* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.
Dogs are much loved, and sometimes they may behave in ways that people can't understand or capture their intents. Dogs laying on you is one of those acts. Does your dog often lay on top of you? If yes, and you are wondering why your dogs lay on you, the following article will show you some potential causes and tell you what to do when dealing with dogs laying on top of you.
There are a variety of reasons that may result in dogs laying on you, this article only shows 5 common reasons, including canine pack instinct, being affectionate, wanting attention, feeling comfortable, feeling anxious. If you have a clear idea about the reason why your dogs lay on you, it would be easier for you to deal with this situation and know what to do when it happens.
Why Does My Dog Lay on Me?
Following are the 5 common reasons and detailed information about how they cause dogs to lay on their owners.
Canine pack instincts
Canines are the offspring of wolves, which means that they are pack animals and stay with their members for safety and warmth. Dogs are in groups from birth, and groups provide them with the security and comfort they need. Since dogs believe that their owners are already part of the pack in their relationship with them, they will provide themselves with a sense of security and comfort by the act of laying on top of their owners. Laying on their owner's body is also a way for them to protect their loved ones and show that even if the owner is not in real danger.
Feeling comfortable
If it feels more comfortable sleeping on you than on its own bed or couch, it will probably lay on you more often. This is more likely if it rests its head on your body or even falls asleep on you. If so, you can consider picking a more comfortable dog kennel or dog sofa.
Wanting attention
If you haven't given your dog attention or interacted with it for a long time, then it's likely to lay on you as a way to get your attention. There is also the possibility that it is seeking attention out of jealousy when you are interacting with another dog or cat and ignoring it.
Being affectionate
It is possible that the dog is laying on top of you because it is just showing its affection. They want to interact with you, especially after you've been away all day. Laying on top of you is a convenient way for them to express their missing. If you let it lay on top of you, the bond and affection between you will deepen. This is more likely if it lays on you before going to sleep and lets you rub its belly or back. Some dogs are naturally more affectionate, I have listed the top five, you can check if your dog belongs to the 15 most affectionate dog breeds.
- Bulldogs
- Labrador retrievers
- Brussels griffon
- Staffordshire and pit bull terriers
- Newfoundland
Feeling anxious
Another reason your dog is laying on top of you could be negative: they may be under stress and anxiety. Dogs with anxiety usually have some special behaviors. They tend to be grumpy and somewhat violent towards certain people or even other dogs. They will also need a more quiet, comfortable environment, and the owner's attention, etc. to relieve their anxiety.
If you are concerned that your dog is constantly laying on top of you possibly because of anxiety, my advice is to take him to the doctor as soon as possible for professional treatment.
Should I Encourage My Dog to Lay on Me?
If you mind close contact between the dog and you, like cuddling or having him lay on you, you can tell them but please don't walk away indifferently or push them away rudely because it will hurt them. To make them feel loved and at ease, please do it the right way.
If you love your dog and enjoy the time it spends laying on you, why not encourage the behavior? Laying on you can increase the bond between you and brings you closer together.
However, if any of the following situations arise, my advice is not to encourage your dog to remain on top of you.
- Your dog is in a situation of extreme anxiety that can only be relieved by laying on top of you.
- Your dog is aggressive while laying on top of you.
- Your dog is showing signs of illness, such as shortness of breath and a different barking sound than usual.
If any of these things happen, don't panic and ask for help from your veterinarian who can help you solve the problem in a professional way.
3Tips to Stop Dogs from Laying on Top of You
For those of you who have trouble stopping your dog from laying on you, we have three tips.
Positive reinforcement training
To keep the dog from laying on you, training it to lay somewhere else is a viable method. This can be achieved through positive reinforcement training, which means that you can reward your dog when it lays somewhere else.
To make this training more effective, try the following methods.
- Set up the place where you want him to sleep in a comfortable way.
- Reward them every time they lay somewhere else, such as giving them a treat or taking them out to play.
- Repeat every day until your dog realizes.
Avoid encouraging the dog to lay on you
If you reward your dog for laying on top of you, the dog will get the signal that you like him laying on top of you. You need to stop them from laying on top of you, but do it gently, dogs are smart animals and after a few times, they will learn. You can let them stay by your side, on the couch or bed next to you.
Create a comfortable place for it
As mentioned earlier, dogs will get down on you if they feel more comfortable with you. Once it has a more preferred comfortable place, such as a good dog couch and chair, it becomes much easier to stop him from getting on top of you.