Why Does My Dog Stand On me? [There Are Reasons Behind it!]

Why Does My Dog Stand On me

Why Does My Dog Stand On me? — Have you ever wondered why your dog stands on you sometimes? Is it a sign of dominance? Just to be rude and annoying? Or could there be something else going on behind the scenes?

In this article, we’re going to take a look at one of the reasons why dogs stand on people, as well as what you can do about it and how to train your dog out of this behavior if you don’t like it!

Table of Contents

They Want Attention

Dogs want attention when they stand on you, and one way they’ll demand it is by using their paws. Of course, a dog can get your attention in other ways—barking, whining, or maybe even licking your face—but standing on you seems to be one guaranteed method that works. Some experts even say they’re doing it so you don’t leave them alone.

If you pay more attention to your dog after he stands on you, then he may learn that standing on people gets him what he wants. If you ignore him after he stands on you, then he may learn that standing doesn’t work for getting his needs met.

They Don’t Want You To Leave

Standing on you might also mean your dog doesn’t want you to leave. This behavior could stem from a time in her life when she was left alone for long periods of time without anyone checking up on her.

For example, if you pet your dog while sitting down and she jumps onto your lap, you probably won’t have any trouble convincing her to hop off once you stand up. She probably didn’t mind being close to you before, but now that she has something else available (your lap), she prefers it over being next to you.

They Love You

Have you ever wondered why your dog stands or sits so often on you? Is it because they love you, and their way of showing it is by sitting and standing all over you, or is there another reason? In our modern times, dogs have been domesticated to such an extent that they act almost exactly like humans in some cases. Even though that might be true in some cases, we need to remember they are still animals with their own behavioral patterns.

Dogs have developed a special bond with us through evolution, but at the same time, each one has its own personality and character traits. The way they interact with us depends on many factors: genetics, environment, upbringing, and even other people around them. Let’s look at some reasons why your dog loves you so much that he wants to be right next to you every minute of every day.

They’re Sick

If your dog likes to jump and rest its paws on you, odds are they’re unwell. Dogs are sensitive to changes in temperature and body position, so if your pet is standing with their paws on you and panting heavily or leaning in for warmth, that’s a good indicator they aren’t feeling their best.

Check with your vet if your pup has been ill or is showing signs of illness—you may have caught it before they worsen. They’re Scared: There’s an old saying that pets don’t sweat; they only perspire through their feet.

While we can safely say dogs don’t perspire (and definitely don’t sweat), what we can tell you is that when they’re scared, stressed out, or anxious about something, in particular, your pup will most likely react by standing up on their hind legs and placing all four paws on whatever object or person is closest to them.

This could be you, another family member, or even a new object in your home. If your dog suddenly starts standing on top of you more often than usual, take note of what’s going on around them and try to figure out why they might be nervous or upset.

For example, if they start doing it while someone else is at home but stop once he leaves, maybe there was some tension between the two.

ALSO READ: Why Does My Dog Like to Eat My Nails?

Something Is Wrong

The signs that something is wrong can vary by breed. For example, some dogs will begin to drool and act lethargic when they’re sick, while others become hyperactive or aggressive. Your pet may also refuse to eat when she’s ill. If you notice your dog acting out of character, take her to see your vet as soon as possible.

Learned Behavior

Believe it or not, your dog may have learned to stand on you out of sheer convenience. It’s probably easier for him to wake you up and get your attention by standing on you than barking. He may also have learned that lying down in his bed causes you to pick him up and carry him out of his crate – another way to get your attention when he wants to play.

Dogs are incredibly smart creatures; they learn quickly what behaviors will bring them rewards (and what behaviors won’t). If you want to discourage your dog from jumping on you, make sure he gets plenty of exercise throughout the day so that he doesn’t need to be carried around. You can also try changing his sleeping location; sometimes, moving his bed can help break bad habits.

They’re Feeling Anxious

Dogs aren’t always trying to be cute when they stand on us or growl at us—many are exhibiting behaviors that are actually rooted in anxiety.

In some cases, a change in their routine can cause an increase in stress, which can lead to excessive sniffing and pacing; in other instances, a traumatic event has caused them to feel anxious about specific actions or situations.

Either way, it’s important for humans to be able to recognize these signs and understand what might be causing them.

Asserting Dominance

Dogs are pack animals, and when your pet stands on you, he is trying to assert dominance. You may also notice that dogs will nudge or lick people’s faces in an attempt to exert authority over them.

Your best bet is to show your pup who’s boss by firmly and gently showing him his place in the household. Pets are known for their emotional intelligence; simply tell them no and remind them who is in charge.

Possible Solutions

There are many reasons why your furry friend may decide to use you as his own personal stairway, so we’ve broken down what each one means.

Remember that some breeds are naturally more independent than others, and some have different reasoning for standing upon you.

Whatever your pup’s excuse may be, be sure to give him lots of love and reassurance; he’s probably feeling insecure or just wants your attention.

In fact, if your dog is still doing it after several weeks, consider taking him to see a vet. Your pet could be in pain or experiencing an injury that needs medical attention. The sooner you get help, the better. If your dog has a short leg, as pugs do, then they may feel less stable when they’re sitting down and will resort to standing on people instead.