Find food that fits your pet’s needs
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.
You Might Be In His Way
It’s also possible that your dog sits on you because, well, you’re in his spot! You might be on a part of the couch he considers to be his dog bed, and if that’s the case, he’s spent a lot of time marking that spot with his scent.
He definitely considers it his territory, and he’s not going to give it up easily. As the ‘pack leader,’ you have to make it clear to your dog that you sit where you want.
It is possible your own dog can come to see you as a subordinate member of the pack, and if that happens, you’ll have all kinds of problems getting him to do what you want. Dog training can help here as you will need to train your dog to find another comfortable spot to sit.
Your dog sitting on your lap can also indicate he’s bored and wants something to do. He’s trying to get your attention and give him some quality time together.
Taking him for a walk or having a little playtime can help to stimulate him so he feels like he’s getting enough of your attention. Remember, he loves you and wants to spend time with you. It’s also good for you to get out and have some fun with your best friend.
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.
Why Is My DOG LEANING on Me? ♀️ (4 Reasons)
How many times have you looked at your pup and thought, “Why does my dog sit on me, even though there’s a perfectly comfortable empty spot on the bed or couch?” It’s not just because they love you (though they definitely do), but there’s actually a practical explanation behind it.