[Bring_Back_Shantz]

I think you are all confusing what is meant by self aware.
Certainly dogs and other animals can understand who is in charge, and can understand what they are and aren't allowed to do.

What self aware means (at least in one sense) is that the animals can understand their own existance, which is evident in the mirror test. Sure your dog knows what time you get home from work, but can he understand that the reflection he sees in the mirror is actually him? And what can he do with this knowledge?

I'm not saying I don't agree with you, many animals are very intelligent (not those damn dolphins though, they aren't so smart on land), and many probably do have some level of self awareness, as this article points out. But having personality, showing some intelligence does not equate to self awareness.