naps on the couch or bed. 🛋️

• Having a New Alarm Clock: Your dog's early morning bathroom needs become your new wake-up call, regardless of what time your alarm is set.

• Learning to Share the Bed: You go from sleeping alone to sharing your bed with a four-legged, blanket-hogging, space-invading cuddle monster. 🛌

• Developing a Dog Radar: You start spotting other dogs from miles away and can't resist saying hello, even if it means stopping mid-conversation.

• Perfecting the Art of Stealthy Food Guarding: You become an expert at eating while subtly guarding your plate against your dog's persistent, watchful eyes. 🍛

• Crunchy Foods; Why is is the noise your dog makes when eating a carrot or watermelon is super cute and yet if your children or other half made the same amount of noise it would be incredibly annoying? 🍉

• Competitive Dog breed quiz with friends: wherever you go with your doggy owning human friends you find yourself competing to guess the breed of any and every approaching dog!

• Preferring the company of dogs to that of humans; Just me? I don't think so 🤷🏻‍♀️

• Expert in Inventing excuses; Picture the scene, you get invited out to the cinema or for a drink and all you want to do is put on your PJs and spend the evening with your pup... Cue a multitude of super creative excuses on why you can go out this evening without actually saying what you'd rather be doing!

Puppy Padawan: 0-5 "yes" responses

• You're just starting your journey as a dog parent, and you have plenty of fun and laughter ahead as you embrace the world of doggy quirks and adventures.

Canine Connoisseur: 6-10 "yes" responses

• You've got a good handle on the hilarious ways that being a dog parent can change you. Your dog's antics have certainly left their mark, and you're well on your way to becoming a seasoned dog pawrent.

Master of the Tail Wag: 11-15 "yes" responses

• You've fully embraced the whimsical transformations that come with having a dog in your family. Your ability to navigate the comical quirks of dog parenting sets you apart as a true connoisseur of all things canine.

Supreme Dog Whisperer: 16-20 "yes" responses

• Congratulations! You're in a league of your own when it comes to dogs. Your deep understanding of the funny and heartwarming aspects of life with a dog makes you a true super dog human. Your furry friend is lucky to have you by their side!

Let us know how you scored!