8 Signs Your Pet Is Spoiled

We love our pets. For just a little time, attention, and perhaps a few walks around the neighborhood, we get unconditional love and devotion. However, some pet owners go a little overboard for their pets. To show their love and affection, they indulge their pets to the point where they’re completely spoiled and ruling the roost. Do you think you have a spoiled canine on your hands? Here are eight signs to look for.

He Goes to the Salon More Than You Do

Being a responsible pet owner means keeping your dog clipped, groomed, and looking and feeling his best. However, if your dog is getting more attention at the groomer than you get at your own salon or barber, you may have an issue. Your pet probably doesn’t care if he’s got the latest en vogue cut or his nails painted, but pet owners who tend to spoil their companions feel they’re not doing right by their pooch if they don’t pamper them.

He Doesn’t Listen

Those who want to have a harmonious relationship with their pooches know that training is key. When your pet is trained well when he’s a puppy, he recognizes his name and responds to simple commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “fetch.” He’ll also obey when you train him not to get on the furniture or give visitors a good sniff when they walk in the door. If your dog doesn’t obey commands (or even look up when you call his name), it’s likely he’s ignoring you because he knows he can. A spoiled dog is often one that knows that bad behavior never results in negative consequences.

A Good Portion of Your Paycheck Is Spent on Him

Your dog needs good food, adequate shelter, and plenty of love and attention from you. However, he probably doesn’t need doggie ice cream, weekly trips to the groomer, beds in every room of the house, and every dog toy ever made. If find yourself working overtime just to pay for all the “extras” you think your pooch must have, you’ve probably got a spoiled mutt on your hands.

He’s Obese

We know, it’s tough to ignore those sad eyes on a pup who wants to convince you he’s always starving. However, if you indulge him in too much food, too many treats, or too much of your own meal slipped under the table, you’re likely to have an overweight canine.

Though it’s a sign of being spoiled, it’s also a sign of being unhealthy. Obese dogs are more likely to have high blood pressure, diabetes, liver disease and arthritis, so you’re not doing your best friend any favors by over-feeding him. If you want your companion to have a long and healthy life, you need to limit his food and help him maintain a healthy weight.

He’s Got His Spot — And He’s Not Moving

It’s one thing to let your pooch settle on the couch with you for a good long Netflix-binge, but it’s quite another if your dog has taken over your furniture and you find yourself sitting on the floor. If your pet has staked his claim in any of the spots that previously used to be yours — and if you indulge him enough not to make him move — you’ve definitely got a spoiled mutt in the house.

He Sets the Schedule

Nap time, feeding time, walk time… all of this should fall into a schedule that works well with your busy lifestyle. However, if your pet sets the schedule for you by waking you early in the morning for walks, howling and throwing a fit whenever he wants to eat and continually scratching at the door until you take him for a walk, you’ve got a furry dictator on your hands.

He’s Got Clothing—Lots of It

Okay, so it might be cute to put your Chihuahua in a tiny Christmas sweater at the holidays to impress the in-laws. But if you’ve got a whole dresser full of clothes for your pooch — including a selection of Halloween costumes, dress-up clothes, and a variety of vests and sweaters to dress him in when you go for walks — you may have a problem.

He Always Gets Your Attention First

If it’s just you and your dog living together, it may not be an issue that you instantly lavish attention on him as soon as you walk in the door. However, if you’ve got a significant other or kids in the house and you’re constantly putting their needs second after your needy hound, you’ve probably got a spoiled pet. People come first and if you constantly show your pooch that he can get your attention whenever he wants it, he’ll just keep demanding more and more.

It’s wonderful to have a close relationship with the canine you share your life with. But if you’re going broke, ignoring those close to you, and always bending to the schedule HE thinks is appropriate, you may need to re-evaluate and make some changes.