There’s nothing quite like waking up in the morning to find your dog sleeping on top of you. It’s a habit that many dog owners are familiar with, but few can explain why their dogs do it.
Some people believe that dogs do this to create a sense of security, while others think it might have something to do with dominance.
In this blog post, we will take a closer look at why dogs sleep on top of their owners and what the benefits might be for both the dog and the owner. There are a number of benefits that can come from a dog sleeping on top of its owner. It can help to create a sense of security for the dog.
Dogs often feel safe and protected when they are close to their owners, and by sleeping on top of them, they can get that extra bit of comfort and security.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Your Dog Wants to Sleep on Top of you
Why your dog wants to sleep on top of you? Sleeping on top of their owners can also help dogs to feel dominant. Alpha wolves and dogs would often sleep on top of their pack to show dominance over them in the wild. By replicating this behavior in domesticated dogs, we can help to reinforce their position in the family hierarchy.
If you gave them enough time, dogs would be very loyal and friendly pets. They show strange Behaviors like dragging their butts, eating paper, and spraying to mark their territory. Sleeping on top of you is also a habit they developed for various reasons.
Here is some reason why dogs like to sleep on top of their owners.
1. It Helps them to Stay Warm
Sleeping on top of their owners can also help dogs to stay warm. Dogs have a high body temperature and often rely on their owners to keep them warm when they sleep. By sleeping on top of their owner, dogs can take advantage of the extra warmth and security provided.
2. The dog is Protective of you
Your dog sleeps on top of you because he is protective of you. He wants to be close to you and show that he is the alpha dog. Also, dogs sleep on top of each other in the wild to stay warm. So, your pup might just be trying to keep you both cozy.
3. Separation Anxiety
The dog also likes to sleep on top of you due to separation anxiety. Dogs that are left alone for long periods often develop anxiety, and one way to deal with this is by sleeping on top of their owner.
This allows the dog to feel closer to its owner and provides them with a sense of security.
The symptoms of separation anxiety can vary, depending on how severe it is and other factors. Dogs with panic disorder may have physical symptoms along with their emotional distress, including:
– Diarrhea
– Vomiting or nausea
– Excessive salivation or drooling
– Panting
– Trembling or shaking
– Hyperactivity or restlessness
– Destruction of household items during panic attacks while left alone. This can include emptying trash cans and knocking over furniture, but is not just limited to these actions. Other destructive behaviors may be seen, including chewing furniture and doors, scratching doors or windows to get back inside, etc.
Whatever the reason, we can all agree that it’s pretty adorable when our dogs want to snuggle up next to us. It’s a sign of affection, and they are showing their love for you.
4. They want attention
If your dog sleeps on top of you when it’s not hot outside, then this could be because he wants to feel close to his favorite person. It also shows that he is comfortable around you and trusts you enough to enjoy the cuddles so, don’t forget to give your pup some extra snuggles tonight.
Here are some common things dogs do to get attention:
– Chew or scratch inappropriately.
– Try to climb on your lap when you don’t want it there.
– Shed fur all over the carpet, furniture and clothes.
– Dig up flower beds with their claws.
5. To Assert their Dominance
Sometimes, a dog lies on top of you because they assert their dominance. Dogs are pack animals, and they mostly live in the wild. An alpha male sleep on top of a pile to protect them. It is like dogs to sleep on top of their owner even after domestication.
6. They might Adore you
If your dog has a habit of sleeping on you, it might be because they adore you. Dogs close to their owners often develop this habit of showing their affection. So next time your dog jumps up on the bed and settles in for a goodnight sleep, enjoy the moment.
7. They Want Something from you
Dogs also sleep on top of you when they want something from you. If you’ve been trying to potty train your dog and he’s not getting the hint, sleeping on top of you might be his way of trying to tell you that he needs to go outside. Whatever the reason, we can all agree that it’s pretty adorable when our dogs want to snuggle up next to us.
8. They Show Affection
Your dog sleeps on top of you as a sign of affection. They are showing their love for you. When your pup climbs on top of you, it might be because he wants something from you (like attention or treats). Some dogs sleep on top of their owners to feel closer to them.
9. Protective Out of Jealousy
Why your dog wants to sleep on top of you? Maybe you have a new pet who’s spending all of their time with you. This could cause them to be jealous and assert dominance over the “intruder.” To Claim you in this jealousy, they try to cuddle and lay on top of you.
What to do When my Dog Lays on top of me?
If you want to get your dog to stop laying on top of you, here are some options that you have.
1. Be Firm with Them
Be firm with your dog when you try to lay on top of yourself. Tell them to get off and use a stern voice. If they do not respond, push their chest down with both hands until they get up or grab them by the scruff of their neck and pull upwards.
2. Make them Feel Safe
If your dog is sleeping on top of you to show dominance, then you will need to be the alpha dog in your pack. This means that you need to be in control and make all of the decisions for your family.
3. Listen to them
If your dog is trying to tell you something (like he needs to go outside), then make sure he knows that you understand. Try to find out the reason behind this behavior.
4. Positive Reinforcement Training
Another option would be to train your dog is to lay somewhere else using positive reinforcement training. Try to teach them some new tricks. When they are good at it, reward them with treats or praise. Make sure that the reason for your dog sleeping on top of you is not due to separation anxiety. He may need medication and professional help from a veterinarian or canine behaviourist.
5. Provide them with Cozy Space
Give your dog a comfortable space to lay and sit on. This can be a designated spot on the couch or in their bed. Whatever the reason, we can all agree that it’s pretty adorable when our dogs want to snuggle up next to us. Dog’s owner often talks about the habit where their dogs have developed the habit of sleeping on top of them.
How to Help Your Pup Get the Best Sleep
Getting enough shut-eye is tough to accomplish when the world is bustling with activity. Chances are, you’re at work overnight while your pup sleeps, and then the other way around during the day.
If this sounds familiar, you probably want to know how to get your pup to sleep better at night, or during the day if they spend an average of 8 hours sleeping, like most dogs do.
Before you try to get your pup to sleep better, it’s important that they get the correct amount of exercise and mental stimulation; otherwise, it can lead to even more problems than just lack of sleep! Here are some tips on how to help your pup get the best sleep possible.
1. Exercise & Mental Stimulation
Similar to how important it is for us humans to exercise daily, our dogs need the same amount of activity in order to maintain physical health and emotional well-being.
Dogs are pack animals by nature, so they love spending time with their owners, whether it be through playtime or a simple walk around the neighborhood.
If you want to play with your pup when you’re not home, try using a puzzle toy so they can work on getting treats out. This way, the only time they get rewarded is when you actually show up!
2. Adjust Your Sleep Schedule
If your pup wakes up at 7 AM sharp every morning while it’s still dark outside and you sleep until 9 AM, try adjusting your schedule so you’re awake before they are. While this isn’t always possible with busy work schedules, it’s important to make sure that your pup gets the correct amount of rest every night- not too much and not too little.
If you’re still struggling to get your pup down for a nap during the day, try relaxing music or a lavender scented spray. These work well at getting any pup to chill out and relax so they can take an afternoon siesta .
3. Comfortable Bedding
If your pup sleeps on the hardwood floor all night, you should consider investing in some comfortable dog bedding , because it’s not just you that needs to get a good night’s sleep! Try getting an orthopedic dog bed so they have somewhere cozy to curl up on without hurting their joints.
4. Crate Training
It may seem cruel at first, but crate training will help your pup learn how to become comfortable in their own space- which is why most dogs prefer to sleep in a den or a small space, just like they would if they were in the wild.
Just make sure that you get them used to it before going away for a weekend trip and leaving your pup all alone with the plastic crate!
5. Comforting Scent
If you’re not home during the day, try spraying your shirt with a little pheromone spray to make it smell like you. Pheromones are the chemicals that animals secrete to communicate with one another, and calming ones can help reduce anxiety in dogs.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does Dog Leave their scent on certain Objects and Person they Claim?
Dogs love to brush up against an object, person, or other pets for various reasons. Being an owner of the dog, you take care of their food, shelter, and socialization.
Dogs leave their scent on things to mark their territory and make everybody cautious to stay away from their favorite person and object. Dogs also show this behavior to show their dominance over their owner or other pets.
2. Should your Dog Sleep with You?
If you want your dog to sleep with you on your bed, then it is completely your choice. Some dog owners get so attached to their pets that they like to sleep and cuddle with them.
If your dog is comfortable and likes to lay on top of you, you can sleep with him. Sleeping with your dog makes you both feel comfortable and safe with each other, which helps in creating a strong bond between you two.
3. How Long Do Dogs Sleep?
Dogs spend sleeping 10 to 18 hours per day on average. However, a large breed dog might be able to get away with sleeping closer to 10 hours, while a smaller breed may need closer to 18.
This also changes as the dog ages. Puppies are able to sleep more than their adult counterparts so they have more energy for playtime. Adult dogs are able to maintain focus on their owners and training for longer periods of time, so their sleeping times are shorter.
4. How to Break the Habit of Dogs Sleeping On Your Head
It’s a dog owner’s worst nightmare: your sweet and innocent pet suddenly becomes the devil incarnate at bedtime. Incessantly barking, destroying furniture, and waking you up to go outside in the middle of the night. Sound familiar?
If so, your guilty pup may have been trying to tell you something… but with a little training, you can fix those problems and get your dog to stop sleeping on your head. Here’s how:
1. Don’t talk to him. When he goes onto the bed, ignore him as much as possible. If you repeatedly give him attention when he jumps up there with you, then that is exactly what he will keep doing because he gets rewarded for it.
2. If he goes up there and you don’t want him to, yell “Off!” or clap your hands together loudly and use a stern voice. Then sit back down as if nothing happened and ignore him again. Do not push him off because that will just make him think it is alright to push you around.
Wrapping Up:
Why your dog wants to sleep on top of you? Dogs show strange Behaviors for many reasons but laying on top of you is their normal habit. When your dog feels comfortable and safe with you, they love to cuddle and lay with you to spend more time with you
