Does your dog have a comfortable bed to sleep on but choose your feet instead? Do you move around the house, and your dog follows you around, only to end up lying on your feet? Is this normal behavior, or should it be a reason for concern? In this article, we will address all of your doubts. There are several factors for why your dog sits on feet, but don’t worry – none of them are a significant cause for concern!
Why Your Dog Sits on Your Feet
1. Expression of love
Dogs are social beings. It means that they like and need to live in a group. They are brilliant and notice the difference between themselves and humans. The communication between spices is entirely different, and your dog will not build a pack with your family. However, they will form a group with you, and there is a chance to understand and accept each other’s needs and behaviors. There will definitely be some feelings between you. If you create a strong bond with your pet, they will want to show you their devotion. Can they show it by sleeping on your feet? Yes, they can!
For example, if you sit on the couch and watch TV, you are actually at rest and in full relaxation. Dogs very often pick up on their parents’ moods, so your pet will probably join you. Wild dogs usually sleep in a group. They often wrap their bodies around each other, keeping warm and protecting them from potential danger. Domesticated dogs still have this need. This is a natural instinct for dogs as they seek comfort and security in the presence of their human family, just as they would with their canine pack in the wild. Dogs are social animals and prefer to be around their human family as much as possible. Your pet gives you love and care, so they may eagerly seek a spot next to or on your body. Occasionally, they find their way to your feet.
2. Resource Guarding
You probably take good care of your dog. You feed them every day, take them for fantastic walks, play with them, teach them obedience, cuddle, and show your love. All of this is extremely valuable to your pup. As a result, you become a resource, something worth guarding in their eyes. Your pet can do this by laying down on your feet in the presence of another pet, animal, or human. By doing so, they are fencing you off from them and protecting you simultaneously. This behavior is alarming if it is accompanied by growling, barking, snapping, marking by urinating on your feet, etc.
3. Seeking Attention
Dogs often lie down on their humans’ feet when they do housework and are on the move. These situations are usually either attention-seeking or a desire to stop the parent from constantly moving.
Additionally, some dogs may lie down on their owner’s feet as a way to bond with them and show their affection, as they feel a deep connection and a sense of love towards their human family. It is important to understand the reason behind your dog’s behavior. If your dog is seeking attention, try to spend more quality time with them during the day. Introducing obedience training into your daily routine, initiating exciting games, and organizing entertaining walks can also help. If your dog is overly attached to you, try giving them a little more space and work on their confidence and self-esteem. Sniffing and mind games, puzzles, obedience, and trick learning are great ways to boost your pup’s confidence.
The second possibility occurs when a person moves very fast, is nervous, or excited. The dog then tries to stop the owner, hoping to calm them down.
Lying down on your feet can also be a form of demanding attention. The dog knows very well that a man preoccupied with their own business will not pay attention to them easily.
Dogs then use behaviors that always work. And what gives 100% certainty that a human will pay attention to them? Behavior that will be a problem for the human – one that cannot be passed by indifferently! Some dogs bark; they pull the owner by the legs or steal some objects. And still, others simply lie down on their owner’s feet, preventing them from moving. Clever, right?
4. Problem with Spending Time Alone
Unfortunately, a prevalent cause of this behavior is the inability of the pet to spend time alone. It results from excessive attachment to the parents and fear of being alone. Dogs in such situations usually follow their humans very closely. They feel a strong need to be with them and hold their attention. A dog with this problem may feel the need for closeness. Therefore, the pet lies down on their parent’s feet.
If your dog has separation anxiety or other issues with spending time alone, there are several things you can do to help them feel more comfortable. These may include gradually increasing the amount of time they spend alone, providing them with toys or puzzles to keep them occupied, or seeking the help of a professional dog trainer or behaviorist. Another effective way to help your dog feel more comfortable when alone is to create a designated space for them, such as a crate or a specific room in the house, where they feel safe and secure. It is also important to establish a routine for your dog, including feeding, playtime, and exercise, to provide them with a sense of structure and predictability.
When You Should Be Concerned
- Focus on the reason that is causing the behavior. If these situations are bothering you, try to take appropriate actions.
- If your dog forces your attention, try not to react to them. However, make sure you spend more time with them during the day. Introduce obedience training into your daily routine, initiate exciting games, and organize entertaining walks.
- If the problem is associated with being too overly attached to you, try giving your dog a little more space. Work on their confidence and self-esteem. Start organizing for them sniffing and mind games and let them solve puzzles independently. Don’t skip obedience and trick learning, either. It is a great way to boost your pup’s confidence.
- If you don’t know how to go about it, take a look in DOGO! You will find there many inspiring ideas, with detailed instructions.
Good luck!
