Your puppy loves you and sees you as a part of its pack. One way your pup shows this love is by physically claiming you as its own – by laying on you.
There are several reasons why your furry friend might be using you as a personal bed and pillow. It could be that your pup is feeling insecure and wants to be close to you for comfort, or it could simply be because it’s comfortable and enjoys your company.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to understand why your dog lays on you – and how to respond in a way that’s best for both of you.
Here are ten reasons why your puppy might lay on you, along with some tips on what to do!
Why Does My Puppy Lay on Me?
1. Your Puppy Wants to Be Close to You
If your puppy is constantly trying to cuddle up to you, it could be a sign that it’s feeling insecure and wants to be close to its favorite human for comfort.
This is especially common in puppies who have just been separated from their mother and littermates, as they’re still adjusting to their new surroundings and may feel a bit overwhelmed.
If your puppy is seeking comfort by laying on you, the best thing you can do is provide plenty of love and reassurance. As dog parents, we should take some time each day to cuddle with ours pups, and give lots of praise and encouragement when they do something good. With a little patience and love, your puppy will soon start to feel more secure and confident.
2. Your Puppy Is Trying to Show Dominance
In some cases, puppies may lay on their owners as a way of trying to assert dominance and show that they’re in charge.
This is most likely to happen if there are other dogs in the household, as the puppy may be trying to establish its place in the pack hierarchy. It may also happen if the puppy feels that it isn’t getting enough attention from its owner, and is trying to assert itself in order to receive more affection.
If you think your puppy is laying on you out of dominance, the best thing to do is redirect its attention to another activity, such as playing with a toy or going for a walk. Avoid scolding or punishing your pup, as this will only make the problem worse.
3. Your Puppy Is Trying to Get Your attention
In some cases, puppies may lay on their owners as a way of getting their attention. Attention seeking behaviors are most likely to happen if the puppy feels that it isn’t getting enough from its pet parents, and is trying to get some quality time.
If you think your puppy is laying on you for attention, the best thing to do is give it the attention it desires. Take some time each day to play with your pup, and give lots of praise and encouragement when it does something good.
4. Your Puppy Is Just Comfortable
Sometimes, puppies may lay on their owners simply because they’re comfortable and enjoy their company. This is most likely to happen if the puppy feels safe and secure in its environment, and has a strong bond with its owner.
If your puppy is laying on you out of comfort, there’s no need to worry. Just enjoy the cuddles and spend some quality time with your furry friend.
5. Your Puppy is Feeling Anxious or Scared
In some cases, puppies may lay on their owners because they’re feeling anxious or scared. This is most likely to happen if the puppy is in a new or unfamiliar environment, or if there have been recent changes in its life (such as a move to a new home).
If you think your puppy is laying on you because it’s feeling anxious or scared, the best thing to do is provide reassurance and comfort. With a little love, your puppy will soon start to feel more relaxed and comfortable.
6. Your Puppy is Showing You a Sign of Respect
In some cases, puppies may lay on their owners as a sign of respect. This is most likely to happen if the puppy sees its dog owner as a leader or authority figure, and wants to show deference.
7. Laying On Your Lowers Their Blood Pressure
Puppies have lots of energy and are always on the go. So when they lay on you, it could be a way of relaxing and winding down. Laying on their humans also lowers their heart rate and blood pressure. Dog sleep is important and how much your dog sleeps can play a pivot role in their behavior. Lowering their blood pressure is an important requisite to this.
8. They’re Storing up Their Energy
Puppies need a lot of sleep, so if your puppy is laying on you, it could be a sign that it’s getting ready for a nap. Puppies usually sleep for around 18 hours a day, whereas adult dogs sleep around 12-14 hours. So don’t be surprised if your pup seems sleepy or sluggish after a period of activity.
9. They’re Trying to Keep Warm
If your puppy is laying on you, it could be a way of trying to keep warm. Puppies have less fur than adult dogs, so they can get cold easily. Dogs lay on their humans is a way of staying warm and cozy.
10. It’s Just Their Instinct
In some cases, puppies may lay on top of their owners because it’s instinctual. Puppies from certain dog breeds are born with the instinct to cuddle and nuzzle their littermates, and this often extends to their human family members as well.
So there you have it – the key dog laying reasons!
There are several reasons why your puppy may lay on top of you, including insecurity, dominance, attention-seeking, and comfort. If your puppy is laying on you for attention, the best thing to do is give it the attention it desires. Take some time each day to play with your pup, and give lots of praise and encouragement when it does something good. If your puppy is just comfortable, there’s no need to worry – just enjoy the cuddles and spend some quality time with your furry friend.
