Are you one of those pet owners who keeps wondering: ‘‘Why does my dog stand on me?’’ There are a plethora of reasons for this behavior.
The first thing you need to know is that this behavior is not strange, and it qualifies among common behaviors of all dog breeds. Each puppy has a unique personality and temperament.
We can’t generalize and make a conclusion based on some other experience.
Simply, your dog’s behavior depends on you, and you exclusively. You need to look back and carefully consider your pet’s habits, lifestyle, learned behavior, and the relationship it has with the family.
Now, let’s discuss the possible reasons for this phenomenon!
Why Does My Dog Stand On Me: 10 Potential Reasons
Experienced dog owners always take into consideration their puppies’ body language, eye contact, and the way they act around other people. These are the determinants that can tell a lot, especially when it comes to unusual dog behavior.
Are you asking yourself: ‘‘Why is my dog acting weird all of a sudden?’’ The reasons might be found in a potential disease, a hormonal change, a lack of activity, or in a change in its daily routine.
Behavioral issues are a wide area, and require deep research.
Those pet owners who don’t have enough experience, or can’t quite reach the rationale of a specific dog behavior may want to find some help. There are numerous dog trainers and certified dog behaviorists that could help you detect the problem.
However, the ‘‘Why does my dog stand on me’’ phenomenon doesn’t necessarily have to be bad. There are some bizarre reasons that could be easily detected. Stay tuned!
1. It’s A Call For Playtime
One of the most common reasons for this issue is the dog’s playfulness. Your puppy might be so comfortable with you that it wants to express its deepest affection and love.
If you own a toy dog, such as a Chihuahua or a Mini Cavapoo, there’s a big chance that these pooches will act energetically around you!
This is due to the fact that family dogs that are used to a cozy, family life attach more to owners than those that are being raised outside.
Your dog standing on you is simply a learned behavior in which your pet is trying to get your attention and make you play.
If this habit was a regular part of their early socialization process, then there is a high possibility that your puppy has adopted the habit as some sort of a bond with an owner. This is a sign of affection that you don’t need to worry about.
2. They Want To Cuddle
Cuddling is mostly a trait of small dogs. These pooches are the best lap dog breeds, and they require attention at all times. If you’re asking: ‘‘Why does my dog stand on me?’’, the reason might be the fact that your puppy wants to cuddle.
Any socialized dog likes to be around humans. Aside from laying in your lap, a dog lick is another way of showing affection.
This means your puppy trusts you and feels safe in your presence. Discouraging this kind of behavior would be a big mistake, especially if your pooch is categorized among the puppies that have a high possibility for suffering from separation anxiety.
In most cases, dog lovers find this kind of behavior cute, and don’t see a problem with it.
3. Your Dog Is Clingy
The Smallest dog breeds are usually clingy and want to be in the center of attention. These pooches are favored by people who prefer a calm, family life. Dogs are social animals that can be easily spoiled.
‘‘Why does my dog sleep on me’’ is an explanation that has a positive correlation with the fact that they get their own way easily, or they simply possess the characteristics of a velcro dog.
This means that they will follow you anywhere, and will try to stay as close as possible to you.
Sometimes, this behavior can be overwhelming, especially when you need to leave the house for a couple of hours. Velcro dogs suffer from severe separation anxiety, and consulting a dog behaviorist might be a good solution.
This doesn’t necessarily apply to small breeds exclusively. There are numerous large-breed puppies that develop clingy behavior, and won’t leave you alone for a second!
4. They Show Dominant Behavior
Unlike small, fluffy dog breeds, we have dogs that want to assert their dominance by standing on you. These are the types of dogs that sometimes enjoy rough dog play. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a bad thing as this is part of their nature.
However, there might be times when their sign of dominance has negative implications. For instance, dominant dog breeds want to make an occasional statement that they are the pack leader among their pack members.
This act of dominance can be followed by aggression, especially if you happen to be an inexperienced dog owner.
What you need to know is that any dominant dog breed requires obedience training, during which you need to stand your ground as the pack leader.
This way, you develop authority, which is necessary in the long run. Dominant dogs always follow their leader, and any sign of weakness may potentially result in disobedience.
Dog training in the case of aggressive dog breeds has to be implemented slowly, and it requires a lot of commitment. You need to be consistent, constant, and firm.
This, however, doesn’t mean that you need to assert aggressive behavior yourself. On the contrary, you need to implement a lot of positive reinforcement, and make the perfect balance between confidence and tenderness.
5. Anxiety
Does your dog show insecurity and snuggles its way into your lap? Or, do they just want to stand on you? The reason for that might be anxiety. Dogs are social animals that express a plethora of emotions.
Just like humans, dogs can suffer from anxiety, too. If you see your pooch sticking its tongue out, breathing heavily, or hiding under the bed, there’s a high possibility that it is suffering from severe anxiety.
The reason might be a change of environment, changes in their daily routine, separation, or even loud noises such as thunder.
In these cases, make sure you provide a safe, nurturing environment for your puppy. Take slow steps in the process of recovery as any intrusive behavior can result in a negative outcome.
Positive reinforcement, along with your puppy’s favorite dog food might be a good option.
6. The Dog Might Be Sick
In the state of sickness, your puppy can be more clingy than usual. ‘‘Why does my dog stand on me’’ is explained by the fact that your pet seeks help from you as it is feeling bad. Make sure you always be there for your dog during the illness.
Feeding a sick dog with no appetite can be a real challenge as they often refuse the food and any sort of activity.
Aside from taking your puppy to a vet, it is crucial to provide care at home, and not to disturb it, especially if the puppy suffers from a severe health condition.
There are usually two types of dog behavior during sickness. The first is related to a dog’s clinginess. Some puppies are extremely clingy during sickness as they seek attention and help from their owner.
On the other hand, we have puppies that prefer solitude during hardship. Any intrusive social method may worsen their condition as these pooches don’t want to engage in any sort of social activity.
The best solution is to leave them be, and make sure they are provided with a comfortable environment where they can rest.
7. Asserting Protective Behavior
The statement, “your dog is your best friend,” has been proven right many times. Dogs are human companions that make a lifetime bond with their owner. That’s why they want to protect their humans if they sense upcoming danger.
The ‘‘Why does my dog stand on me’’ phenomenon can be explained by the fact that your puppy wants to protect you from a hostile environment.
This is especially related to the smartest dog breeds in the world that have protective traits, such as German Shepherds.
This has nothing to do with aggression as a dogs’ protective nature isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Many breeders use these traits to design therapy dogs or nanny dogs.
Intelligent dog breeds with family traits have a paternal instinct towards children, and they can be used as excellent nannies.
There are puppies with an excellent sense of space, people, and emotions. They predict things and act accordingly.
In these cases, protective behavior and their unusual habit of standing on you isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and you don’t need to discourage it.
8. They Are Trying To Communicate
You may think that your puppy is acting weird at times, but that’s just their way of communicating.
For instance, many people think that breeds like Huskies are so dramatic due to the fact that they howl, produce high-pitched sounds, run all of a sudden, or stand on their humans.
However, this is common behavior for all dog breeds as they are just trying to communicate and to tell you something. You need to figure out what their body language is telling you. In other words, you need to get to know your puppy!
Dogs have a plethora of emotions that they express in different ways. Some of them might be weird, but some are pretty obvious. If your pooch crawls up in your bed and wants to snuggle, it probably means it seeks love and affection.
On the contrary, if you notice deprecation on your puppy’s face, it could mean that it seeks solitude and wants to be on its own.
9. It’s Feeding Time, Hooman!
Some pooches have a funny way of showing that they are hungry and that it is time to feed them.
This includes your dog standing on you, no matter how much it sounds bizarre! Puppies that develop a strong bond with their owner will feel comfortable enough to annoy them until they get what they want.
Most dogs have their own favorite dog food, which makes them even more excited. The ritual of picking up the food bowl and putting the food in it is always hilarious as dogs may express their excitement in weird ways!
Make sure you always provide quality food to your puppy, no matter what. There are numerous brands available on Amazon and other platforms, but make sure you avoid the worst dog food brands on the market.
Feeding time is a funny ritual, and probably the favorite part of your puppy’s day. Their excitement about food is both cute and heart-melting. However, try to stay focused and don’t spoil your canine too much.
Extra treats and excessive feeding may lead to unwanted repercussions.
10. You’re Cozy!
This is the last, but certainly not the least important reason that explains the mystery of ‘‘Why does my dog stand on me.’’
You’re just too cozy, and your puppy loves standing or lying on you!
This is especially common for small dog breeds that also happen to be spoiled couch potatoes, such as Mini English Bulldogs.
The question is – can you handle the cuteness?
Dogs sometimes have weird ways of showing affection as not all dog breeds are into cuddling. For instance, many large dog breeds love jumping around you or lifting their front legs up on your chest.
Large dogs don’t have a clear vision of how big they might be, and their size doesn’t stop them from acting like a small child.
This is cute in a way, especially if you prefer sassiness in your dog and you are open to creative ways of entertainment.
Socialization is the key for your puppy’s mental health, and you need to appreciate the fact that your puppy loves spending time with you.
How To Stop My Dog From Standing On Me?
You love your puppy, but you also want to avoid your dog standing on you. Sound familiar? There are some ways to prevent your pooch from acting like this. The key is to detect the cause for this unusual behavior, and to act accordingly.
Many dog owners can’t find a rationale for their pets’ behavior. This might be due to lack of experience, and that’s why the involvement of a dog behaviorist is of huge importance.
Experienced and certified dog trainers and dog behaviorists have credibility to help you resolve unwanted problems in your puppy’s behavior.
Make sure you find the most reputable trainers who have enough experience and knowledge on the subject.
AKC (American Kennel Club)–approved dog trainers are always a good option as they have proven to be reliable, knowledgeable, and experts in their field.
There are, however, some things that you can do on your own.
1. Training
Early obedience training, alongside early socialization is the best way to raise your puppy. Usually, dog owners pick up their companions once they turn eight weeks of age.
This is the perfect timing for early obedience training as puppies’ behavioral habits are still untouched.
During puppyhood, you can potty train your puppy, teach basic dog manners, crate train your pet, and implement the basic dos and don’ts.
However, if your puppy has developed the habit of standing on you during puppyhood, then breaking this habit will probably be harder in the latter stages of its life. But, don’t despair – it’s still doable!
Dog training collars are great training tools that can help you train your puppy. Another technique is using positive reinforcement and rewarding your puppy for behaving well.
In the case of dominant dog breeds, you will need to be consistent and firm. Showing that you are the leader of the house will make your puppy obedient and well-behaved.
The important thing is to vocalize your attitude. What does this mean? Use word commands during obedience training.
Disapprove of its negative behavior with a firm ‘‘No!’’, and use positive phrases when your puppy is doing good.
2. Provide A Comfortable Dog Bed
Providing a comfortable dog bed for your puppy may be a great solution that resolves more than one problem.
First, your pet will get used to one place where they can enjoy themselves without any disturbance. Dogs are animals of habit and routine. Once they learn how to use their bed, they won’t sleep anywhere else.
This leads us to another conclusion – you won’t be finding hair trails all over the house anymore. Having a highly-shedding puppy inside a house can be overwhelming, especially if your dog has more than one sleeping spot.
However, make sure you provide the most suitable dog bed for your puppy. During the summer time, cooling dog beds are an excellent solution! On the other hand, provide warm dog beds with a blanket during winter.
Also, make sure the size of the bed suits the size of your puppy. An uncomfortable bed might be the reason why your puppy doesn’t want to use it.
Dogs that have their own special place have a lower tendency of choosing your chest as a sleeping or a standing spot.
3. Be Consistent And Decisive
One of the most important things that you can do is be decisive! This doesn’t necessarily imply a bad, hostile attitude towards your puppy.
Dogs are pack animals by default that crave for a pack leader. In this case, you need to display your leadership skills, and make your puppy understand that you are in charge.
Socializing an aggressive dog might be a real challenge, but it is not impossible. That’s why another important thing you need to do is be consistent. Consistency is crucial in any dog training. It takes time and effort, but it pays off in the long run.
Dogs are pets that act on a routine. Eventually, they will implement the things learned in training, but they need time. This is a two-way street that demands dedication, a lot of positive reinforcement, and big portions of love, too!
FAQs
1. Why Does My Dog Jump On Me?
There are several reasons for that. The first is a dog’s excitement. Dogs show excitement by jumping on their owner. This shows affection and love, and it is not necessarily a bad thing.
Puppies develop a strong bond with their owner, and they want to show affection by using physical contact.
Another reason is the fact that they want to communicate. If you ignore your puppy while it is trying to ‘‘tell’’ you something, then there is a high possibility that it will use jumping to get your attention.
Some low-energy, medium-sized dogs don’t have this tendency. They prefer being silent, with minimum interaction.
In these cases, it is much harder to predict the possible needs of your puppy, so if your dog jumps, runs, or barks towards you – be happy!
2. Why Does My Dog Stand On Me And Lick My Face?
Aside from standing on you, another way of showing affection is licking. A dog licks your face when it wants to express its deepest love. Puppies simply want to show that they care about you, and this is their way of doing it.
Another possible reason might be that your puppy wants to wake you up. If you’re sleeping, and all of a sudden, you feel a puppy standing on you and licking your face, this is a sign that they want you to wake up!
They are probably feeling bored, or they are seeking attention. This habit is mostly emphasized in spoiled pets.
There are two other reasons for this phenomenon. The first is that your puppy wants to show gratitude. This is also expressed in your dog licking your hands.
The second is related to a dog’s paternal instincts, and relates mostly to female pooches. Licking is their way of nurturing, and it is in no way a bad thing.
Conclusion
‘‘Why does my dog stand on me’’ is a common phenomenon in all dog breeds. It does not necessarily represent a bad behavior or attitude. Sometimes, it can just be a way of communicating or an expression of deep love and affection.
However, some dogs want to assert their dominance by standing on their owner, and this attitude needs to be treated within obedience training.
The recommendation for inexperienced dog owners is to use the assistance of dog behaviorists and certified dog trainers.
Read more: Why Do Dogs Lick Other Dogs’ Ears: Here Are The Answers!