Why Does My Dog Lie on Me?

There’s nothing quite like the warmth of a pup by your side as you rest—or better yet—right on top of you! But let’s be honest, sometimes when you get a paw to the chin during your pup’s millionth adjustment, you might wind up wondering, “Why does my dog lie on me?” Could this type of snuggling make our bond too strong?

Here are the reasons a dog lies on you and whether this kind of super-close snuggling is a healthy way to bond with your pup.

7 Reasons Your Dog Lies on You

From lap dogs to giant breeds, dogs of all sizes love to plop on top of people. And while the reasons behind this behavior are varied, they all stem from the idea that being next to you is the best resting spot of all.

Here are a few answers to the question: Why does my dog sleep on me?

1. Protection

You provide everything your dog needs in life, from food to access to the outdoors, so it stands to reason that your pup knows you’ll be the watchful eye when she settles in for a nap. But this behavior can be a two-way street in that your pup might also think they’re protecting you.

Some dogs also instinctively lie on their pet parents when the pet parents are experiencing emotional distress. Dogs might do this to comfort the pet parent or want to be comforted because they are distressed by their pet parents’ behavior.

2. Pack Mentality

The drive to “dog pile” has roots in wild behavior: Being close to the rest of the pack ensured comfort and security.

3. Warmth and Comfort

Ever heard the expression “It’s a three-dog night”? It means that on the coldest of nights, you need three dogs to keep you warm.

This idea that pups provide protection from the cold has been around forever, and even though we can regulate the temperature in our homes, we’re still driven to settle in by a snuggly heat source. Our pups benefit from the warmth as well, with some opting to disappear beneath the covers.

4. Attention-Seeking

Sometimes we can’t give our dogs the focus that they need, which can lead to lots of “Hey, remember me?” behavior.

Attention-seeking behaviors, like barking and pawing at you, can be obnoxious, but they can also skew adorable—like their need to be close when you’re trying to work. Some pups are so driven to be close they’ll rest their head on any body part available as you work, from your lap to your feet!  

5. Separation Intolerance

This milder form of separation anxiety results in a dog who wants to always be close to you, but it isn’t as challenging to address as true anxiety. These pups follow their people everywhere, and when they finally settle down for a rest on the couch, the separation-intolerant pup will make sure to be as close to you as possible.

One way to help a dog with separation intolerance is providing interactive dog toys, like puzzle toys, to stimulate their minds.

6. Resource Guarding

Canine guarding behaviors can manifest in dogs who guard treasures, like their food bowl and bones, and less obvious targets like tissues and wrappers. Sometimes, guarding behavior extends to their favorite people.

While it might seem sweet in theory—your dog loves you so much that they want you all to themself!—resource guarding humans can be dangerous. Guarding dogs might drape themselves over their person and snarl, bark, and snap at anyone who gets too close.

To stop resourcing guarding, make a management plan, create a new emotional response, and provide relaxation during feeding time, among other approaches.

7. Love

The most likely reason your dog likes to lie on top of you? Because you’re the center of their world!

Our bond with our furry best friends is based on our mutual affection for one another, and being close is a cross-species way of demonstrating that connection.

Plus, petting dogs releases the love hormone oxytocin for humans and dogs, which means both ends of the leash benefit from a good snuggle.

When it comes to feeling adored, a cozy dog cuddle is right at the top of the list!

Should I Do Anything About This Behavior?

Some pet parents worry that letting a dog lie on them can lead to behavioral problems, but if your dog isn’t exhibiting resource guarding behaviors when other people get close to you, like a hard stare, growling, raised hackles, or snapping, co-sleeping is perfectly fine.

A secondary concern is that letting your dog lie on you can trigger separation anxiety, but it’s an outdated theory. In fact, providing secure attachment to your dog can help prevent separation concerns.

If the potential for interrupted sleep and muddy pawprints on your sheets don’t bother you, it’s perfectly fine to welcome your pup for a sleepover. However, if you’d rather sleep alone, you can try the following steps:

• Provide an alternate nearby sleeping spot. Give your dog a cozy bolster bed that you can move next to your bed—or better yet, invest in more than one bed.

• Be consistent with your sleeping habits. Allowing your dog to sleep beside you every now and then can be confusing for your dog—so if you establish a bed boundary, stick to it.

• Praise appropriate resting. Celebrate when your dog opts to sleep in their bed rather than by your side. You want your dog to know she’s a very good girl when she makes the right decision!