In the same way that our own stress levels, happiness and fulfillment impact our dog’s behavior and well-being, their overall happiness impacts us too, according to animal expert search.

When they feel joy in our presence without fear or anxiety, they begin to accept us as their family and owner. With a healthy balance of mutual respect and attention, your dog “claims” you as his own.

If you’re wondering if your relationship with your pup has reached that level of ownership, these six signs are an adorably clear indication.

Here are 6 adorable signs your dog is claiming you as his:

1. They follow you everywhere or wait outside the bathroom

According to the Kennel ClubYour dog’s tendency to stay by your side, even to the point of annoying you, is probably a sign of his trust in you. They feel safe, protected and loved when you are in their line of sight. This is why they can also invade your privacy in the bathroom.

While this is up for debate among experts, some also suggest that dogs following you expose signs of a pack mentalitywhere they claimed you as a member, that’s why they stay by your side.

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2. They are jealous when you cuddle or pet other animals

Dogs Often Showing Signs of Jealousy express dissatisfaction in a variety of ways, from becoming overly clingy to pushing other animals away and engaging in attention-seeking behavior like going to the trash or squeaking their toys.

A dog who claims you will feel offended or jealous when you share your affection and love with something else. Of course, there is a strong difference between healthy jealousy and a dog “resource” that protects you as an owner, such as coach Max Alpert explain.

If they become aggressive, make sure you stop reinforcing their behavior.

3. They don’t hide their food from you

When dogs guard their food, it is often a sign of fear or stress. They either fear that you will take away their food, or they remember not getting the resources they needed, like food and water, and so they feel obligated to protect it.

Dogs who do not have this instinctive guarding behavior or who never learned it as puppies often have a level of trust with their owners difficult to break.

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They are bonded to their owners and view them as the person who gives them food, supports them, and provides them, rather than as a threat who will take things away from them.

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4. They don’t ask you for food

If a dog has claimed you as his own, he will hold you to a certain level of respect. Although they may test these limits from time to time, by slipping a treat onto your plate or pulling a little too hard during your morning walkfor the most part, they respect your authority.

Many dogs who have claimed their owners do not ask them for food. They consider their owner as the person who feeds them but knows how to respect their limits when it comes to their own.

Especially with a consistent routine, they know they are going to be fed – they don’t feel the need to beg for food and risk being scolded by someone they love and trust.

5. They follow your routine

Routines for your dog are essential, especially for building bond and trust with your pets. When they follow your routine, knowing that you’re going to show up for them every day, not only do they respect you, but they feel less stressed, anxious, and paranoid.

Of course, it’s not just the time they eat dinner or go for walks that is important in a dog’s routine; although it is essential, it is also about the mood, routine and ambiance of their owner.

If they are used to their owner relaxing with a book before bed, they will feel confused when they snuggle under the covers and their owner is instead out on the town or cooking dinner in another part of the city. House.

They crave routine because it helps them de-stress and promotes a feeling of security about where their owner will be and how they will feel.

6. They often show you their bellies and look for pets

There is almost nothing cuter than a dog with its belly exposed ready for a good scratch. What many owners forget however is that this position is a sign of complete confidence because your dog is showing vulnerability.

As many dog ​​owners and experts agree, if your dog wants pets or attention from you, it will be difficult to ignore.

Don’t overthink every behavior or signal your dog makes, but don’t underestimate his power to communicate with you either.

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Zayda Slabbekoorn is a news and entertainment editor at YourTango focusing on health and wellness, social policy and human interest stories.