20 Reasons Why Owning A Dog Is Like Having A Toddler

They’re noisy, smelly, needy, naughty and constantly hungry, and dogs are very similar.

By Lauren Butler /

Dogs have long been considered man€™s greatest animal companion. Since ancient times, they€™ve brought comfort and safety to humans around the world and if they€™re brought up and trained properly they can be loyal friends their whole lives. There€™s nothing like being woken up by a waggy, wet-nosed alarm clock, and when you€™ve had a bad day, there€™s something wonderful about driving home and knowing that Fido will be waiting to greet you at the door. They aren€™t just our best friends though - they also do great things as therapy dogs and guide dogs. However, even the most disciplined dogs aren€™t entirely without fault. While the benefits of being a dog owner far outweigh the negatives, they can be a bit of a handful to say the least. Especially when they€™re puppies. If you don€™t have a dog, or are more of a cat person, just watch Marley and Me and you€™ll understand. They€™re noisy, smelly, needy, naughty and constantly hungry. We just can€™t resist those big watery eyes though. Calling all animal lovers! Roll up for your daily dose of cuteness. Whether they€™re westies, pit bulls, beagles or retrievers, here are 20 reasons why all dogs are essentially just toddlers who never grow up.

20. They Haven't Quite Mastered Furniture

Couch cushions can be very confusing things to navigate when you're this small. They're like quicksand. You have to stop struggling or they just suck you in deeper. This doggy shouldn't have been on the furniture in the first place, but that's besides the point. How many times did you get lost in your parents' bed covers or accidentally shut in a wardrobe when you were a toddler?

19. Food Makes Them Sleepy

Everyone has that embarrassing photograph somewhere of their chubby 2-year-old faces fast asleep in their dinner plates, caked in food. When puppy and toddler tummies get full, there's nothing to do but succumb to sleep. Even if you still have your face in your dinner.

18. They Like To Break The Rules

Like small children pining for icecream, dogs will try to push their luck wherever possible. Whether it's by creeping up onto furniture that's out of bounds, tentatively licking your plate when you aren't looking or being where they shouldn't be, they love to get into trouble. Even in their more animated adventures...

17. They Need Constant Reassurance

Life can be very stressful and tiring for our little friends. Toddlers have so many Play-Doh sculptures to make, and our canine buddies have more sticks to catch than minutes in the day. Who can blame them for wanting a bit of comfort and reassurance? It's not easy being that cute.