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Dogs and toddlers share many surprising similarities. From their boundless curiosity and love of snacks to their ability to throw tantrums, both are more alike than we realize. As cute as they are, dogs and toddlers demand constant attention, supervision, and patience. Their need for affection and communication attempts make dogs feel like lifelong toddlers in furry bodies. Recognizing these parallels not only helps us appreciate our canine companions but also highlights the often funny, complex bond we share with them.
Both Have Boundless Energy
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Just like toddlers who seem to have an inexhaustible supply of energy, dogs—especially puppies—are constantly on the go. They’ll run around the house, chase after toys, and explore every corner of their environment with an enthusiasm that rivals a toddler discovering the world for the first time. Both dogs and toddlers can spend hours playing and running, seemingly without tiring, and when they do finally collapse for a nap, it’s often with a dramatic sigh, exhausted but happy. This endless energy can sometimes drive their caretakers to exhaustion, but it’s part of what makes them both so charming and fun to be around.
They Have an Inability to Keep Clean
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Anyone who’s ever cared for a toddler knows that keeping them clean is an impossible task. They find every puddle, mud pile, or sticky substance to get into. Similarly, dogs, especially puppies, have an innate talent for getting dirty. Whether it’s rolling in mud, finding a stinky patch of grass, or simply shedding all over your clothes, dogs are constant reminders that cleanliness is often a fleeting concept. It’s as though they’ve mastered the art of creating messes wherever they go, just like toddlers seem to find every dirt patch, snack crumb, or water spill in sight.
They Both Have Tantrums
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While dogs don’t throw themselves on the floor in the same way toddlers do, they certainly know how to express frustration. A dog who doesn’t get its way might paw at the door, bark incessantly, or pout in the corner. Similarly, toddlers who don’t get what they want can throw full-on meltdowns, complete with tears and dramatic flailing. Whether it’s a tantrum over not being allowed to eat off the counter or the refusal to take a bath, dogs, and toddlers both communicate their displeasure in a way that’s hard to ignore.
They Can Be Extremely Stubborn
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Just like toddlers who insist on doing things “my way,” dogs can be incredibly stubborn at times. Whether it’s refusing to walk on a leash or ignoring your commands to sit, dogs often exhibit the same kind of “I’m going to do what I want” attitude that toddlers are known for. This can be particularly frustrating when trying to get them to do something, but it’s also what makes them so uniquely independent. They have their personalities, and sometimes that means digging in their heels and doing things on their terms—whether you like it or not.
They Constantly Seek Attention
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Like toddlers who constantly crave attention and are always vying for your attention, dogs have an insatiable need for affection and validation. Whether it’s pawing at your legs, nudging your hand, or curling up on your lap, dogs want to be noticed and loved at all times. This is especially true for dogs who are particularly needy or clingy, much like a toddler who refuses to let go of their parent. This constant need for attention can be exhausting, but it also creates a deeper bond between the two of you, just like the emotional connection you share with a child.
They Love Snacks and Treats
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Both dogs and toddlers have a penchant for snacks, and trying to get them to stop asking for food is a fruitless endeavor. Whether it’s a piece of fruit, a biscuit, or a special treat, both dogs and toddlers will eagerly beg for food at any opportunity. A toddler will ask for “just one more cookie,” while a dog will give you those puppy eyes, hoping for an extra treat after dinner. This obsession with food can sometimes seem never-ending, but it’s just one of the things they have in common—besides the ability to make messes with their meals!
They Get Into Everything
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Curiosity may have killed the cat, but it certainly doesn’t stop a toddler or a dog. Both love to explore, often getting into things they shouldn’t. Just as a toddler might pull everything out of a kitchen drawer or climb into a cupboard, a dog might chew on shoes, dig in the yard, or try to grab things off the counter. Both love to discover new things, and as frustrating as it can be for their owners, it’s often quite endearing to watch them explore the world in their way—albeit with a little extra mess.
They Need Frequent Naps
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Both dogs and toddlers need regular naps throughout the day. After all, all that energy has to be recharged somehow. If you’ve ever been around a toddler, you know how crucial naptime is for their well-being, and dogs are no different. Whether they’ve been playing, running, or simply existing, they can only go for so long before they need to crash for a good snooze. Just like a toddler who’ll pass out in the middle of a playdate, a dog will drop wherever they are when it’s time to nap, often with no warning at all.
They Are Masters of Manipulation
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Dogs and toddlers are both experts at manipulating their caregivers. A toddler might pout or give you a pitiful look when they want something, and a dog has mastered the art of the “puppy dog eyes” to get their way. Whether it’s begging for food from the dinner table, pawing at the door to go outside, or whining to get attention, both dogs and toddlers know how to get exactly what they want with a few well-timed gestures. It’s no wonder we often give in to their demands—they’re so convincing!
They Are Easily Distracted
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One minute, a toddler is playing with their toys and the next, they’re off to explore something shiny on the floor. Dogs share this same attention span, constantly shifting focus from one thing to the next. Whether it’s a squirrel outside the window, the sound of a car door closing, or a new scent in the air, dogs, like toddlers, are easily distracted by anything that catches their eye or nose. This makes for some entertaining moments, as both can lose track of what they were doing in an instant, only to get completely absorbed in something else.
They Need Constant Supervision
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Both dogs and toddlers require constant supervision. Toddlers can get into trouble quickly by pulling things off shelves or running into the street, while dogs can chew on furniture or get into mischief when left unattended. Whether it’s ensuring a toddler doesn’t touch something hot or stopping a dog from eating something toxic, both require their owners’ watchful eyes. This constant vigilance can be exhausting, but it’s part of the job when you’re responsible for their safety and well-being.
They Love a Good Routine
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Like toddlers, dogs thrive on routine. Whether it’s knowing when it’s time to eat, sleep, or play, they like predictability in their day. A toddler may cry if they miss their nap or meal time, and a dog will often become anxious or disoriented if their schedule is disrupted. Dogs find comfort in knowing what’s coming next, and their behavior often reflects this. A consistent routine helps keep them happy and settled, much like how a regular schedule helps toddlers feel secure.
They Can Be Just as Cute (and Annoying)
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Whether it’s the sweetness of a child’s voice or a dog’s wagging tail, both can be incredibly cute and incredibly annoying at the same time. The constant attention-seeking behavior, the barking or crying, and the need for constant affection can make both dogs and toddlers a handful. But just when you think you can’t take it anymore, they’ll do something that melts your heart—a smile, a cuddle, or a funny face—that makes all the chaos worthwhile.
The Toddler You Can’t Put Down
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We all know the feeling of a toddler who insists on being carried around or held constantly, and dogs are no different. Whether it’s a small dog who demands to be picked up or a large dog who wants to curl up on your lap, both are creatures that love physical affection and attention. They want to be close to you, constantly reminding you that they need your love and affection. It’s as if both dogs and toddlers understand the power of cuddles and know exactly how to get them.
The Barking Baby Syndrome
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Dogs and toddlers both know the art of getting attention—sometimes at the most inconvenient times. When you’re on the phone or trying to have a conversation, both will know exactly how to interrupt. Whether it’s a dog barking or a toddler’s tantrum, both can create quite the ruckus when they feel ignored or left out. While it can be frustrating, it’s also a reminder of how much they need us and how attached they are to our presence.
The Never-Ending Cycle Of Love (And Chaos)
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Dogs and toddlers share many surprising similarities that keep us on our toes. Both are full of energy, constantly exploring and always seeking attention. From tantrums to snack cravings, it’s clear that dogs are more than just furry companions—they’re like little children in many ways. So, the next time you’re cleaning up a mess or calming a tantrum, remember that whether it’s a toddler or a dog, you’re caring for a bundle of energy that needs your love, patience, and understanding.
Toledo, United States.
