The 7 Reasons for the Behavior
One of the most common reasons our dogs love to stand on us is because they want attention. Dogs are social animals. They also become very attached to their humans. When we spend too much time on our laptops or have been out all day, our dogs miss us.
Sometimes your dog will try to engage by sharing a toy or barking. Other times, they take the direct approach of standing right on top of your lap when you sit down. If you’ve ever experienced this, you know it is often accompanied by a direct gaze into your eyes. Your dog is telling you that you’ve done enough other stuff today and it’s time to pay attention to them.
Why do dogs turn around before lying down?
Dogs, unlike humans, do not just plop down in bed when they are tired. They spend lots of time preparing their bed before snuggling in for the night. Sleepy dogs turn around in circles and do kind of a dance before going to sleep. This bedtime ritual is a bit compulsive and sleep evades them until they complete their nightly dance routine.
What To Do If Your Dog Stands On Your Chest
As you determine how you should respond when your dog stands on your chest, it is essential first to understand why they choose to react in that manner. You can either encourage the behavior or divert the behavior, depending on the underlying reason for standing on you. If they are standing on your as a sign of affection and compassion, this behavior may be something that you want to encourage.
Letting them sit on you can support a positive relationship between you two and support their emotional health, especially if you spend several hours of the day away from home and away from them. You can teach your dog to stand on you by pulling its legs up on you. It can also be an effective way for your dog to tell you something that they need. Since they can’t use words to communicate what they need, they may resort to using their body language and standing on you as a way to tell you what they need. Please pay attention to these signs and address their needs when you notice them.
However, suppose your dog is standing on you out of an act of dominance and desire for control. In that case, you may need to consider engaging in some behavioral training to correct that behavior. Their assumptions of power and a need to protect you do not support your overall relationship with them. Instead, they need to learn that you are the one that will take care of them in stressful or uncertain times. They should look to you for protection and direction rather than trying to set it out on their own.
Why Does My Dog… Walk in Circles Before Lying Down?
You’re probably wondering: “Why does my dog stand on my chest, and what does this mean?” Well – here’s what you need to know. Whether you have a dog of your own or you encounter one every once in a while, dogs can have a unique way of showing their affection. Their body language can clue you in on some important things they are thinking and feeling since they can’t use their words to communicate. To communicate with you, they may lick your feet or face. They may pull on their leash that you use to take them out on a walk.
They may snuggle up with you under a blanket. No matter the breed or age, your dog may engage in some entertaining behaviors to let you in on what they are thinking and feeling. Among these many behaviors is when they choose to stand on your chest when you’re lying down. Perhaps you’ve experienced this yourself. You’re lying down either on the floor, the couch, or on your bed, and all of a sudden, your dog approaches you. They put one paw on you and then another. Maybe they stop at just two feet or go all four on you. If they’re small enough, it may not bother you so much. If your dog is more giant, you’re sure to feel the weight of them on you.
It can either be a fun activity or an instance of pain in your stomach or back. If your dog has developed a habit of standing up on your chest, you may wonder what this behavior is all about. You may be curious about why your dog chooses to treat you like this and what they think as they stand up to you. To help you understand this dog behavior, here we share some common reasons why your dog may stand up on your chest. We’ll also explore some helpful steps that you can take to remove this behavior from their habits to improve your relationship overall.