In an interview with Ones To Watch, Dana Foote (vocalist and cowriter for Sir Chloe) stated that the song and its title were about feeling out of your own control; like you are owned. This theme would continue in other works of the album such as Leash and Feel Again.

Dana Foote had a rescue dog as a child that was unpredictable and dangerous to be around. Sometimes, she felt as if the dog was owning her rather than her owning the dog. The title, “I am the Dog” suggests these feelings of being under someone else’s control even though you should have your own power.