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Anonymous
Hey, /an/. Have you ever heard that a dog, when leaning up against you, is "claiming you?" A buddy of mine said he heard something to that effect from the show Dog Whisperer and I'm wondering whether any of you have heard about such a rumor.

I own a German Shepherd and a Boxer and my Boxer is constantly leaning up against my leg whenever people or other dogs are around, do you think that that might be the case?

Pic related.
>> Anonymous
it probably just means he likes you.

my granddad said this trucker had an english bulldog, and who ever he liked he would sit by and lean on. scared the shit out of a big burly black guy who disliked dogs.
>> tigerfeather !CrwtTbFNxQ
Or, it could be that your dog is just taking reassurance from you because he/she is unsure of the other people or dogs around.
>> Anonymous
I would think more along the lines of protecting its owner.
>> Anonymous
Depends.

My dog never does that, she tends to go up to you for head pats and ear scratches.

My neighbor's doberman however, leans bodily up against you in order to get scratched/rubbed on the opposite side.
>> Anonymous
It is true. The dog is partially showing affection and partially claiming you as his/hers, letting other people and dogs know that you're taken. Happens most often between female dogs/male owners and male dogs/female owners. It's harmless in itself but the mentality that leads to it might not be healthy - dogs tend to be happiest when they see their owner as their leader. Clearly defined leadership is good for a pack animal. They like to know their place, as harsh as that sounds.
>> Anonymous
My dog sits next to people she likes and puts both her paws on their arms when they pet her if she really likes them.
>> Anonymous
I have a dog that does the same thing. We always thought it was because she was tired because she was acting, well, tired. But yes, I've also heard that before...