Have you ever wondered what your dog would say if they could text you? Text messages from your dog could include hilarious updates about the squirrels they’ve seen, demand constant treats, or offer questionable excuses for chewing up the couch. Dogs are full of personality, and if they could text, their messages would probably be a perfect blend of comedy and honesty. They’d definitely keep us entertained! Here’s a list of 12 relatable “dog text messages” and tied to each one is some practical tips to better understand your dog’s “behavior”. Get ready to laugh… and learn!

1. “Hey, I chewed the couch. My bad. it’s now a stylish, shredded masterpiece!”

Tip: Redirect chewing habits with proper chew toys and plenty of praise when they use them.

2. “Are you coming home soon, or should I start eating the shoes?”

Tip: Separation anxiety is real. Keep your dog entertained with puzzle toys or dog-safe toys and treats… as well, remove temptations by not leaving inappropriate things out for your dog to chew on… like shoes or your children’s toys.

3. “Walk? Now? In 5 minutes? Or now?”

Tip: Daily walks aren’t just exercise; they’re mental stimulation for your dog. Better than a traditional walk… make it a sniffari!

4. “the cat’s food bowl is empty… again! just to be clear i didn’t do it!”

Tip: Prevent sneaky behavior by managing the environment. Keep temptation out of reach. When it comes to cats… dogs are famous for loving not only the cat’s food… but what’s in the litter box too!

5. “You’re the best. But also, I saw squirrels today. Just saying.”

Tip: Celebrate your relationship with your dog through positive reinforcement and fun training games.

6. “I heard the treat bag open. Don’t lie to me – I know it was the treat bag.”

Tip: Use treats strategically during training to reward good behavior. A behavior that is rewarded (or reinforced) is more likely to occur again in the future.

7. “The mailman came. I barked. You’re safe now.”

Tip: Excessive barking? Train a “quiet” cue with treats and praise.

8. “Can we talk about the vacuum? It’s loud, scary, and possibly evil.”

Tip: Desensitize your dog to loud noises by pairing them with positive experiences. Check out our socialization checklist that guides you to work with your dog (or puppy) to help them feel comfortable and confident with new experiences, all while focusing on positive reinforcement techniques.

9. “Why is the cat allowed on the counter but I’m not? This feels unfair.”

Tip: Teach boundaries by reinforcing the behaviors you want – like staying on the floor! By the way, you can also train “the cat” not to be on the counter too… if you so desire!

10. “Why do you get mad when I roll in mud? You smell like soap, and I never complain.”

Tip: Redirect muddy adventures by providing fun alternatives like appropriate digging spots or outdoor toys.

11. “Dinner was great. Let’s do it again… right now.”

Tip: Dogs thrive on routines… just like a lot of people do. Keep mealtime consistent and use it as a chance to practice cues like ‘sit’ or ‘wait.’

12. “I licked the baby. Now we’re friends for life, right?”

Tip: Always supervise dog/child interactions and reward calm, gentle behavior around little ones. Keep in mind it is as important to monitor what your child does, as it is your dog.

What Would Your Dog Say?

Got a funny or relatable “dog text message” idea of your own? We’d love to hear it! Drop your dog text ideas in the comments and let’s keep the fun going.