Why does my dog sleep on my lap? Dogs are smart social animals that know how to express and communicate to let others know their feelings and needs.
Thus, this action may indicate something waiting for you to explore in this article.
Furthermore, there may be some times when you are not around your puppy to offer him a warm lap for hours of sleep.
My article will also tell you what to do when you want to change the place of curling up. Let’s find out!
Why Does My Dog Sleep On My Lap?
Your dog sleeps on your lap when he needs more attention from you to play or have fun together.
Plus, cuddling in your body provides your puppy with comfort, relaxation, and a secure feeling, encouraging him to do it again and again.
It’s also one of the ways your furry friend shows his love to you and marks you as his territory.
He Wants To Show His Love
Why does my dog lay on my lap? There’s no need to worry about it as the reason may be as simple as he loves you. It’s one of the ways your puppy expresses his love to you.
Different breeds of dogs have different ways of showing affection.
Laying and sleeping on owners’ laps is a common dog behavior, mostly in small dogs such as Chihuahuas, Maltese, Bichon Frises, and Shih Tzu.
Besides expressing love, your canine wants to show his loyalty and readiness to protect you anytime by staying as close to you as they can.
As long as you feel comfortable when your puppy does so, there’s nothing bad with this little physical contact of love.
You Provide Him With Comfort
What does it mean when a dog lays on your lap? Since you’re a pet parent, I bet your lap is one of the most comfortable places for your dog to curl up.
Yes, the reason is that you provide your puppy with comfort. That’s why sometimes my pooch doesn’t sleep unless next to me.
Cuddling on you helps your furry friend relax. It’s also a type of bonding relationship between a pet and its owner.
You can even provide your puppy with more restful sleep by covering him with a thin, soft blanket.
He Feels Secured On Your Lap
Apart from comfort and relaxation, sleeping on your lap might give your pet’s a sense of security. He knows his owner loves him and will protect him to keep him safe.
That’s why cuddling on you just feels great!
In this case, your puppy puts all its trust in you and wants to build a closer physical bond with you for more protection in such a secure spot.
He needs you to help fight back his fear.
Another situation you should be more concerned about is your canine suffering from separation anxiety.
When you’re away, your pet will whimper or cry. Then, when you come back, he will sit on your lap to keep you from leaving.
If you think it’s the case for your puppy, I recommend you consult your vet for more advice.
He Needs Your Attention
As a loyal social animal, dogs always look for human companionship. When you don’t provide them with enough bonding activities, they will ask for it.
Besides licking to ask for attention, your dog will sit or sleep on your lap as another useful method.
What does it mean when your dog sleeps on you? Your puppy may think being on your lap is the closest physical touch between him and you.
By this action, you will notice him and give him a rub on his head.
He Wants To Spread His Scent And Assert Dominance
Dogs have scent glands in many places on their bodies, and with their dominance-related behaviors, they like to spread their scent everywhere, including your body.
It’s a way that your furry friend is telling others, “This person belongs to me.” Or, your canine may consider your lap as his throne, asserting his dominance.
This action will increase when other pets are around or other dogs have come to your house.
If you see your puppy doing this with signs of nervousness, give him more attention, such as padding his head, to calm him down.
He’s Bored And Wants To Have Fun
Another reason for your canine to possess your lap is that he feels bored and wants to have fun.
You also will see many other behaviors, such as whining, licking, and nuzzling to ask you to play.
It’s a good time for some activities like tumbling or light wrestling with your dog to increase the bonding relation between you two.
He’ll be very excited once you play with your pet like he requests. You can even hear your dog breathing heavily through the nose when playing with you.
Because You Let Him Do So
Why does my dog always want to sit on my lap and sleep? The answer can be because you let your pet do so.
Anytime your furry friend wants to sit on you, you agree and give him more physical contact.
Your pet understands that you also like him to be around you like this, and he will continue the action.
There’s nothing wrong with sharing relaxing and quality time with your pet this way. It helps improve your dog’s mentality and offers you a positive feeling as well.
Sitting with your puppy in your lap after a long working day can ease all your fatigue and refresh your mind. That’s why many people prefer to have a dog in the house.
What To Do When Your Dog Sleeps On Your Lap? (Vet Advice)
Should You Keep Letting Your Dog Do So Or Stop Him?
Should I let my dog sleep on me? You may wonder when the action often happens, especially when it’s a sign of anxiety and possession.
In this case, I advise you to find out the underlying cause of the issue before letting your pet do so.
In other cases, if the sitting action is purely a sign of affection and he has no intention to hurt anybody, you can let them continue.
However, if you want to stop this sleeping habit or reduce your dog sitting on you, here is how to do it.
What To Do?
Introduce Other Comfortable Spots To Sit
To stop your puppy from sleeping on your lap, you should find another suitable place for him to snuggle up.
I recommend you choose somewhere with the same house temperature and away from drafts and noise.
You should make the spot as comfortable as possible by providing a soft blanket and a toy for your puppy to interact with.
Your dog should feel secure when laying or sleeping there.
Encourage With Rewards
Encouragement with rewards or positive reinforcement is necessary to make your furry friend get used to sleeping in another place.
Placing your puppy in the designated spot and rewarding them with treats or praise usually will work.
When your little friend climbs on your lap, try not to scold him. Punishment may make him want to do it again.
Instead, show him his new sleeping spot, praise him, and give him a treat.
Plus, you should be patient as your puppy will not be willing to leave your lap and move to another place immediately.
Practice introducing the new spot to your pet several times per day until you see he’s satisfied with staying there.
Direct Him To Different Ways To Bond
Investing in other ways to bond gives your puppy enough bonding time with you, and he does not need to sit on your lap for attention.
One-on-one playtime and exercise can reduce your dog’s unwanted behaviors. Besides, massaging and grooming are also helpful ways to bond.
FAQs
Is It OK To Sleep Next To Your Dog?
Sometimes, snuggling up in bed with your pet at night is said to improve physical and emotional health. And many pet owners also have this habit.
However, medical professionals do not recommend co-sleeping with your pet, especially when you have serious health issues.
Thus, consult your doctor before you want to sleep next to your dog.
Does It Mean My Dog Loves Me Than Other Family Members If They Like To Sit On Me?
It’s maybe yes or maybe no. Puppies like to seek attention from different family members.
However, they can show this action more often towards the one that more frequently has physical contact or gives them the most attention.
Conclusion
Why does my dog sleep on my lap? The reasons for it can vary, including seeking attention, showing love, or finding a comfortable and secure place on your lap.
As long as you have no issue with this habit or the action does not make others get injured, just let your furry friend do that.
However, if you think your puppy is too obsessed about it and you can not leave him otherwise, he will be anxious; then apply my tip above to reduce the frequency of the action.
