Why Dogs Lean on People
The answer is as simple. Dogs lean on people because they want to be close to them. By nature, dogs are social pack animals. Most dogs enjoy physical contact with humans. While smaller dogs can be picked up and cuddled, bigger dogs do what they can to get close. Some dogs are so affectionate it seems they are trying to somehow become a part of you! They lean in with all their weight. Some sit on your feet, sleep with their paws on you, and snuggle up on the couch or bed.
Some sources claim that leaning is a sign of dominance in dogs. However, dog behavior experts have proven that old canine dominance theories are incorrect. Dominance is not a personality trait. Rather it is a relationship between a pair of animals. Its unlikely your dog leans on you to assert any kind of dominance.
Some feel leaning is a way for dogs try to take advantage of their humans. While dogs can figure out how to elicit certain responses in people, they are not manipulative. People show dogs (perhaps inadvertently) specific behaviors result in certain responses. If you give your dog any kind of attention (good or bad) when it leans, it will lean on you whenever it wants attention.
In some cases, leaning can be a sign of fear or insecurity. Dogs cower or hide behind people when they are in fear, but that dog usually exhibits other signs of fear in addition to leaning. Dogs in need of confidence may be fearful or insecure. If you think this is the case with your dog, then its best to ignore the leaning (dont encourage or discourage it). Use training to boost your dogs confidence.
Some Dogs Lean For Dominance — Maybe
Some argue that the reason your dog leans on you or sits on your feet is to invade your territory. They’re showing you who’s boss by being up in your space and establishing dominance.
More and more dog professionals, however, are dispelling this myth.
Unless your dog is very dominant in every aspect of their personality, chances are good that they’re not leaning on you to prove their alpha status.
They Snuggle With Your Dirty Laundry
If you have to check your dog’s bed or crate for missing dirty socks and T-shirts every laundry day, take it for the compliment it is. Your dog knows your smell and finds comfort in it when you’re out of sight. For a dog with separation anxiety, it may be helpful to consciously place a few items of unwashed clothes near him when you leave him home alone.
Dog kisses usually mean exactly what you guess they do—your dog thinks you’re the cat’s meow. Licking is an instinctual canine behavior that soothes and deepens social bonds between mother dogs and their pups, and among littermates. When you become a member of your dog’s pack, he’ll lick your face to strengthen your relationship, whether you’re a fan of dog kisses, or you duck to avoid the slobber.
A fast, full-circle wag that gets your dog’s entire backside involved is a clear sign he’s overjoyed to see you. But other tail wags can indicate hesitation, agitation, or even dog hostility. Depending on the circumstances, slow wags and stiff wags may indicate your dog is feeling anxious or he’s on the offensive.
Why Is My DOG LEANING on Me? ♀️ (4 Reasons)
You’re settling down onto the couch, and your dog saunters over. He leans his ribs against your knees, sighs, and stands there. What does he want? How do you respond?