Many dog owners have the same question on their minds. Why does my dog stand on me? If you are one of them, now you will find out. As you already know (or at least should know), there are multiple reasons why this happens. Keep in mind that a dog won’t do this in order to show you that he is an alpha. This was an old theory that was debunked a while ago. They will do this for many other reasons, all of which will be mentioned below.
Main Reasons Why Does My Dog Stand On Me
Your Dog Wants To Cuddle
This is actually the first and most common reason for them all. Your dog needs and wants attention from you, so standing on you is the best way to get it. Dogs want to cuddle when they feel alone, when they are cold, or when they just want attention. If he moves away after some cuddling, this is the reason. Don’t forget that he may do this if he wants to exercise, play, eat, or for some similar reason.
They Know That You Are Not Feeling Great
Dogs can sense a lot of things, and one of them is how you are feeling at the moment. For instance, if your blood pressure is elevated, if you have a fever, or if you just don’t feel great for some other reason, he may stand on you.
Believe it or not, some mothers found out that they were pregnant thanks to a dog. He would stay on them or keep their heads on their bellies. This is more common than you may believe.
Your Pet Doesn’t Feel Well
There is a second part, or better said, a second reason, that is completely opposite to the previous one. Your dog doesn’t feel better. This can happen for countless reasons. Some of the best examples are separation anxiety, cold, fear, or something else.
In a nutshell, your pet doesn’t feel well, and he may be sick. He will stay on top of you and stand there because he seeks help and attention. It is the same thing as when a person is sick and wants to be as close as possible to another human.
It’s Playing Time
It is important to know that not all dogs will bite you for this reason. Dogs who stand on their owners in order to initiate playtime usually want to have a long and hard playing session. For lack of a better word, this may look more like wrestling than actual playing. For some dogs, it is a much better idea to give them a ball than to play with them. They may look too aggressive.
What Should You Do?
This type of behavior may look great and appealing for some owners but not for all. In other terms, it may be annoying and many dog owners will want to eliminate it. If you want the same thing, here is what you can do.
Decrease the time you spend with your dog
This is especially the case if you are dealing with puppies. If they are next to you all the time, you will simply have to decrease that time. In other words, control your affection. It can be used for adult dogs as well. Keep them in a separate room or leave them in the backyard.
The goal is to spend less time with them, and in return, you can expect that your pet will be less likely to want to stand on you. Yes, it can be difficult and even impossible in some cases, but this is something you must do, period.
Redirect him
This is actually the most common way people deal with this issue, and it works well. All you have to do is place a rug next to you on the floor. The next time a dog wants to stand on top of you, stand up and give him the command to lie down on the rug and not on you. Repeat this as many times as possible, and you will see the result soon. Yes, you can use similar commands and situations to this one as long as the main idea is the same.
Find him friends
A socialized dog who spends a lot of time with other dogs is less likely to do this. It is a great idea to find him some friends so they can play or just spend time together. It works better than you think.
Give your dog what he needs (wants)
If your pet does this because he is hungry or because he wants to go outside, you will have to give him exactly that. Monitor the behavior. If he stops doing this once you feed him, this was the cause, and you did the right thing. You will also want to investigate the matter more and see how you can understand your pet better. It is possible that he wants to play with you and not eat. You should be able to tell the difference.
Help him deal with stress
A dog will do this if he is stressed. As such, the best thing you can do is to try and decrease stress in their life. There are a lot of things that can cause stress. For instance, a horn or loud neighbor can do it. You should find a way to keep stress under control. Soon, your dog won’t have the need to stand on you all the time and this can be the easy fix.
Conclusion
Understanding why your dog stands on you can offer valuable insights into your pet’s emotions and needs. While it’s a behavior that varies from one dog to another, it’s often a sign of affection, comfort, or attention-seeking.
However, if this action becomes problematic or you notice a sudden change in behavior, it may be time to consult a professional for advice specific to your dog. We hope this article has answered some of your questions about why your dog stands on you and how you can address this unique form of canine communication.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Why Does My Dog Stand On Me?
Is it a sign of dominance when my dog stands on me?
While it may seem like a dominance display, dogs often stand on their owners for a variety of reasons such as seeking comfort or attention. It’s important to consider the context and other body language cues.
Should I allow my dog to stand on me?
This largely depends on your comfort level and the size of your dog. If you find it endearing and your dog is small, it may not be a problem. However, for larger dogs, this could become a safety issue.
Could standing on me be a sign that my dog is anxious?
It’s possible. Dogs sometimes seek physical contact for comfort and security. If your dog exhibits other signs of anxiety, consult a vet or behaviorist for tailored advice.
Is this behavior common in all breeds?
Not necessarily. While many dogs share similar behavior patterns, breed-specific tendencies do exist. Some breeds are more prone to seek physical closeness than others.
Does age factor into this behavior?
Yes, younger dogs and puppies are often more playful and seek more physical interaction, which can include standing on you. Older dogs may do it for comfort or out of habit.
What should I do if I want to discourage my dog from standing on me?
Training and positive reinforcement are key. Offer treats and rewards for desired behaviors, and gently discourage your dog when it tries to stand on you.
When should I consult a professional?
If your dog’s behavior changes suddenly or if it becomes problematic, it’s wise to consult a veterinarian or a certified animal behaviorist to rule out any potential underlying issues.
This FAQ section aims to cover the most common queries regarding the topic “Why Does My Dog Stand On Me?” For more detailed advice tailored to your dog’s specific needs, consulting a professional is always recommended.
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