#10: They’re trying to get something
“This is the best seat ever!”
There’s a reason why your pooch likes to sit in high places like dining chairs. And it’s because sitting there equals eating.
Perhaps when they sit on the dining chair they can always grab a snack from the table.
Or they’re always given pieces of food when they sit there.
Okay, I know another pooch who often did this.
He always sat on the dining chair because he used to steal food from the table.
And one time, he even grabbed a whole roasted chicken by the mouth!
His dog parents, of course, were appalled. So he’s banned from sitting on a chair from then on.
Why does my dog climb on me when I lay down?
There are some physiological explanations for why dogs might climb on you when you’re lying down. When humans lie down, we become more relaxed and our body language signals submission which can be appealing to dogs. Additionally, many dogs enjoy being up high because it’s more fun than being at ground level!
As with most dog behaviors, there may also be an instinctual component at play. Viewpoint was critical for dogs in the wild. Since a large portion of their energies was spent ensuring that they did not become a predators next meal, it was important to have a location from which they could safely view their surroundings and any potential dangers that may be headed their way. Ideally, that vantage point would be situated on higher ground as it allowed the dog to view far further than he could from level or flat ground. It is highly likely that wild dogs sought elevated positions on which to sit or stand as a vital component of their survival strategy. The behavior itself may be deeply rooted in the dogs need for safety and security. The wild dog who lets down his guard could put the entire pack at risk. No dog was prepared to do that. Even though todays modern dogs have no need to fear predators in their homes or beds, the instinct to seek higher ground to prepare against the subterfuge of an unseen enemy is very much still alive in them.
While resource guarding an owner can be a problem for some dogs, it is not typical on the whole. Dogs are very intelligent beings. They know and understand that he who holds the resources, controls the game. Fido is acutely aware that you are the keeper of the food, the toys, the treats…of everything that is wonderful in his life. Hes not interested in the least in usurping your authority. Everything that is good in Fidos life comes from you, and he knows it. And the most important of all of these things to Fido is your time, attention, and love. With these things in mind, we can easily see that there is no power struggle between you and your dog. Your dog wants to be close to you. If he can be close enough to physically touch you, all the better for him. If your dog is trying to climb on the couch, a chair, or even your bed, it is most likely that he is seeking to be near to the most precious thing in his life, you!
Another reason dogs favor “high places” is to avoid situations they would rather not have to deal with. Got a puppy in the house that just wont leave your adult dog alone? Elevated places offer protection for dogs that really would rather be left alone as opposed to losing their tempers with an overeager youngster. This is part of why it is critical to always provide a way of escape for your dog. Whether your dog is trying to avoid an overzealous child, an annoying puppy, or even you, allowing your dog a high place to flee to alleviates any stress he may be feeling. Dogs who have no way out of situations that are difficult for them begin to feel trapped and may react accordingly. Sometimes, dogs choose high places because they are closer to where we are. To our dogs, time spent with us is the most valuable commodity in their lives. If youre up on the couch, thats where Fido wants to be too. Some people mistakenly label this as dominance, but nothing could be further from the truth.
You can hear it now. “Im the king of the castle! And youre a dirty rascal!” Yep, thats the song that Fido gloriously sings as he races to the top of the hill, and you huff and puff on a tear after him. It certainly would seem that if there is a spot to climb or a high up vantage point from which to view the world, thats where Fido wants to be. Is there a reason why he likes to be at the “top of the world?” Canine behavior is most often marked by logic and good sense, so it is highly probable that there is a solid reason for this common action we see in our dogs. If our dogs like to seek higher ground, there is some sort of pay off for them. But just what is it? Through pointed observation of our dogs both at play and at rest, we can gain some vital insights into the motivations behind this behavior. Though at times their actions are confusing to us, seeking the high ground makes perfect sense to our dogs.
There is no doubt that our dogs like the “high life.” If Fidos favorite elevated position is creating problems in your home, follow the simple tips in this article to help him find a more suitable resting place. By understanding your dogs needs, you can help him channel them in a more appropriate fashion. Work together with your dog to help him fulfil his curious nature, and he will thank you for it!
Marijuana – The Effects in You vs Your Dog
I regularly get asked questions from dog guardians that are worried about their dog being dominant (this happens more often than I would like to mention). They are often genuinely concerned because they’ve either heard a T.V. personality or a friend say that if their dog does some behavior that the dog is being dominant and trying to take over the role as “alpha”. Some of these may sound ridiculous, but these are actual concerns that have been brought to my attention. Help! My dog is being dominant by leaning into me and claiming my space! How can I correct that?! If your dog is leaning into you, take it as a compliment. He’s seeking out affection and seeking out attention. He is not trying to dominate you–though he is being a little forward in how he is seeking your attention. It’s also probably a matter of a behavior that has been rewardedhistorically–he’s learned the leaning into you will get ear scratches, butt scratches, and general snuggles. If you have a huge dog and a small body and you don’t like the lean, just don’t reward it and cue him to do something else (like a sit) so you can lavish him with cuddles for something other than leaning. *When leaning, or variations of leaning, could become problematic is if the dog is pushing you away from things more than just leaning in. If you notice that every time you try to sit on the couch your dog blocks your way and pushes you out of the way, it may be more along the lines of resource guarding and not an attention seeking behavior.