Like many dog owners, I view my dog as my child. However, I'm not positive she thinks of me as her mom. I do, however, know that she believes I am a buzzkill who won’t let her do anything remotely fun. So, at the very least, we have a parent and their rebellious teenager dynamic. 

According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, there is no way to know what dogs are thinking. However, furry friends seem to consider their owners “a secure base,” like a human baby would their parents. This means dogs feel safer in the company of their owners and strongly prefer not to be away from them. 

VCA Animal Hospitals also reported that dogs have genuine affection for their owners, as shown through research. According to one study, the caudate nucleus of a canine’s brain reacted when they were met with their owner’s scent, indicating that they were experiencing joy.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, dogs show their affection in several ways. For instance, they may allow you to play with their favorite toys or do some fun spins when you return home from a long day at work. 

So regardless of whether Fido views you as his parent, he loves you all the same.