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The Clingy Shadow
Whether you’re going to the bathroom, cooking, or doing anything else, your dog always follows you around, never leaving your side. Even when you’re sleeping, they need to be right next to you. This behavior shows that your dog recognizes your leadership, much like how wolves in a pack instinctively follow their leader.
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Loves to Lick Your Face
Your dog will lick your hands or face, especially when you come home after a long day. They might even jump and lick your face or hands excitedly. When you’re feeling down, your dog may also come over to lick your hands or face, offering comfort. This emotional connection indicates that, in your dog’s heart, you come first.
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Protective Behavior
When a stranger approaches, your dog becomes alert and will often stand in front of you, positioning themselves between you and the unfamiliar person. If there’s a strange noise while they’re sleeping, they’ll immediately look to you and then patrol around, growling or barking to check if everything’s safe.
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Separation Anxiety
Some dogs experience anxiety when you leave the house. They might scratch at the door, bark, or follow you everywhere, especially in unfamiliar environments, whining the whole time. This is because they see you as their “dog mom” and are deeply attached and dependent on you.
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Belly-Up, Trust Me
When your dog rolls over and shows you their belly, allowing you to touch it, it’s a clear sign of trust. Some dogs even let you gently squeeze their little paw pads or ears — sensitive areas that show they feel completely safe with you. Dogs only expose their most vulnerable parts to those they trust, although, in rare cases, some may do this in an attempt to please someone who harms them.
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Eye Contact Conversations
When your dog stares at you for a long period and their pupils dilate slightly, it’s a physiological sign of affection in dogs. This type of eye contact builds a strong bond of love and trust between you two.
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Mimicking Your Actions
Have you noticed that when you yawn, your dog yawns too? Or when you run, they try to run in sync with you? Sometimes they even mimic your movements. This behavior shows that your dog has developed a deep emotional connection with you and can empathize with you.
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Scent Marking
When your dog rubs their body against your clothes, your bed, or your pillows, they’re not just being affectionate — they’re marking you with their scent. This is a way for them to claim you as their own, asserting ownership of their “human.”
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Turning to You for Help in Times of Crisis
When your dog is scared or hurt, they’ll immediately seek refuge behind you or try to snuggle into your arms instead of going to someone else. This behavior shows that your dog has established a strong trust in you and looks to you for comfort and security.
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Obedience to Your Commands
Your dog will only respond to your commands, ignoring or being dismissive of others’ instructions. This is a clear sign that your dog has chosen you as their one true leader, especially if they’ve never been formally trained. If your dog listens only to you, it means they’ve decided you’re the only one they trust and will always follow.
