6 adorable signs your dog is claiming you as his

Similar to how our own levels of stress, happiness and fulfillment influence our dog’s behavior and well-being, their overall happiness affects us equally, according to research from animal experts.

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

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

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

1. They follow you or wait outside the bathroom

right Kennel Clubyour dog’s tendency to stay close to you, even to the point of annoying you, is probably a sign of their trust in you. They feel safe, protected and loved when you are in their line of sight – which is why they might invade your privacy in the bathroom.

Although it is debated among experts, some also suggest exposing the dogs that follow you signs of a pack mentalitywhere they claimed you as a member, which is why I stay with you.

Happy looking dog waiting outside a bathroom door. Natalie Wheeler | CanvaPro

2. They get jealous when you hug or pet other animals

Dogs that often show signs of jealousy express their anger in a variety of ways, from becoming excessively clingy to pushing other animals away and engaging in attention-seeking behavior such as reaching for litter or squeaking at toys.

A dog that claims you as their own will feel offended or jealous when you share your affection and love with something else. Of course, there is a fine line between healthy jealousy and a dog “guarding” you as an owner, like coach Max Alpert explained.

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

3. They don’t guard their food from you

When dogs guard their food, it often is a sign of fear or stress. They are either worried that you will take their food away, or they remember that they didn’t get the resources like food and water that they needed – so they feel the need to protect it.

Dogs that lack this instinctive guarding behavior or never learned it as puppies often have a level of trust with their owners that is hard to break.

Dog eating from his food bowl lying down. Chendongshan | CanvaPro

They are attached to their owners and see them as the person who provides them with food, supports and provides, rather than a threat that will take their things.

4. I don’t beg for food from you

If a dog has claimed you as their own, they will hold you to a certain level of respect. Although they might test those limits occasionally, swiping a treat off their plate or pulling a little too hard on your morning walkfor the most part, they respect your authority.

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

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

5. They follow your routine

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

Of course, it’s not just the time they eat dinner or go for a walk that’s important to a dog’s routine; despite being essential, it’s also about the mood, routine and vibe of their owner.

If they are used to their owner relaxing with a book before bed, they will feel confused when they are snuggled under the covers and their owner is instead in town or preparing dinner in another area of the house.

They crave routine because it helps them get rid of stress and promotes a sense of security about where their owner will be and how they will feel.

6. They often show your belly and look for pets

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

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

Don’t overthink every behavior or signal from your dogs, but don’t underestimate their power to communicate with you either.

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