I Got That Dog in Me—And You Should Too
The first time I heard someone say, “I got that dog in me,” I thought they were either talking about a medical emergency or confessing to a really weird diet. Turns out, it’s neither.
It’s an attitude. A mindset. A whole philosophy wrapped up in a meme, a Costco shirt, and a phrase that has taken over the internet faster than your aunt’s questionable Facebook posts.
And I love it.
Because “having that dog in you” is about hustle. It’s about grit. It’s about waking up every morning with the relentless determination of a Golden Retriever who just saw you pick up a tennis ball. It’s about looking life dead in the eye and saying, “You can’t break me. Also, I will be barking.”
What Does It Even Mean?
If you’ve somehow missed this cultural phenomenon, “I got that dog in me” is sports slang turned meme. It basically means you have that unshakable, beast-like determination to win, grind, and never give up. Picture a basketball player refusing to go down without a fight. Picture a football player dragging five defenders across the field like a sled dog. Picture your grandma at a Black Friday sale. That’s having that dog in you.
And now, it’s transcended sports. It’s for anyone who refuses to quit. Job interview? You got that dog in you. Bills piling up? You got that dog in you. Running on three hours of sleep, three shots of espresso, and pure delusion? You got that dog in you.
Why We Love It
- It’s Unapologetic.
No one with “that dog” in them is overthinking or second-guessing. You’re going for it, full send, no hesitation. - It’s Universally Relatable.
Everyone wants to be the main character in their own underdog story. This phrase gives you permission to believe that you are. - It’s Absolutely Hilarious.
I mean, come on. Have you seen the memes? X-rays of cartoon dogs in people’s chests? Michael Jordan’s game-winning shot but edited so he’s part German Shepherd? It’s peak internet humor.
The Costco Shirt That Broke the Internet
For some reason, Costco—a place best known for free samples and accidentally spending $300 on bulk toilet paper—decided to sell an “I Got That Dog In Me” shirt. And it blew up. People weren’t just buying it. They were wearing it to the gym, flexing their inner beast mode, and proudly declaring to the world that they, too, are built different.
Would I wear it? Absolutely. Would I wear it to a job interview? Maybe. Would I wear it to a wedding? That depends—do I like the couple?
How to Develop That Dog Mentality (No Vet Visit Required)
- Work Like You’re Underdrafted.
Every great athlete with that dog in them was overlooked at some point. Tom Brady was a 6th-round pick. Michael Jordan got cut from his high school team. That setback? Use it. Let it fuel you. - Refuse to Be Outworked.
Talent is cool. Hard work is cooler. The person who wants it more will always have the advantage over the one who just assumes they’ll get it. - Be Relentless.
Ever seen a dog chase a squirrel? That’s the energy you need toward your goals. No distractions. No doubts. Just full-speed, foaming-at-the-mouth determination. - Embrace the Chaos.
Life is unpredictable. Sometimes you get a treat. Sometimes you get the vacuum. Either way, keep pushing forward. - Wear the Shirt.
I mean, if Costco is selling it, it must be important.
Final Thoughts: Get That Dog in You
Look, life is tough. But you? You’re tougher. Whatever you’re chasing—success, happiness, that last slice of pizza—you’ve got the drive, the hustle, and the bark to make it happen.
So stand tall. Puff your chest. And next time someone doubts you, just smile and say, “I got that dog in me.”
(And if they don’t get it, well… maybe they’re just a cat person.)
10 External Links for Further Reading
- History of the “I Got That Dog in Me” Meme
- Costco’s Viral “I Got That Dog in Me” Shirt
- Why Sports Culture Loves Dog Mentality
- The Science Behind the Underdog Mentality
- Memes That Defined 2024
- Why Athletes Need That Dog Mentality
- Where to Buy the Best Motivational Shirts
- The Funniest “I Got That Dog in Me” Memes
- How to Build an Unstoppable Mindset
- Why We Love Dogs (and Their Energy)
