How do you describe your relationship with your dog?

I feel my relationship with each is different... and at different times it changes, too.

Like in obedience, I feel we are a team, we just speak different languages and I'm trying to pantomime what I want them to know.  At home I feel like they are my children, out for a walk or watching a movie, my best friends and at night time my doggies that love to snuggle and keep me warm :)  I feel like Nik is my best friend, usually and I feel like Logan is my kid ... but he's a baby still, I'm sure that relationship will still morph.

Good question, Cita! :)  ... and I should also agree with you and add I also do not have kids... so if someday I do, don't hold me to it, either!
 

I sort of think of my relationship with her the way I was with my mom at say around 7 or 8 years old.  I knew she was my mom and different than just a friend but I also wanted to tag along and help her do stuff.  I always had my nose in whatever she was doing.  And, I liked to listen at the table and in the kitchen while stuff was going on.  Willow is the same way. 

 Dakota: I'm the hotel caretaker and she's a guest. She is a typical husky. I'm here to see that her every whim is taken care of.

Neiko: We're total partners. He follows me around and watches very closely to whatever I'm doing. It looks as if he wants to help in some way, no matter what. He listens and is eager to take direction at the drop of a hat. We're a team through and through. 

Lily: I'm not sure yet. We're still feeling each other out. So far she just lives to please and is happy to be in my home. 

Good Thread!!

I am a mother and a grandmother.   I feel like the relationship I have is a lot like a mother/child.  Just as Cita said, I set boundaries for them, expect them to behave, and I do love them unconditionally--just as I did for my children.  I also do everything I can for them to give them the happiest and healthiest life possible.  Even though my kids are grown, I continue to love them unconditionally.  This is also how I feel about my grandchildren.  Another facet that I have with my dogs is that they are my friends.  I can talk to them about anything (even though they don't understand).  Sometimes it is nice to be able to tell "someone" anything and everything and know that they won't judge you and will love you no matter what.  To me, it is amazing the relationships we can have with our dogs. 

At the risk of sounding unscientific, there are times whene I think we are coexisting together to our emotional benefit. Man and dog are symbiotic species. In fact, it has been shown that dogs do something that no other creature does. They look to a human for cues. And most specifically, they look at our eyes. They can be cued information from where we look to by watching our eyes. They know if we close our eyes, we can't see what they are doing. That is, they understand the limits of our sensory input. And we can know the limits of theirs. I don't think of it is employer-employee, or father and child. More like friends, except that I have to make decisions, sometimes.

Cita

I set boundaries for him, I expect him to do what I ask, but I love him unconditionally and do everything I can to ensure he is the happiest and healthiest dog possible. He respects me, but occasionally does things just to push my buttons or to see what he can get away with.

I suppose thats about what its like with Bugsy - he's my buddy but I am in charge of taking care of him; healthwise, exercise for brain and body and making sure he knows how to behave properly 

I think this parent/child thing was exacerbated by his special needs diet.  I think I would be less mothering if he didn't have such severe allergy issues as I feel solely responsible for ensuring he isn't full of hives.

So some aspects I feel parental, others he's my partner in crime/fun

He is definitely treated as a dog - a well cared for one but he is a dog 

The relationship that we have with our dogs is certainly good. I do think that they look at me like I was their mother/guider.  And the dogs are wonderful with all of the extended family due to a lot of teaching from the "mother figure", me , I guess!

When we go to a play group with a lot of various dogs, they have done plenty of exploration but they come back to me and do not seem to lose sight of me.  And I can be engrossed in conversation, not looking for them...It is really interesting and quite cool.

 From my perspective, it's much of the same mother-daughter dynamic that others have spoke of.  I take care of her, set boundaries, spend quality time together, etc.  From Honor's perspective?...I am there solely to provide amusement and food.

My relationship with Penny is very much one of pals. I was too young when I got her to feel maternal. She was just my furry buddy. I've found my relationships with all my animals have been gravitating towards one of partners. I'm just the one that the other needs to tell if they need something so I can take care of it. My hare is very much my baby because I had to hand-raise him from a very young age, but he's a big boy, now, and I'm oddly proud of him for growing up big and strong, being a confident hare, and growing a backbone eventually. We've worked together to create the relationship we have, and it's been very rewarding because we worked together and listened to one another.

Bonnie thinks all humans are slaves. It's very humbling. She gets that look that says "You're so stupid! And my litter tray is so disgusting I had to take matters into my own paws and cover it with paper so I could get in without making my paws all filthy. Now clean up this mess and bring me some raisins." Bonnie can communicate much with a look. She's a master at making you feel guilty for doing something nice for her because you didn't do it in a timely manner. However, she secretly loves us and sometimes I catch a look that says "Maybe when I take over the world I'll keep you around after all. As a house slave, you understand. Not because I need these ear strokes." 

I definitely treat all of our animals like family. Our newest member is Casper and he is definitely the baby. He is actually mama's baby.

Cara is my partner and VP. Second in command. She helps train the puppies and keeps things in order. She has her job here around the house, knows it well and does a great job. She looks to me for guidance when she needs it, which isn't often.

Mia is my playmate. She is joyful and happy and brings sunshine into every day. She is my dog. She looks to me for everything and I am thankful for the delightful way she sees life and shows it to me.

B'asia is my muse. She is my dainty, quirky little angel who has a tight hold on my heartstrings. She can move me emotionally with one glance. She amuses me, inspires me and entertains me daily.

Jaia is my heart. He's my second soul-mate. He's my mirror. He's my favorite dog in the universe. We have a connection that goes beyond anything I've ever had with an animal and most people. Something I can't name in him brings out the very best and most loving person I can be.

They are my family. I'm thankful for them and what each one brings to our lives.  

Eloquent, almost poetic. Certainly prose.

Sasha is my partner in crime.   I call a lot of the shots, but we have this sense of ... teamwork. It is my absolute favorite thing about having a dog. She's smart - sometimes too smart - and she's funny, and I really enjoy her company.

Eko, we're still figuring that out. I think, to borrow a phrase from another ridgeback owner, he considers me his "food goddess." He's very sweet, but more confident and independent than Sasha.