Let’s be honest… you might think you’re the one in charge. You pay the bills, you buy the food, you choose the furniture. Right?
But deep down, we all know who really runs the house.
…. Spoiler alert: it’s the one covered in fur!
At Mad Paws HQ, our lives (at home and at work) are run by the bosses – the pets in our lives. We’ve always found the idea of pet ownership a funny one. Although we look after them, it’s really our pets that own us. And when the puppy dog eyes and tearful kitty peepers come out, they definitely own our heart!
Here are five undeniable reasons your pet owns you (and you wouldn’t have it any other way).
Proof #1:
You buy the bed. They sleep in the middle.
You upgrade to a bigger bed so everyone can spread out. That’s the idea anyway. When it comes to homes with pets, though, the reality is that your furry bestie occupies the centre like it’s the VIP section at a hotel. You spend the night balancing on the edge, blanket-less, while they dream peacefully.
Why they do it: Pets sleep in the centre because it’s warm, safe, and close to you. The ultimate pack behaviour sign of trust, comfort, and total domination. (How can you possibly be annoyed with that?!)
How to negotiate with the boss: Try placing a warm pet blanket or their bed on “their” side of the bed. It may lure them off your pillow… even if just for five minutes!
Proof #2:
You cook dinner. They eat first.
You chop, stir, season, and plate like a MasterChef contestant, all while your pet stares at you like an impatient restaurant critic. Their food gets served first to stop the staring, pacing, and dramatic sighing. Sound like your household?
Why they do it: Pets associate routines (like dinner prep) with anticipation. One study found that dogs can anticipate routine activities not because they “tell the time,” but because they track subtle, regular cues – scent intensity changes, light shifts, and your own micro-behaviours.
How to negotiate: Teach a simple “wait” cue. It won’t make them any less dramatic, but it may buy you 15 extra seconds of dignity before the mealtime frenzy begins. And hey, if a few scraps fall off the bench and onto the floor while you’re prepping, they’ll do their job of cleaning up efficiently. A win-win, right?
Proof #3:
You do the laundry. They sit on top of it.
You pull warm, fresh laundry out of the dryer. The smell and feel of the clean clothes is like nothing else. And you feel organised with life’s admin.
….And then, your pet appears out of nowhere, like they’re summoned by the scent of cotton and warmth. Your neatly folded shirts become a throne.
Why they do it: Warm laundry feels cosy, and your scent is comforting. It’s basically a self-heating security blanket… that you spent hours washing, drying and folding.
Negotiation tip: Toss an old, soft jumper you don’t mind being smothered in fur into “their” laundry spot. If you’re lucky, they’ll sit on that instead of your freshly folded business shirt.
Proof #4:
You buy the couch. They get the best spot.
You researched fabrics, styles, and durability. You sat on dozens before picking the perfect couch. And you’ve considered selling an organ to help pay for this new piece of furniture for the house. And what happens? Your pet immediately claims the softest cushion (usually the one with the best sunlight).
Why they do it: Pets claim territory by comfort, warmth, and vantage point. And if the know that spot is somewhere you’re likely to be, they’ll want to be there too. Sweet, in theory.
How to negotiate: Place a cosy pet blanket or mat in that spot before you sit down. It sends the message that the premium seat is shared territory.
Signs your pet personality type is ‘boss of the house’
Proof #5:
You set the schedule. They run it.
Your alarm is optional to them. If they want breakfast at 6am, you’re waking up at 5:45am. If you want a nap, they want to go walkies. If you want quiet time, they initiate the zoomies. Your daily timetable? Merely a suggestion.
Why they do it: Pets thrive on routine. And by routine, we mean their routine. They notice patterns, anticipate your movements, and learn exactly when to remind you of your responsibilities (which most of the time is the responsibility of looking after them).
Negotiation tip: Introduce some ‘calm time’ rituals. Scatter feeding mats, snuffle toys, or chew treats can buy you 15–20 minutes of peace. Not guaranteed… but worth a shot!
Let’s face it… Your pet owns you, and runs the show. But you wouldn’t have it any other way.
They might take your spot, steal your time, and shed on every clean surface… but they also fill your home (and your heart) with endless love, laughter, and muddy paw prints.
Being owned by your pet isn’t a flaw in the system. It is the system.
And honestly? We know you wouldn’t change it for the world.
Interested to know just what kind of boss your pet is?
Discover the 4 pet personality types and find out what kind of Manager they are. Take the quiz >
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