You sit down for a break before moving on to the next thing on your to-do list, but suddenly, your dog decides to curl up and sleep on your feet.
Dogs like to sleep close to or on their our feet because they naturally want to stay close to people they trust and feel happy, says Mary Huntsberry, MA, ACAAB, owner of Helping Pets Behave.
Keep reading to find out more about why dogs love sleeping near your feet, if it’s okay to let them do it, and some other ways they like to sleep!
1. They Love You
Dogs show their love for us in many ways, and sleeping on our feet is one of them! Research shows that when dogs stay close to us, it helps strengthen our bond.
Sleeping at your feet instead of next to you could mean your dog feels safe and happy, says Ivan Petersel (CPDT-KA), a dog trainer and founder of Dog Wizardry. If they sit on your feet, they want to be extra close.
2. They Want Comfort
Dogs pick up on how we feel and want to comfort us. We can do the same by watching their body language. If your dog isn’t feeling well, they might sleep near your feet for comfort.
Pay attention to their emotions to build a stronger connection with them.
3. They Want to Feel Safe
From a young age, dogs feel safest around their pet parents. Petersel says by lying near or on your feet, they feel secure.
This can also mean they’re comfortable enough to stay close and sleep but still feel independent.
4. They’re Protecting You
Research found that dogs want to protect us, especially when they’re upset.
So, your dog may sleep on your feet instead of next to you as a way to be close by in case they need to defend you, especially if they’re protective.
5. They See You as a Part of the Pack
Dogs are social animals, and sleeping close to you might mean they see you as family.
“In their eyes, being close enough to touch symbolises security and unity,” says Elliot Rosenberg (CDPT), a master dog trainer and behaviourist at K9 Mania Dog Training.
iStock/Almaje
6. They’ve Learned It Gets Your Attention
Rosenberg says dogs are smart and quickly learn what makes us pay attention. So, when they find that snoozing on your feet means more of your time and attention, they will likely continue this behaviour.
“Your dog may use this tactic to maintain a closer connection with you, whether it’s extra pets, sweet words, or just knowing you’re nearby,” he adds.
7. They’re Stressed or Anxious
When dogs feel anxious or scared, like during fireworks or vet visits, they might sleep on your feet instead of next to you for extra comfort. You might notice other signs of stress, like:
- Shaking or shivering
- Showing the whites of the eyes
- Unfocused barking
- Yawning
- Itching and scratching
- Tense muscles
- Excessive licking
8. They’re Territorial
Some people think dogs sleep on us to show “dominance,” but experts say this isn’t true. Instead, Huntsberry says “dominant” behaviours come from very specific triggers (e.g. being approached, resource guarding, fear).
If they sleep on your feet, it usually just means they feel safe.
Should You Let Your Dog Sleep on Your Feet?
Whether or not you let your dog sleep on your feet is a personal choice, but there are some things to consider. Rosenberg walks through pros and cons below:
Pros
- Strengthens your bond: Being close to you can make your dog feel loved and safe, which can help strengthen your connection.
- Comforts your dog: Some dogs feel less anxious when they know exactly where you are.
- Adds warmth: Especially in the winter, having your dog near you can make both of you feel warmer.
Cons
- Can cause separation anxiety: If they get too used to being close to you all the time, they might become anxious when you’re not around.
- Tripping hazard: Your dog might be in the way when you stand up suddenly.
- Encourages resource guarding: Some dogs may become protective of you and act possessive if they’re used to being on your feet.
Is my dog too clingy?
Rosenberg warns that being too clingy can be a problem if it stops your dog from being independent. Signs of separation anxiety include your dog getting upset when you leave, destroying things, or drooling and pacing a lot.
If your dog shows these behaviours, try these tips:
- Use gradual desensitisation to help them feel okay when you’re further away.
- Move over a few feet at a time to help them build confidence without always being by your side.
- Teach the “place” command to help them stay in a comfy spot nearby instead of on your feet.
- Try new activities like dog sports or agility to give them purpose.
- Consult a behaviourist if you need extra help with training
What Other Positions Do Dogs Sleep In?
Besides your feet, dogs love to sleep in all sorts of cute positions! Some of the most common sleeping positions are:
- Side sleeping
- Burrowed under blankets or clothes
- The Superman or “sploot”
- Lion’s pose
- Sleeping with a raised head
- Head resting on you or another dog
- Between your legs
Each way your dog sleeps, and where they choose to do it (like on their bed, in their crate, or on the sofa), can tell you a little bit about how they’re feeling and their bond with you or other pets.
By giving your dog a cosy place to rest and keeping a steady routine, you can help them feel happy and safe. Get ready to see some adorable dog dreams!
