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Ever ask yourself, “Why is this dog sitting on me when there is a comfy spot right next to me?” Is it just funny or could there be some real motivation behind your dog sitting or lying on you? The truth is, some dogs just lay on you for fun, while others have a driving force leading this behavior. Here are five reasons why your dog may sit on you rather than next to you, and tips for when to encourage, and when to discourage, a dog from sitting on your lap.
Some dogs will sit in “your spot” on the sofa or even roll around all over your sofa as a way to spread their scent and show that you belong to them. When they dont feel that is enough, they move to sitting on you. Most dog parents dont think much of this behavior at first, but its important to notice if this behavior is happening in a pattern. If your dog is doing it after another dog has visited your house, or after hes been outside, dog parents may want to give their pup a little more attention. Some extra attention will help your dog feel confident that he is all yours and may prevent unwanted marking inside the house.
Behavior of the Breed
Certain dog breeds are very affectionate and feel a need to be in your space at all times. Great Danes, for example, are considered gentle giants and have been known to favor children. So, it may be perfectly normal for a large dog to try to sit on a tiny lap as a way to bond with and protect his playmate.
When encountering a new dog, you may want to ask yourself if the dog is sitting on me to assert his dominance. If you recently added a new dog to your pack, one of them may sit on you to assert that hes the top dog. By sitting on people, dogs often feel higher and more in control. If you notice your dog barking or growling at other pets while sitting on your lap, it may be a sign that your dog is feeling the need to assert his dominance. If the behavior gets more frequent or aggressive, PetMD suggests it may be time to talk to your veterinarian about ways to deal with the issue. However, for most dogs, its a once-in-a-while occurrence, so theres no need to be worried.
How to Train Your Dog Not to Sit on You
If you don’t mind your dog sitting on you, there’s no problem, but if you don’t like it or have a large dog that you don’t want sitting on top of you, then you might want to discourage the behavior. That’s also true if your dog is using sitting on you as a way to engage in aggressive behaviors toward other people or animals.
Of course, the easiest thing to do when your dog sits on you is to simply stand up every time they try to do that. If you just try to push them off of you, they might see that as playtime behavior, and if they think that, it will just encourage them to keep trying. To avoid that, standing up is better — just stay standing until he gets the idea.
You can also teach your dog to sit on your lap only when you give them permission and invite them to do so. You can start introducing a command word like “up” or “lap.” Say the word, and bring your dog up onto your lap. Then you can reward them with a treat or other form of positive reinforcement.
If your dog is already in a bad habit of sitting on you, you might need to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist to help you get them out of the habit. This is particularly true if they are behaving aggressively toward you or other people or animals. That will involve a little more dog training to resolve.
Your dog sees the bond between you as a strong bond between pack members. Because of that bond, they will engage in a variety of behaviors as a way of communicating with you. Sitting on your lap, on your feet, or on other parts of your body is just one of those communication tools.
Your dog sitting on you may be his way of saying he loves you, he feels safe around you, or that you are his territory. As long as he isn’t acting aggressively towards you, other people, or other animals, and as long as you’re okay with it, this kind of behavior doesn’t present a problem.
On the other hand, if he is acting aggressively or if he is a large dog that simply weighs too much to sit on you comfortably, then it’s time to ask him to find another comfortable spot to rest. A little dog training and positive reinforcement can ensure that both of you are comfortable with where he sits.
Why does my dog sit on my feet? 8 Reasons Why Dog Sit on your Feet Explained
After settling into your comfy chair, you’re ready for a movie night at home. Before you can say “Pass the popcorn,” your dog approaches, sits on your feet, and leans on your legs. This gesture has precedent, too; historically, aristocratic ladies used some small breeds as foot warmers. Plenty of doggie cushions line the floor, so why does your pup use you as a canine couch?