This dog took the guest room without asking, and the Internet says visitors can sleep on 'doggy bed'

Dogs, by nature, are instinctively territorial and protective of their habitat. Often rooted in anxiety and fear, most dogs try to defend their physical space as well as their resources from other animals and, in certain cases, humans. This profound truth about canines was highlighted when Zoe Miyoko, who goes by @zoemiyoko on TikTok, shared a hilarious video, revealing how her adorable dog, Boots, instantly chose her territory — her 'own room' soon after she moved into a new house in Philadelphia.

"So, my husband and I bought a house recently, and my dog literally thinks we got her a room," Miyoko said, as she shared Boots sleeping peacefully on the guest bedroom's bed. "This isn't yours, I know you are sleeping here, but this isn't your room, actually," the woman spoke again, only to get a deadly stare from her "spoiled" Shiba Inu, who seemed to have no plans to ever vacate that particular room for any visitor. The confusion on Boots' face, when Miyoka mentioned that the room was designated for the guests, and her smoldering look screamed how possessive — or 'territorial' — the dog was about her room. "We love an unbothered queen! Day in the life of a Shiba Inu = sleeping for 20 hours," the dog's owner wrote in the caption.

Although Boots' approach of marking territory was too subtle, dogs in general, as per Research Matters, mark out the boundaries of their territories with urine. We all have seen dogs chasing vehicles, right? But, have you ever wondered what the reason must be behind this? Prof. Anindita Bhadra from the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Kolkata, said, "If dogs are chasing your vehicle, they are doing so because they are smelling the scent mark of other dogs on your vehicle."

The video received an overwhelming response on social media, with people backing the dog. For instance, @gluteusmaximusthecat commented, "The first time you have a guest, she’s going to be like, 'Human, there is someone in my room, and it’s very rude.'" Similarly, another user who goes by @bambers14 on TikTok said, "This looks like her room. I mean, she might share if you have a guest, but probably she will just sleep with the guest." @301.moved. permanently exclaimed, "I don't know, dude. A guest room? Just get a blow-up mattress or a rollaway bed for this imaginary visitor. That room is occupied."

@kim_tull0, who resonated with Miyoka's video, revealed, "My parents gave their dog my brother’s room. We would have to be quiet if she were in there sleeping." On a lighter note, @lindylou87 pointed out, "She is a big girl; big girls need their own room. She can’t be sleeping with her mom and dad forever." Meanwhile, a person who goes by @maria_marika_ on the platform wrote, "That’s her room. The guests had better say thank you and treat her for giving up his room for them. What a cutie!" @happiestdugong asked, "Uh, did you see any guests anywhere? I sure didn't. I see a very tired dog in her own room that you barged in without knocking!"

You can follow Zoe Miyoko (@zoemiyoko) on TikTok for more dog-related content.