Why Does My Dog Sit On My Head?

Why Does My Dog Sit On My Head?

Why Does My Dog Sit On My Head? To know the answer, read the full article.

If your dog often times sits on your head or has just started this behavior, you might probably be wondering why he’s doing it and probably looking for the best way to curb this attitude in your dog?

So, why does my dog sleep under the covers? Boredom is the main reason responsible for this behaviorDogs do anything and even go extra length when they are bored. It could also be for warmth that is released from your head. Dogs love warmth and feel safer around it.

Since they exhibit this behavior due to several reasons, it would be ideal to learn what motivates your dog to behave this way

Page Contents

  • Why Does My Dog Sit On My Head?
    • 1. Boredom
    • 2. Wants to be close to you
    • 3. Warmth
    • 4. Seeking Attention
    • 5. Dominance
    • 6. Learned Behavior
  • How can I stop my dog from sleeping under the covers?
  • Don’t Forget About ACTUAL Training

Why Does My Dog Sit On My Head?

Why Does My Dog Sit On My Head?

1. Boredom

Boredom could make a dog do anything. Being intelligent animals that they are, dogs need to be engaged either with mentally or physical activities. In the absence of these, they might look for something to do, and often it’s not something you approve of.

Looking for new and exciting experiences is one of the ways they do to release off their boredom of which is your dog sitting on your head. And you are more likely to experience this situation whenever you’ve left your dog at home all day.

If the reason why your dog sits on your head is boredom, then you may provide him with toys or playthings to occupy them with. Soft, squeaky toys seem to work best as they provide the pseudo-interaction your pooch wants.

2. Wants to be close to you

Dogs have inexplicable affection for their owners and one of the ways they demonstrate this is by being close as possible to you. But at times, this may not be sufficient enough, they just want to be right on top of you. It’s actually a way of your dog connecting with you and letting know that you belong to him by spreading scents through the glands in his feet or rubbing his face against your head.

3. Warmth

The truth is that everyone needs a little bit of warmth every once in a while and dogs are no different. It’s part of their nature to seek warmth even right from when pups are given birth to and the fact is that dogs tend to feel safer when they are warm

It’s possible that your dog may have noticed that your head is actually the part of you that releases most warmth which is just what it requires at that moment. In a situation like this, he is likely going to claw its way up to your head.

4. Seeking Attention

If there is one thing that distinguishes a dog from others, it is the absolute adoration it has for its owners. His life is a continuous search for the best way to please his master and he will not stop until he gets it, even if he has to smash furniture, pee all over the house or bark… and even sit on your head until he gets it.

when a dog sits on its owner, it’s a sign of affection and trust. Dogs are social animals and seek close physical contact with members of their pack, which in a domestic setting includes their human family. Sitting close to or on their owner can be a dog’s way of showing love and trust

He could also aim to sit on your head because he has missed especially if he has not seen you all day coupled with the fact that you may have unintentionally ignored his attempts to say an “hi” by pawing you.

5. Dominance

While this theory has been debunked, it is widely believed by some experts that dogs trying to achieve a “higher” status such as your dog sitting on your head are their ways of acting dominant or trying to achieve dominance.

Whether this could be believed or not, all that should interest you is what reasons prompt your dog to behave this way.

6. Learned Behavior

If you don’t know, your pooch is capable of picking up some new behaviors either by learning it from other dogs or by misinterpreting some of your actions. Dogs unlike humans depend on your body languages and actions as a form of communication rather than vocal form.

Dogs primarily communicate through body language. Actions like sitting on a person can convey a range of emotions or intentions. By observing their dog’s body language in different contexts, owners can get a better sense of what their pet is trying to communicate.

7. Health Issues and Behavior Changes:

If a dog suddenly starts sitting on their owner more frequently or insistently, it might be a sign of pain or discomfort. Dogs often seek comfort from their owners when they’re not feeling well. For instance, a dog with joint pain might find the softness of a lap more comfortable than the hard floor.

 Dogs with a fever or feeling unwell might seek out warmth from their owner’s body. This behavior can be a subtle sign that the dog is trying to regulate its body temperature due to health issues.

Behavioral changes, including clinging behaviors like sitting on their owner, can also indicate psychological distress. Anxiety, stress, or fear can cause a dog to seek the reassurance and presence of their owner more than usual.

 Dogs are intelligent and may realize that certain behaviors, like sitting on their owner, draw more attention. If they are feeling unwell, they might use this behavior to alert their owners to their discomfort or illness.

 In senior dogs, changes in behavior, including increased clinginess or confusion, can be signs of cognitive dysfunction or age-related anxiety..

8. Comfort and Security in Canine Behavior


Dogs, much like humans, seek out physical comfort. Sitting on their owner can be a way for dogs to find the most comfortable spot in their environment. This is particularly true if the alternative is a hard or cold floor.

Feeling of Security: Dogs are pack animals by nature, and being close to their pack members – in this case, their human family – provides them with a sense of security. Sitting on their owner can be a way for dogs to feel protected and safe, especially in new or unfamiliar environments.

Dogs might also sit on their owners to enjoy the warmth. This is common in colder climates or seasons, where the close physical contact helps the dog stay warm.

Physical contact with their owners can be a source of stress relief for dogs. Petting and close contact release oxytocin in both dogs and humans, which is a hormone associated with bonding and stress relief.

In situations that are new or potentially intimidating for dogs (like moving to a new home, meeting new people, or hearing loud noises), they might seek reassurance by sitting on their familiar and trusted owner.

Dogs that have experienced trauma or have anxiety disorders may seek more constant contact with their owner as a way to manage their anxiety. This behavior provides them with a reassuring touchstone in their environment.

For this reason, it is possible you’ve rewarded your dog either by giving him treats or your attention when he sat on your head or so close to your head.

Good thing is learned behavior unlike innate behaviors can be forsaken or stopped by proper training.


Here’s a table comparing different types of dog behaviors, their commonality, possible reasons, and implications for dog owners:

BehaviorCommonalityPossible ReasonsImplications for Owners
Sitting on OwnerCommonAffection, Comfort, Security, Attention Seeking, Health IssuesMonitor for overdependence, ensure comfort, check for health issues
Tail WaggingVery CommonHappiness, Excitement, Greeting, AnxietyPositive sign in most cases, monitor if accompanied by anxious behavior
BarkingVery CommonAlerting, Attention Seeking, Excitement, Fear, BoredomConsider training for excessive barking, understand triggers
Chewing ObjectsCommonTeething in Puppies, Boredom, Anxiety, ExplorationProvide appropriate chew toys, training to prevent destructive behavior
Hiding/WithdrawalLess CommonFear, Anxiety, Illness, TraumaCheck for health issues, provide a safe environment, reduce stressors
Circling Before Lying DownCommonInstinct, Comfort Seeking, Marking TerritoryNormal instinctive behavior, ensure comfortable resting area
Paw LiftingLess CommonCuriosity, Uncertainty, Anticipation, AnxietyObserve context, may require reassurance or attention
Destroying FurnitureCommonBoredom, Anxiety, Lack of Training, Teething in PuppiesAddress underlying causes, provide adequate exercise and stimulation

How can I stop my dog from sleeping under the covers?

In situations when your dog attempts to sit on your only during playtime, there might be no need to discontinue the habit as it might bear no negative consequences.

However, if your dog always requires commands or continuous nudging to avoid him from sleeping on your head, then you might need to do something about this.

Positive reinforcement would be a great way to do this, by offering your dog rewards and treats when he obeys to vacate your head and take him to another location. You can also engage him by taking him for a walk to enjoy that time he craves with you

Don’t Forget About ACTUAL Training

While treats and toys may help to keep your dog busy and stimulate him, they do not replace training. Just like we need to enrich our kiddies, we need to dedicate time to help our dog’s brains develop. It shouldn’t just be entertainment and treats every time!

And training your dog isn’t just about getting them to shake a paw or sit when you ask them to. It should be about making them more intelligent. A more intelligent dog will:

  • be more obedient
  • have better temperament
  • have a stronger bond with you
  • learn new skills faster
  • not have resistance and anxiety problems

So if you’re a new dog parent to a puppy or adult dog, or you’re just wanting to learn some new skills, I recommend embarking in some sort of training. Professional training, however, can be quite expensive and time-consuming.

I really like this training course (opens a new tab). It’s online, it was created and often updated by a professional dog trainer and it really helps you understand how to better stimulate and enrich your puppy’s (or dog’s) life.

Don’t get me wrong, while applying the techniques in this course won’t make your dog a diva under a week, its slow, gradual method will see your dog transforming into a more intelligent dog that can take instructions obediently and help you to understand how you may be able to make changes in your approaches with training and trying to change behaviors.

It’s completely risk-free on your end, and you’ve got nothing to lose with the 60-day moneyback guarantee. I think a lot of dog parents can benefit from it.

FAQ:

Why does my dog lay on my head?

Dogs are pack animals, and in the wild, they seek comfort and security by cuddling together for warmth and protection. Laying on your head may be your dog’s way of bonding with you.

Why does my dog sit on my chest and head?

Your dog may sit on your chest and head as a display of affection and a desire for closeness.

Why does my dog try to stand on my head?

Your dog may attempt to stand on your head as a playful or affectionate behavior. This could be a way for them to seek attention, display dominance in a lighthearted manner, or simply enjoy being close to you.

Why is my dog climbing on my head?

Your dog may climb on your head out of curiosity, playfulness, or a desire for attention. Dogs often express affection and seek closeness through physical contact, and climbing on your head may be their way of engaging with you in a fun and interactive way.

Conclusion     

In the end, the choice is fully yours. Your dog sitting on your head or other parts of your body is almost always a good sign which just helps them display love and affection among other things. If there are times when you need to be alone however, you can let your dog know that. It will probably hurt your pet’s feelings a little but it will be fine.

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