Why does my dog lay on top of me?

Do you ever have those moments when you lie down flat trying to catch a good rest, then your canine friend comes and lays on top of you? Isn’t it a little weird and unbecoming? I thought so too and sought answers.

So, why does my dog lay on me?

For a simple and straight forward answer; often, when your dog lays on top of you–it’s simply saying “Hey, I feel so safe being around you; I love you, I love being around you, you are a great friend and I’d never want to part ways with you.”

However, on most occasions, there are more reasons as to why your dog would lay on top of you.

You see, being a dog owner comes with various roles. You are not only a parent but also a nutritionist, chauffeur and interestingly, you’re also some sought of furniture that your dog gets to lay on from time to time.

Your dog may lay on your feet, lap and sometimes even on top of you whenever it’s convenient for the dog. But why? You’d ask. The reasons might range from something to do with dog psychology or as simple as finding you to be the coziest and safest cushion available.

While laying on your lap or feet may seem normal–what about on top of you? The reason why your dog may choose any of these spots is more or less the same. However, occasionally, lying on top of you it could have a special meaning or intention.

Causes of the behavior–Reasons why my dog lay on top of me

Anything your dog does that seems a bit strange, mostly has something to do with the pack behavior. This dates back to when dogs lived in the wild; where they lived in groups referred to as packs. These pack instincts are still alive even in modern-day dogs.

With that in mind, whenever your dog starts making demands of you, he or she may be expressing some genetic code that’s naturally inherent. Obviously, your abilities to provide food and open doors make you the pack leader, so if it’s lying on you as it would be lying on another dog, it could be toying around with you or playing dominance. For a dog, lying on you runs deep as a power rank that you’d probably decode.

1. Marking territory

Lying on top of you could also be a sign that your dog is marking you as their own—especially in the vicinity of other dogs which might be posing a threat. Your dog can do this by placing his tail on your body and rubbing its scent on you. If it rubs their scent on you, any other dog you bump into will know you’ve been “claimed” you may not even know you’re claimed. By doing this your dog is simply trying to establish control. Dominant males do this a lot.

2. Sign of love

Your dog may lay on top of you as a sign of affection. It’s somehow an intimate interaction that the pup is trying to initiate with you in an effort to express its love for you. He might do this more so when you’ve had a long day at work and finally get home to lie somewhere on the floor–S/He’s missed you and want’s some of your time and attention and you lying on the floor makes it convenient.

3. For puppies–he or she misses their mum 

If yours is a puppy that recently got separated from its mum, it simply misses the mum and would like you–as the next closest thing to a mum, to fill the gap. It might not be an easy gap to fit but letting it lay on you is the least you can do.

Encourage the behavior–for all the good reasons

If you are comfortable with your dog lying on you, you can encourage the behavior. Just ensure you train him to do this under your own terms. Let them lie on top of you only when you are comfortable and give the command. 

SOLUTIONS

How to discourage the habit?–Here are a myriad of options:

The best place for your dog to lay (besides on top of you) is on a dry, warm and comfortable dog bed. On their own beds, they feel safe, cushioned better than on top of you, warm and entitled to a personal space (privacy).

There are different types of beds for different sizes and breeds of dogs. We have reviewed the 15 best dog beds for different dog sizes and breeds. Just to share a few, here are some amazing beds that your dog would instantly fall in love with and rather spend their time in instead of on top of you:

• Top ten Best dog beds for large dogs
• Best dog beds for arthritic dogs 
• Top 10 best memory foam dog beds
• Best dog beds overall
• Top 15 Best dog beds for small dogs
• Best dog beds for older dogs

To see your options based on dog breeds, head over to our dog bed reviews section and you will find a perfect fit for your dog’s breed.

Conclusion

If you feel your dog is doing this just to gain dominance, you don’t have much to worry about because it’s usually dominance over other dogs not over you. But, if he gets too demanding, put on an iron fist and remind him who’s in charge. Nonetheless, just give your dog all the love and affection you can afford it. 

More helpful resources:

• Where to put dog beds
• Consequences of this behavior 
• Golden doodle 

Before you go….

Does your canine friend have a nice and comfortable place to sleep? If he/she doesn’t, here are some great options to consider. We’ve tried most of these products and assure you that they will give you value for your money.