ADVERTISEMENT

Sorry, cats – dogs are still more popular than you, at least among Americans. As of 2024, 65.1 million households own a dog and 46.5 million prefer cats. So, apologies to all the contrarians, but we have to go with the trends of the real world here and get in some doggo content.

Today, we're featuring the dog memes from the project I'd Rather Be With My Dog. It's an Instagram page with over 500k followers. But that's not all: it's also a brand that's all about rescuing pups and giving them a loving forever home. So sit back and enjoy some memes for dog lovers from other true dog lovers!

To know more about dogs and what their silly behavior captured in memes can be, Bored Panda reached out to Clinical Animal Behaviorist Karen Wild. She’s a registered dog trainer and author of five books on dog and cat behavior, including Being A Dog. Read on to find her thoughts on whether there is any behavioral basis on why dogs act as silly as they do in these memes or is it just us imagining things.


The I'd Rather Be With Your Dog Instagram is not just a meme page for dog lovers. It's also a lifestyle brand created by CEO Doug Ratner. He credits its creation to his pooch, Oggy. "I was sitting at the computer with my guitar in my lap," Ratner writes on the I'd Rather Be With My Dog website.

"I was fixated on a particular riff that I couldn't put any words to and needless to say I was frustrated. But lo and behold, sitting right next to me was my faithful Oggy, just staring at me with his big loving eyes, and instantly I came up with 'I'd rather be with my dogs, than be with you.'"

ADVERTISEMENT
#5

Our Hero @maggiethewunderdog 💓💓 #hero #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog #beautiful #rescue #rescuedogs #amazing #love

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jenna Kay
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I hope there is a special place in Hades for animal abusers.

martin734
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is why I could never work for organisations like the RSPCA. I would be fired on the first day for beating the sh*t out of an animal abuser. I know I am not emotionally strong enough to stay calm and detached when dealing with someone who could do that to any animal.

Traveling Lady Railfan
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How can some humans be so evil, and others (her new family) be so wonderful? Dear sweet Maggie 💕

Simon Green
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would like 5 minutes alone with the people who did this please.

Bette
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There truly should be harsher penalties for animal abusers!!

Shark bait hoo haha
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oh that sweet baby! I am happy to know she is doing better! *sending virtual hugs!

Nikki Gross
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think we should do the exact same thing to the PIECE OF S**T that hurt poor Maggie. In fact animal abusers should be punished the same exact way that they hurt or neglect those poor babies (I'm looking at you Michael Vick!)

Kael jones
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I had no idea who you were talking about, looked it up and now I am extremely upset

Load More Replies...
TBS
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

New law proposal: Whatever you do to the animal will be done to you. (instant decrease in animal crime)

Anywhere but Here
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The thing is, this dog has every reason to hate people and become vicious. Instead she shows amazing kindness and compassion and willingness to learn. Now, imagine how sweet this dog must’ve been and people chose to treat her that way. Not saying if she was aggressive or difficult it would’ve been excusable, but it speaks to the kind of monsters people can be.

Ann M Clinkscales
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Agreed! I don't know how they do it! I don't know how they can still love. We do notvdeserve dogs! 🐕 🐶 🦮 🐕‍🦺 🐩 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾 ❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗 💘 💚 💝 💛 🤎 white 🤍 Peace baby, you deserve the best forever on! I am so 😞 😔 😟 ❤️

Load More Replies...
Beachbum
Community Member
1 month ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maggie you are beatiful, and whoever did this to you, deserves to rot in an everlasting hell

CJ Vee
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This makes me sick to my stomach. I’m so glad this dog got a second chance at life.

Alpacas_Are_Life
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As punishment, animal abusers should have the same thing done to them that they did to animals.

Tom jenner
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I pray they caught the person who did this and showed them some real street justice. That absolutely turns my stomach that someone could be that cruel. That barbaric to an animal.. just a sick piece of c**p

Daya Meyer
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let me please do this happyily to that creature who hurt this precious soul. And yes, of course she can have a hug. And everything else. Isn't this amazing about dogs? They can be hurt, tortured and left behind by a human, but they are able to trust again if you treat them decent and have patience.

Ann M Clinkscales
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

OMGosh! How do they do it? I know it takes love, but how do they just find the way to trust stupid/cruelnhumans after that?! Maggie, you are my hero! You are a beautiful baby! ❤️ 💙 💜 💖 💗 💘 🐾 🐾 🏅 😔

Abraxas59
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

lots of hugs beautiful girl im so sorry you hd to go thru all that at the hands of an inhuman congrats on getting better and passing that test xx

Sarcastic Nana
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

God blessed Maggie in surviving & healing 🙏 Karma is going after her abusers 🤞

Marie deHeryng
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Precious precious soul. Nothing and no one can keep her down. Ha to those who tried! Good for you sweet warrior girl!❤❤❤❤❤

Patti Cahoon
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

SOooo great for her bc she feels loved 😍 and needed ❤️

MED71
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

😭....why. Why do I come to this place!? Where's the Tylenol?

Crazy catz
Community Member
Premium
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Goodest bestest most special girl in the world ❤️❤️

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#6

Truthhhhhh 🙌🙌 @dudewithdogsign Is Amazing! #idratherbewithmydog #dog #funny #allthedogs #friday #laugh

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
forgetful, not lazy
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My late husband always laughed at the fact that if we watched a movie and people were hurt, die etc. I would freak out if they hurt the dog. Someone has to care about the animals because most times the people were just stupid.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Today, I'd Rather Be With My Dog sells merchandise for pet owners, as well as for their four-legged best friends. They've got apparel for all pet lovers to express their devotion and love.

What's more, they're all about helping dogs in need. "We donate to different causes weekly, everything from rescues, to canine cancer awareness, or military dogs overseas who need our help," they claim on their website. I think the memes just got way more wholesome!

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Dogs in memes often act crazy and humanlike – and that's one reason people love them so much. We decided to ask an animal behaviorist, Karen Wild, whether our interpretations of dogs being "just like us" are true or just figments of our imagination. She says it's most likely both. "It can be a mixture of accurate behavior observation and inaccurate interpretation," the animal behaviorist says.

#11

Absolutely Incredible 😂 #wedding #love #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm boooored, Mom..wouldn't you rather get some ice cream?

View more commentsArrow down menu

"In other words, memes usually represent a snapshot moment we might recognize, such as an emotion in a dog's face, but they say the reason for that emotion could be something only humans would do or think," Karen Wild explains. "It is very common for people to get it wrong, which is sometimes why dogs end up biting defensively."

#13

Right?!?!?! 🤣🤣 And Clear The Shelters Ends Today! All Profit Is Being Donated To Our Rescue Partners!click The Link In Our Profile To Shop! #dog #dogs #neighbor #neighbors #idratherbewithmydog #holiday #funny #relationship

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
R1MV4Superleggera
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is going to sound ridiculous, but...I have the same problem, I barely know the names of mine, their doggies, on the other hand

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

As much as we'd like to read the behaviors of our dog positively, our interpretations when they're being particularly meme-able can actually be the opposite. "Body signals in dogs can be due to negative emotions as well as positive ones, and often a mixture of these," Wild goes on. "If a dog is racing around, often called 'zoomies,' for example, this can sometimes be a sign of overwhelm rather than happy excitement."

#17

Hahahaha 😆 #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog #funny

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jenna Kay
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Only reason my daughter wants to buy a house is so her dog can have a yard to play in.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

One of Karen's missions is to educate owners to differentiate between playful behaviors and signs of potential behavioral issues. In fact, a dog acting quirky isn't always as cute as we might think. "People need to learn the differences to prevent our lovely dogs [from] becoming stressed, unhappy, and defensive."

ADVERTISEMENT

Karen recommends looking at multiple body parts on a dog to spot signs of distress. And consider context as well. "For example, a 'wagging' tail can be from a highly agitated and upset dog if the tail is held tense, high, and thrashing about. So, you'd look at the situation and the dog's head, body, eye, mouth, and ear movements, too. Dogs are excellent communicators -- we just have to learn their language!"

#22

Haha Yes 😄 Credit Unknown But This Is Perfect! #idratherbewithmydog #dog #dogs #funny #cya

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
GPawesomeness
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have always been wary of people that don't connect with animals, that instinct has almost always been right.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

But do dogs have a sense of humor, too? They seem to delight in stealing our socks, shoes, and other belongings, but do they do it on purpose and with the intent to make us laugh? The animal behaviorist says it's possible dogs might steal your socks for different reasons each time they do it.

"However, they do enjoy their own idea of fun, so maybe they just like socks, or maybe they like the idea of us joining in a game," she admits. "Humans generally don't react when a dog takes their own toy, but when it's something [of theirs], suddenly, it looks to the dog as if 'everyone wants to play.'"

ADVERTISEMENT

If there's one thing Karen would like owners to know, it's that not one dog deserves physical punishment. She says we, as owners, must learn the language of the dog. "I'd like people to stop saying dogs are 'dominant' or 'spiteful' and then punishing them, shouting, and smacking them when it's us humans that have got their language wrong. Dogs are really intelligent creatures. If we really care about dogs, we learn how to communicate gently and safely."

#31

Amazingggggg 🤣🤣 #dog #dogs #funny #idratherbewithmydog #moredogs #smile

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
giku T
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

he is not a pet. he is not just some other guy. he is a family member!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#43

Hahah True #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Zoey Bear
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Same with our kitty. Jumps up and starts meowing in my face at 4am when feeding time isn't until 8am.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
Continue reading with Bored Panda Premium
Unlimited content
Ad-free browsing
Dark mode
#51

Trueeeeeeeee 🤣🤣 #idratherbewithmydog #funny #dogs #dog #yellowlab #yellowlabs #labsofinstagram

instagram Report

#52

Hahaha Yes 😆🐾🐶 #dog #dogs #funny #moredogs #idratherbewithmydog #beautiful #sweet

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Boots
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Ma, why is my dog 8 lbs heavier than when I dropped him off 3 days ago?!"

View more commentsArrow down menu
#54

Hahahaha 😆 And 40% Off Sitewide Ends Soon! Don't Miss Out! #dog #dogs #funny #spouse #idratherbewithmydog #true

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
#55

Hahahahaha 🤣🤣 #dog #dogs #true #funny #idratherbewithmydog

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
R1MV4Superleggera
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup! Same here! And If he could ride a Sportbike..."which one would you like to take?"

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#56

Haha Yesssss 😄 And Don't Miss Bark Of Julyyyyy! Up To 45% Off All Best Sellers! #funny #dog #true #moredogs #idratherbewithmydog

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Boots
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

One exception being my niece, who absolutely REFUSED to look at or have dog pics sent to her shortly after her sweet doggo crossed the rainbow bridge. I still won't send her any memes with huskies even though it's been almost 2 years.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#57

Hahahaha 😆👏🐕 #true #honest #funny #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Abraxas59
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

as a single mother n have been for 14 yrs now that is pure truth right there gimme dogs any day 😂

ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#66

Yuppppppp 🤣🐕 #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog #funny #moredogs

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Jenna Kay
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hubby and I upgraded to a king size bed, the dogs love all the extra room 🤣

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#69

Haha Yessss! And Our Bark Of July Sales Are Going Strong! Click The Link In Our Page To Shop Away! #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog #funny

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
LakotaWolf (she/her)
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I got my dog, I had a metal sign made that I put on the outside of his exercise pen that basically said "DO NOT FEED ME: chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, garlic, gum, xylitol" - basically all the common "human" foods that are toxic to dogs. My mother cannot be trusted - she used to feed my cat c**p like teriyaki chicken, rice, pretzels, and candy. Sigh. I don't leave any of my pets unattended around her because she will just blithely feed them whatever she's cooking even though I've told her many times the stuff that is toxic to dogs and cats.

#70

Yesssssssss 💓💓 #dog #dogs #love #idratherbewithmydog #valentines #valentinesday #truelove

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tabitha
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Before I got married, my gauge for whether to be in a relationship with someone was how my pets responded to them, and how they treated my fuzzy babies. If either was a negative, boy, buh-BYE! My husband passed both tests with flying colors, so my animals and I took a vote, and it was a unanimous YES for him to stay. I have to say, they really called it too, because we’ll be having our 24th anniversary in May.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#71

Wishbone 💓🐾🐶 #idratherbewithmydog #funny #dog #dogs #adorable

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Kalikima
Community Member
Premium
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

But he's just a period actor.. let's see him do something modern and hard edged. He could be a cop, or a lawyer, on Law and Order: SVU.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#72

So Freaken True #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog #bestfriends

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Daya Meyer
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes. The reason is although they don't understand any sentences or routines or mood changes, they are simply there. They listen, they try to make us laughing, they lay with us and rest their heads or butts against us. Are you in the mood for talking? They will listen, head tilting. Wanna go out, enjoying nature? You have a team partner. Just a little bit of chilling on the sofa or on the lawn? They will be at your side. Party? Everytime! And never ever any questions asked.

#74

Every Day 🤣🐶 And Our St. Doggy's Day Sale Ends Tonight! Don't Wait Until The Last Minute To Get Your Orders In! #funny #dog #dogs #moredogs #idratherbewithmydog #true

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tabitha
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

No, this is the dog trying to send the message that they’re NOT coming in! Listen to your animals, they tune into our vibes, and know the good people from the bad. Let them be your litmus test for other people.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#76

Hahahaha Yup #idratherbewithmydog #dog #dogs #funny #bed #sleep #moredogs #pit #pittie

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tabitha
Community Member
3 months ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Doesn’t matter if it’s a 110 lb dog or a 10 lb cat. They ALL expand during the night, and no matter what size bed you have, you always end up sleeping on the last 6 inches from the edge, while the four-legged fuzzy gets to spread out over the rest of the bed top real estate.

#77

Haha So True 🤣 And Check Out Our St. Doggy's Day Gear - It's Right Around The Corner So Don't Wait! #idratherbewithmydog #dog #dogs #funny #mentalhealth #therapy

instagram Report

#78

Hahahaha Yes 😆🐶🐾 #idratherbewithmydog #dog #dogs #funny #relationships

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#80

Every Day 😄😄 And Our Sale Ends Tonight! That's It, Doneso! Click The Link In Our Profile To Shop And Help Support Animal Rescue! #idratherbewithmydog #doghair #funny #dog #dogs #moredogs

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
Tabitha
Community Member
3 months ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Accurate. Just change the hair color to match your dog’s.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#82

Hahahahahaha 🤣🤣 #dog #dogs #funny #moredogs #idratherbewithmydog #smile

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
#85

Hahahaha 😆 #funny #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog #truth #moredogs #allthedogs

instagram Report

#86

Every Time 😂😂 #funny #dog #dogs #idratherbewithmydog

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
#87

Hahaha 😆🐶 Ps - It's Vday Crunch Time! You Need To Get Your Orders In Asap! And Best Of All, Your Purchase Helps Support Animal Rescue! #funny #dog #dogs #kids #idratherbewithmydog #moredogs

instagram Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda