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.
Dog Piles are Natural and Your Lap is Warm and Cozy
Often a dog wants to sit in your lap to get warm. My two medium-sized dogs love to jump into my lap when I settle into my recliner in the early morning to sip my coffee. Usually, it is a bit chilly, especially in the winter, and they want to warm up and snuggle in. I have noticed that in the summer, they often prefer to lay on the back porch in the sun and are less interested in my lap. I try not to let my feelings get hurt!
It is natural for dogs who are very social, pack animals, to curl up and lay down together to keep each other warm and safe. They are more protected from the elements as well as potential prey animals. Dogs’ bodies put out a lot of heat and having “layers” of dogs on top of you can be as good as several thick blankets. They keep each other warm as well as you.
Your Dog Is Trying to Connect and Be Close to You
When your dog sits in your lap, he is signaling that he wants to connect. What better way than to snuggle up as close as possible to the most important person in his life. Be sure to see my post about Why Dogs Like to Sit in Your Lap for more about this snuggle behavior.
And, we, as dog parents, often love it as well. For me, there is nothing sweeter than sitting back in my recliner with a hot cup of coffee and my two dogs on my lap on a cold morning. We are snuggled up like three bugs in a rug keeping each other warm and safe.
As pack animals, dogs hunt and eat together, rest together, and sleep on top of each other at night. There is safety in numbers and dogs also like to stay socially connected. The best way to stay connected is to gather, huddle, and cuddle together during their normal routines.
When your dog sits in your lap and stays close to you, he is signaling that you are part of his pack. You are very important and he feels safe with you.
Why Dogs Like To Sit On Your Lap? These Are The Reasons
It is a nice sunny morning and you and your pet are off for an eventful day at the park. As usual, you and Fido get into the car and pull out of the driveway. Partway through the trip, Fido decides that the backseat is not the ideal spot for the ride and jumps into the front seat with you.
You don’t complain and instead embrace your furry friend. However, you are distracted by Fido as he gives you affectionate kisses and presses his nose to the driver’s side window. You fail to notice the car in front of you has come to a stop. By the time you do notice, it’s too late. Your car slams into the back of the car in front of you, throwing you and Fido forward. Fido is crushed between you and the steering wheel.
Thankfully, both of you are okay besides a few bruises. But the driver ahead of you is not as lucky. Now, instead of enjoying a nice, sunny day, you are in a nightmare situation complete with a lawsuit that may cost you a pretty penny in damages. What do you do and how could this have been avoided?