- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Ever caught your dog sitting like a human—their body upright, back legs stretched out in front of them?
This pose features in plenty of viral videos, and many people find it adorable and funny. But what does it mean?
“Any dog can accidentally discover this position,” explains Dr. Elliott Garber, veterinarian and founder of Creatures.com. Some dogs might sit this way simply because it’s comfortable, but they might also do it when they learn it gets a fun response from their people, he adds.
If your dog enjoys sitting this way, it’s usually nothing to worry about. But occasionally, this sitting position can mean something’s wrong—and for some breeds, it could be harmful.
Read on to learn why dogs sit like humans, including when to talk to your vet.
Does This Position Mean Anything?
Dogs who sit a certain way may just find that position comfortable. Your dog’s sitting position often doesn’t have any deeper meaning.
“A dog that consistently sits this way probably prefers the posture,” says Dr. Garber.
Sitting like a human could also be your dog’s way of imitating you, says Michelle Baker, dog behavior specialist and owner of Furkids Dog Daycare & Enrichment Center.
“I believe the core of this behavior is due to dogs’ intelligence, plus their ability to learn and adapt. Dogs love mimicking what they see humans do,” Baker says.
When to ask a vet
If your dog has suddenly started sitting in a human pose when they never used to before, this change could be due to a health concern, like pain or hip or joint problems.
“I’ve seen dogs shift to a ‘human sit’ to ease pressure on arthritic hips or knees,” Dr. Garber says. He advises paying attention to any sudden changes in your dog’s behavior for any signs of pain.
If you notice anything unusual, a vet can offer more guidance.
What Is a Natural Sitting Position for Dogs?
“The most natural position for most dogs is the classic ‘sit’ position you’d teach in training—tail tucked under, back straight, and weight evenly distributed,” Baker explains. She adds that this position supports a dog’s joints and hips in a healthy, balanced way.
Which breeds love to sit like humans?
Baker notes that the positions dogs choose to rest tend to vary between breeds.
“Breeds with shorter legs, like Bulldogs, or large chests, like Staffies, may naturally adopt a more human-like sitting position,” she explains. “Some dogs may also sit this way if they have more flexible spines.”
Dr. Garber adds that he often sees long-legged breeds like Great Danes sit in this position. “Their proportions can make the conventional square sit tricky, so they slouch in a way that looks almost human,” he says.
He adds that while he also sees smaller dogs sitting this way, the pose isn’t always as obvious.
This position needs careful monitoring in breeds known for spinal vulnerabilities, Dr. Garber says. “Dachshunds, for instance, shouldn’t overdo any posture that might stress their backs.”
He recommends pet parents let their Dachshunds sit in a position they find comfortable but avoid prolonged or forced “human sitting.”
Should You Encourage This Behavior?
“For most dogs, whatever way they love to sit or nap is fine,” Dr. Garber says.
If your dog enjoys sitting like a human, Baker suggests making sure they have comfortable surfaces to sit on, like orthopedic beds or mats.
She also recommends encouraging the classic ‘sit’ as part of their training and exercising their hips with joint-strengthening activities like swimming or slow walks.
“But if this is truly your dog’s preferred position and they’re healthy, it’s not something to stress over!” she emphasizes.
Other sitting positions for dogs
If your dog loves sitting like a human, they might also enjoy sitting up on their hind legs.
Baker teaches the ‘sit pretty’ command to strengthen core muscles and promote balance but emphasizes the importance of only using this pose in moderation. “It’s not ideal for dogs with hip, knee, or back issues,” Baker says.
Some dogs may also enjoy sitting on a couch or step with their front legs on the floor or a lower step. There’s no need to worry about this pose, either, unless you also notice changes in your dog’s behavior or signs of pain.
“This position, also known as the ‘perch sit,’ may help dogs feel balanced, give them a lookout vantage point, or just be the most comfortable way to relax on soft furniture,” Baker explains. “Every dog is different, and sitting habits are often about personality and comfort.”
So if your dog’s sitting style is consistent and they’re healthy, you generally don’t need to worry—but you can always have your vet check them out, just to be safe!
