Every proud dog parent will tell you that every pup is as unique as a snowflake. They all have distinct characteristics and quirks, including how a dog lays on their owner.
However, some patterns of behavior are common to many dogs, and one of those is the desire to lie on top of their owners and use them as their own personal mattresses.
Sure, most of the time, it’s cute and endearing, but there were definitely times when you wondered about the reasons behind this silly behavior.
The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think, but in this article, we’ll try and get to the bottom of it.
Pack Mentality and Instincts in Pack Animals
Dogs are social animals that thrive in packs. Pack members often sleep huddled together in the wild for warmth, protection, and bonding.
When your pup lies on you, it could be that they’re simply following their ancient instincts. Essentially, they’re recognizing you as part of their pack.
Seeking Comfort and Security Due to Separation Anxiety
Much like humans, dogs are also creatures that like comfort. By lying on you, your pup is seeking out that same security and comfort that they had from their mother when they were a helpless little newborn.
This is very often the case with rescue dogs who have had a lot of trauma in their life and may suffer from separation anxiety. They need shelter and a sense of protection.
Bonding and Affection
Dogs do a lot of things based on their natural instincts, but sometimes, it’s just a case of them wanting a cuddle. Dogs seek physical closeness with their owners to feel connected, emphasizing the emotional bond and comfort this behavior fosters.
Pets love bonding with their humans, and different dogs express it in different ways. If your dog climbs on you as soon as you get settled on the couch, they might just be after a nice bonding session.
Territorial Behavior
One of the biggest hallmarks of dogs is their need to protect their territory. The best examples are, of course, guard dogs who patrol their backyard with a menacing look on their face.
However, territorial behavior can also manifest in dogs being overly protective of their owners, a behavior known as resource guarding. A common symptom of that is lying down on them to physically guard them from danger.
Warmth and Coziness
If you’ve ever noticed your dog seeking out the sunniest spot in the house or curling up next to the heater, it’s because they love warmth — and what better source than your own body heat? They often fall asleep in these cozy spots, finding comfort and security. Especially during fall and winter months, your pet might choose to lie on you simply because you’re a warm and cozy spot.
Might as well give them the TV remote at that point.
Stress Relief
In particularly stressful situations — like fireworks, thunderstorms, or just a change in their routine — your dog might try seeking shelter on your lap to avoid engaging in destructive behaviors.
Your scent and the rhythm of your heartbeat can have a calming effect and help the dog feel safe and stress-free.
Attention-Seeking Behavior
Sometimes, your pup lies on you just because they want attention. If you’ve been busy or distracted, they might plop themselves on you to remind you that they’re there and would like some belly rubs ASAP!
Interestingly, some dog breeds tend to do this more than others, and positive reinforcement can help manage this behavior. Golden retrievers, I’m looking at you!
Protective Instincts
We’ve touched on this in the section that talked about territorial behavior, but there is a certain distinction between being territorial over a place or area and being protective over a person.
It goes without saying that dogs are naturally protective of their loved ones, and this protective behavior often signifies a strong bond. Sometimes, they’ll express this by lying on top of you and keeping watch.
Health Reasons
While most cases of a dog’s lying down on you are harmless and affectionate, there can be instances where this behavior indicates something more.
Sometimes, your pup may lie on you to try to communicate that something is wrong and that they need help. If you find that your dog just starts doing this all of a sudden, it might be worth a trip to the vet.
Actually, this refers not only to the dog’s health but also to the owner’s as well. Dogs have an incredible natural intuition, and they can easily sense when something is out of the ordinary. In fact, dogs have been known to detect illnesses like cancer or low blood sugar in their owners.
Habit and Routine
Dogs are very much creatures of habit. If a dog lays down on you as part of their routine, they are likely to continue doing so. They like structure and routine. If lying down on you has somehow become a part of that routine, then chances are that they’ll keep doing it.
For example, if you always let your dog get on your lap in the evenings when you’re lounging on the couch in front of the TV, they might get used to it and start seeing it as a normal part of their day.
The more they do it, the more it becomes ingrained in them. Of course, it can be trained out of them if you want to, but it will probably take some time.
Benefits of Letting Your Dog Lie Down on You
Letting your dog lie down on you can have numerous benefits for both you and your canine companion. For one, it can strengthen the bond between you and your dog, as physical touch and closeness can release oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone.” This hormone promotes feelings of affection and attachment, which can deepen your relationship with your dog.
Additionally, allowing your dog to lie down on you can provide them with a sense of security and comfort. As pack animals, dogs are naturally inclined to seek closeness with their pack leader, and lying down on you can be a way for them to feel safe and protected.
Furthermore, letting your dog lie down on you can also be beneficial for your mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that simply petting a dog can reduce stress and anxiety levels, and lying down with your dog can amplify this effect.
Common Sleeping Positions
Dogs often have unique sleeping positions that can reveal a lot about their personality and behavior. Some common sleeping positions include:
- The “cuddle bug”: This is when your dog lies down on top of you, often with their head on your chest or shoulder. This position indicates that your dog feels extremely comfortable and secure around you.
- The “snuggle buddy”: This is when your dog lies down next to you, often with their body touching yours. This position suggests that your dog values closeness and physical contact with you.
- The “protective pose”: This is when your dog lies down on the floor next to you, often with their eyes fixed on you. This position indicates that your dog is protective of you and feels a strong sense of responsibility to keep you safe.
By understanding these common sleeping positions, you can gain deeper insights into your dog’s personality and the unique bond you share.
What to Do to Stop Your Dog From Lying on You
While having your dog lie down on you can be comforting and adorable, it might not always be convenient. Here are a few ways to manage the behavior:
- Set boundaries: If you start noticing that your dog is trying to lie down on you, get ahead of it and gently slide them to a different spot.
- Provide alternatives: Speaking of different spots, you might want to make sure your pup has some comfortable alternatives to your lap. Set up blankets, cushions, dog beds, etc.
- Reward good behavior: When your dog chooses the alternative you’ve provided instead of your lap, reward them with a tasty treat and/or some head rubs.
- Be consistent: As we’ve said, dogs are, by their nature, creatures of habit. If you keep at it long enough, eventually, it will become a part of their routine.
- Consider their needs: If your dog seems unusually clingy, it might be a sign they’re feeling insecure or anxious. Try meeting their emotional needs in different ways so that they don’t seek them out by lying on you.
Why Does My Dog Lay On Top of Me? Final Thoughts
When your dog lays on top of you, it’s more than just an endearing habit—it’s a window into their instincts, emotions, and personality. Whether they’re seeking comfort, expressing affection, or showing their protective nature, this behavior highlights the deep bond you share.
While it might occasionally be inconvenient, it’s a reminder of the trust and connection your dog feels with you. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior, you can strengthen your relationship and ensure your pup feels secure, loved, and cared for. After all, in their eyes, you’re the best spot in the house!
