Why does my dog lay on me? Reasons why your dog loves snuggling

Updated 20/12/24

‘Why does my dog lay on me?’ - excellent question! Is it because your dog loves snuggling, or are they trying to tell you something else? We dive nose-first into the world of the dog brain to understand the reasons why dogs like laying on you and if it’s normal.

Key takeaways

• Dogs love snuggling - whether it be to feel secure, offer comfort, or to show dominance, it’s all a normal part of a pup’s behavior.
• Allowing your dog to lay on top of you can have added benefits like lowering your blood pressure, providing warmth, and general company.
• Laying on you should not be encouraged if they are doing it because of separation anxiety or to assert themselves - you’ll need to talk to your vet or a qualified behaviorist about how best to handle these issues.

Reasons why your dog loves snuggling

They’re seeking a sense of security or protection

As their pet parent, you are also their pack leader, therefore you provide their biggest sense of security just by being with them. Aw! Dogs will sometimes lay on their owners if they’re having a bad day, something new has happened that has caused them to feel some  anxiety, or they simply need to feel safe. Being in your personal space could be just what they need at that moment.

Separation anxiety

A slightly more serious, long-term problem can be when a dog begins to suffer from anxiety when they’re not with you: AKA separation anxiety. This issue has increased dramatically since the 2020 pandemic, with more pups lacking the early socialization and healthy owner separation that’s needed when they arrive in a new home and as they grow up. Being as close to their owners as possible is both a sign of separation anxiety and a way of coping. It can lead to various other behavior issues, and if you are concerned about your dog having separation anxiety, always discuss it with your vet and a qualified behaviorist.

They’re showing affection

A dog laying down on you doesn’t necessarily mean there’s a problem, quite the opposite! Just as licks can be interpreted as kisses, lying across you or perching on your lap simply means they’re showing affection through their version of a hug. Doggos are emotionally sensitive animals who need plenty of human attention to stay happy.

Asserting dominance

Think of it as resource guarding - you are one of their most precious commodities, and they don’t want anything else to harm to steal, so what better way to protect you than draping themselves over you? While they may not be trying to show you up in the pecking order, they might be trying to tell another pet or person that you are theirs: They’re asserting dominance in the room. When happening occasionally, this can be quite a normal behavior, but if it’s happening all the time, this type of dominant behavior can be problematic and you should speak to your vet or a qualified behaviorist.

Spreading their scent

Similar to asserting dominance, pups want to make sure you are marked as one of their pack, so you must also smell like them too, duh! If your dog feels threatened by an unfamiliar smell (like if you’ve been petting another dog), they may resort to lying on you to help rub away the strange scent.

Attention seeking

This can be interpreted as a sign of affection, but it can mean they want something from you apart from a hug. If they’re hungry, need the bathroom, or want to go outside, some doggos will make sure to grab your attention in the best way possible: Squashing you.

Some dogs were just born to snuggle

If your dog loves snuggling it could simply be in their DNA! Great Danes, Whippets, Retrievers, Bernese Moutain Dogs, Dachshunds, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are a few breeds of dogs known for being very affectionate, needy dogs, AKA velcro dogs. If you’re someone who would rather have a more independent pupper at home, look for a breed like a Husky, Chow Chow, or Scottish Terrier who prefers to live life as a lone wolf.

Are there benefits to my dog lying down on me?

Having a furry friend lie on you can be incredibly comforting! If your dog loves snuggling, not only are they providing companionship, but they’re also helping to lower your blood pressure, reduce anxiety and depression, and assist with taking time out to chill.

If your dog sleeps in bed with you, this can also provide additional warmth and security. In return, doggos receive the same benefits from cuddling with us. It’s a win-win!

When should I stop my dog from lying to me?

While a clingy dog can be cute and comforting, it can also be a sign that something is not right. If this behavior is out of character for a pup, or they’re very insistent about staying put on you all the time, it could mean they’re not feeling well or they’re suffering from separation anxiety or other behavioral issues. These issues should be brought to your vet’s attention, just as any behavior change should, as they can be problematic, but can be resolved with the right training.

If you think your pup could suffer from anxiety, a new training schedule may need to be put in place to help them cope with being alone. This can include using methods to deter them from climbing on top of you and conditioning them to spend more time without you. Your vet may also refer you to a behaviorist, or recommend a relaxing supplement or calming plug-in scent to relieve stress and day-to-day clinginess.

Meet our veterinary expert, Holly

This article has been checked by veterinarian Holly Anne Hills BVM BVS BVMedSci. After graduating from the University of Nottingham, Holly spent two years working as a farm animal vet. She then spent some time traveling and volunteering in India, working at neutering clinics and with injured street dogs. Holly now works in small animal practice, and balances this with writing, volunteering with the comms team at Vet Sustain, and she is also a marine mammal medic!

If your pup needs a snuggle buddy when you’re next away, find the perfect pet sitter near you to provide round-the-clock care and cuddles for your furry friend. Or, if you’re keen to connect with other canine carers and lovers, head to our Community Forum to share the love and bark about all things dog.