Why Does My Dog Lay On Top Of Me? #Dogs

If you are searching for why does my dog lay on top of me, I bet you have a real love bug of a dog. Am I right? Our Mini Goldendoodle, Lexie, is a true lap dog. Thankfully at 25 pounds, it isn't that bad, but my wife does constantly have to make her move from the foot of our bed at night because she wants to be right on top of you. In this article, we will discuss why your dog enjoys laying on top of you. I'd like to say a special thank you to Lisa who put this research together in her full-length article, Why Goldendoodles Sleep On Their Backs & Should Dogs Sleep On Your Bed?. I would encourage you to read that article too. Why Does My Dog Lay On Top Of Me? So, Why does my dog lay on top of me? When your dog lays on top of you it is believed that leaning is a sign of affection. Too, it is important to note that dogs are pack animals who from the time of their birth sleep snuggled against their littermates. A puppy’s instinct at birth is to find one another to sleep with for not only warmth but security. You know the saying, “there is security in numbers”, this saying holds true for your dog. Here's the rest of the story... For those pet owners that spend a great deal of time with their pets, when your pet insists on sleeping on you, it is his way of saying “I don’t like to be apart from you, you make me feel safe and comfortable”. Another reason, especially for smaller breeds of dogs with less hair, the body heat you generate makes the bed a more comfortable place to sleep for your furry friend. Some dogs may seek the close comfort of their owner when they are anxious or want them to do something or take them somewhere, but mostly, it is believed that leaning is a sign of affection. Too, it is important to note that dogs are pack animals who from the time of their birth sleep snuggled against their littermates. A puppy’s instinct at birth is to find one another to sleep with for not only warmth but security. You know the saying, “there is security in numbers”, this saying holds true for your dog. When you take your puppy home, the need for this closeness does not vanish, it is probably stronger since they are taken from their mom and littermates. Your puppy is trying to replicate that feeling of warmth and coziness with its new owner. Although some breeds tend to cuddle more than others, a recent survey has found that approximately 50 percent of dog owners allow their dogs to sleep with them in bed, and the dogs don’t mind it at all! Pack animals tend to sleep together, but even in a big cuddle puddle, the best sleeping arrangements are left for the alphas. Other dogs only cuddle with the alpha's with permission, and any dog can be ostracized and forced to sleep alone. This pack habit is one reason your pet would prefer to sleep with you but should only be allowed to do so with your permission. Preferably you will maintain the best position in the bed and the pooch is relegated to the bottom of the bed, but anyone who has slept with a Labrador retriever knows how hard it is to keep your fair share of the mattress.Betsy Gallup - source You can learn more about the pros and cons of letting your dog sleep with you in Lisa's article. Why Does My Dog Lay On Top Of Me?