Dogs Are Family Too A dog's opinion of himself as a cherished member of the family begins with the babying treatment he receives as a puppy. We love him so much: we cuddle him, stroke him, give him toys, offer him treats and arrange our lives around his needs.Problems arise when our actions toward him change.He gets too big and we don't want him on our lap, in our bed or on the furniture.We grow impatient or bored with his grown- up needs for exercise and attention.He just isn't as cute anymore.