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Dogs and humans share a unique bond. They can respond to emotions and body language. They may notice when we’re not feeling well or happy. It’s no wonder then why we can communicate on so many levels. Sometimes, it’s by their expressions. Other times, dogs vocalize what’s on their minds. Standing on you is just another form of communication. While getting your attention is often the primary reason, the motivation varies.
Bear in mind that dogs have limited means to communicate with us. Some may seem odd, such as standing on you. Many ways are more familiar to us because we may share our feelings similarly. Think of some of the words we use to show how someone is speaking, such as barking, growling, and hissing. After all, our brains share some similar structures and functions, although human and canine cognition differ significantly.
Contrary to popular belief, standing on you isn’t necessarily a dominant gesture, as one may expect to see with alpha wolves. Our relationship doesn’t exist on those terms where it needs reinforcement. Even wolves have a much more complex relationship with one another, whereas describing behavior in this way is too simplistic.
The 7 Most Common Reasons Your Dog Likes to Stand On You Are
1. Playtime
One reason your pet may stand on you is to tell you that it’s ready for playtime. Over time, your pup has probably figured out that it’s an excellent way to get your attention. They may even bring along one of their toys to make it evident.
2. Time for a Walk
Other times, standing is a way to let you know that it’s time for a walk, especially if you have a regular schedule. In this case, it’s not a bad thing if it’s how they signal that they needs to go outside instead of you letting them outside. Again, it’s a gesture that makes sure you know what’s on their mind. After all, how can you possibly ignore it?
3. Dog Feeding Time
Perhaps one of the more common reasons is that your pup is hungry and wants you to feed them. Your dog’s stomach is the timekeeper, alerting them—and then you—that it’s time. We think it’s a good thing, too. It’s a quick way to know that your pet has a healthy appetite. We’d be more concerned if they didn’t remind us of the time.
4. Illness
When dogs don’t feel well, some may become more clingy or seek extra closeness from their owners. Changes in attention-seeking behavior can occasionally accompany illness, especially when combined with other signs such as lethargy, appetite changes, vomiting, diarrhea, limping, or vocalization.
5. Your Dog’s Personality
Let’s face it. Some dogs are more clingy than others. It’s just their personality. Contrast that with pups that are more aloof, such as a Chow Chow. It’s also partly influenced by how you raise your pet. If you constantly held them as a puppy, they will likely keep wanting that same closeness, even as an adult.
6. To Be Close to You
A dog may stand on you simply because it wants to be near you. Your touch reinforces the bond you two share. Remember that it’s an essential part of canine communication and social bonding. While they may have a motive, many times, your pup just wants that closeness.
7. Uncontrolled Bad Habit
Sometimes, it’s just an old puppy habit that never went away and stuck with your pup when they became an adult. You probably thought it was cute when they were a puppy. You may have even encouraged it. While that’s all well and good for a Yorkshire Terrier, it isn’t as adorable with your Irish Wolfhound. Dogs are quick to pick up on associations. If you rewarded them when they were young, they’ll likely keep doing it.
Discouraging the Standing Behavior
The key to stopping the behavior is to do it gently. Remember that the reasons behind its standing on you are pretty benign. It’s not trying to be mean or dominant. Instead, it’s acting out its role in your mutual relationship. If your pup starts to make a move toward you, try distracting it by tossing a ball or one of its other toys.
You can also try the age-old method guaranteed to work—treats. If your pup puts a paw on you, coax your pet to go to its bed or just someplace else. Then, give it its reward for doing what you want it to do. It won’t take long before your pet figures out what you want from it.
Final Thoughts: Dogs Standing On You
Dogs have many ways of communicating with their owners. It’s part of what makes having a pet so rewarding. Many of us encourage this behavior. Sometimes, your pup will take the lead and take matters into its own hands.
If you prefer it didn’t, you can train your pet to find other ways of telling you what they want. Just keep in mind that standing on you is one way dogs may try to communicate attention-seeking, closeness, excitement, or other needs.
You might also be interested in:
- Why Does My Dog Lick His Wounds? 4 Reasons for This Behavior
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Featured Image Credit: Budimir Jevtic, Shutterstock
