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If you are curious why does my dog stand on me, then it could be because he or she is trying to influence you to do something, protecting you from harm, or just looking for some love and attention. It may also be a way for them to feel safe or assert their dominance.
Our adorable furry friends have distinctive quirks that can be difficult to understand at first. Since dogs can’t communicate with us verbally, we must deduce the meaning of their odd actions. When a dog is happy, you’ll notice that he wags his tail. If his tail is tucked in between his legs, he’s either feeling threatened or upset. But the most commonly asked question by dog owners is, why does my dog stand on me.
While you’re relaxing on the sofa or the floor, does your dog insist on standing over you? Do you want to know what drove him? Stop looking here and there, as we have got your back. In this article, we’ll explain why your dog could be standing over you and provide some solutions for getting him to stop doing so.
Why Does My Dog Like To Stand On Me?
There might be a few possible reasons why your dog is standing over you. For example, they want to have something, they are clingy, they want your attention, or you have given them permission to do so. It might also mean that your dog is hungry, that he or she wants to play, that they feel protected by you, or that they adore you.
7 Major Reasons Why Your Dog Stands Over You
There are many possible reasons for your dog to be standing on you, but here are 7 major reasons why your dog might be standing on you:
They Want Attention
Your dog might be standing on you because it craves special attention. This is especially probable if it tends to happen when you aren’t paying close attention to it or if you prefer to focus on it more when it does happen. Rather than rewarding it with attention when it stands on you, it would be helpful to pay close attention to him/her throughout the day through training and exercising.
It’s Playtime
When your dog really wants to play with you, he may even jump up on you. It’s possible that he’s lonely or bored. Just spend some time with him in the fresh air or at home. Check for signs like the fact that he holds a ball or other object while standing on you. Sometimes he will calmly stand on you, then gallop around the house many times. You can clearly see that he is becoming really excited. All of these behaviors are signals that your dog wants to play with you.
Time for a Walk
Sometimes, standing might signal that it’s time to get up and go for a walk, particularly if you follow a routine. Well, it is not a negative thing at all if that is how it relieves itself instead of you releasing it out into the yard to do its business. Once again, it’s a sign that reveals its thoughts. Indeed, there’s no way to deny its existence.
They Want To Cuddle
Smaller dogs are more likely to be cuddlers. These dogs deserve all the attention they can get since they are the most deserving lap dog breeds. Your dog may be trying to cuddle with you if you find yourself thinking, “Why does my dog stand on me?”
A socialized dog always loves the company of people. A dog’s lick is another kind of love, right up there lying on your lap. This indicates that your puppy is comfortable and confident with you. It would be a mistake to try to stop your dog from engaging in this activity, particularly if he or she is one of the pups with a high risk of developing separation anxiety.
They Show Dominant Behavior
The common belief is that dogs do this to show who’s dominant. Recent studies have disproven the alpha-beta theory by showing that wolves share leadership roles. But, if it expresses aggressiveness or seeks to force you to move, this might be the result of bullying behavior. If this is the case, enrolling your dog in a training session will help you teach it how to behave and prevent it from ever having fear.
The Dog Might be Sick
When we don’t feel well, it’s natural to want our families close by, particularly our mothers. Dogs, like human children, tend to cling to their parents during illness. When your dog is sick, he will stand on your lap so you can comfort him. Just a few of the numerous signs that indicate your dog’s illness include Limping, Panting, Excessive Licking, and Shaking. Take your dog to the vet right away if he/she shows any of these symptoms, especially if they are accompanied by an intense need to be in close proximity to you.
They Feel Safer
Dogs are strong and loyal creatures, but even the strongest among them sometimes need the comfort of human companionship to feel secure. Did you hear any strange sounds just before your dog tried to stand on you? Similar to fireworks or a large explosion. Did someone turn off the lights and cause a blackout? Well, in that case, it’s possible that your dog is frightened and that by standing over you, it will feel safer.
How to Help Your Dog Correct the Habit?
Positive reinforcement is indeed an efficient way to teach your dog not to stand on you. You can start training your dog’s behavior so that it no longer associates the undesirable behavior with positive reinforcement. If your dog hasn’t had much formal training, now is an excellent time to start. If this is the case, be sure to go back to the basics and work your way up gradually.
Remember, when you see your dog getting ready to stand on you, you can intentionally redirect it in a different direction. A simple “move” command would show that you don’t really like his or her behavior.
All in all, the best way to deal with a dog that is standing on you is to first figure out why they are doing it. However, if you are worried regarding your dog’s behavior, it is preferable to consult with veterinarians or trained dog specialists.