Why Does My Dog Stand On Me?

It can be a bit puzzling, especially when they put their total weight on us.

There are a few different theories about why dogs do this, but none have been definitively proven.

In this blog post, we will look at some of the possible reasons behind this behavior and try to come up with an answer!

When you bring a new dog into your home, one of the first things you may notice is that they love to stand on you.

It can be pretty strange if you’re not used to it, but there’s a good reason why dogs do this!

This blog post will discuss the question “why does my dog stand on me” and what it means for both parties involved.

We’ll also provide some tips for dealing with this behavior in your home.

Reasons Your Dog Stand On You

light brown dog sitting next to a man getting petted

To Get Attention

Dogs have been known to stand on their owners to get more attention.

Are several reasons why your dog might do this, but the most likely reason is that he or she is seeking attention.

Dogs crave attention just as much as many dog owners do, and if they feel like they’re not getting enough attention from their owners, they may resort to standing on them to get noticed.

To Show Love

Dogs love their owners, and they love to show it.

One way they do this is by standing on their owners to show love.

That is a sign of respect and love for their owner and a display of submission.

Dogs who do this show that they trust and love their owner and are grateful for everything their owner has done for them.

Illness

Dogs often stand on their owners if they feel unwell or need help.

That can be due to illness, injury, or feeling out of sorts. In many cases, dogs will instinctively stand on their owners to gain height and a better view of their surroundings.

That can make it easier for the dog to see what is going on and orient itself.

If the dog is sick or injured, this can also allow them to get closer to its owner so that it can be helped.

Your Dog Is Clingy

woman holds a little white dog in her arms

Dogs often stand on their human companions because they are clingy.

Dogs crave the close contact and warmth that comes from being near their humans, so they will often stand as close as possible to maximize their contact.

This behavior is often seen as cute and endearing, but it can also be a bit frustrating for the human when the dog gets too close or starts to lean on them.

To Protect You

One of the reasons dogs stand on humans is because they want to protect them.

Dogs are known as man’s best friend for a reason – they always look out for us and want to ensure we are safe.

They know that by standing on us, they can keep us close and protected. That is one of the many ways dogs show their love and loyalty to us!​​​​​

Learned Behavior

Dogs stand on humans because they have learned that it is normal behavior.

They may do this because they feel it is a way to get attention or seek affection.

In some cases, dogs may also stand on humans because they seek dominance or to establish control.

Whatever the reason, it is essential to know why your dog is standing on you and take appropriate action if necessary.

woman working on a computer with a brown dog next to her

Dominant Behavior

Dogs stand on humans to show dominance, this is a normal dog behavior but can also be an aggressive behavior.

It’s a behavior that should not be taken lightly, as it can be seen as a sign of aggression.

Dog lovers need to be aware of this and act accordingly.

If a dog feels threatened or territorial, it may stand on someone to assert its position as the pack’s leader.

A dog lover must acknowledge this behavior and take appropriate measures to provide a safe environment for all involved.

Additionally, humans must be consistent in their reactions when dogs display this kind of behavior so that the dog understands what is and isn’t acceptable.

To Play

Dogs love to play.

And one way they show us that they want to play is by standing on us.

They may do this with their front or all four paws, but the message is clear: Get up and play with me!

Playing with our dogs is a great way to strengthen the bond between us and help them release some of their energy.

It’s also a lot of fun. So next time your dog stands on you, don’t resist – get up and start playing!

To Get Food

Dogs stand on humans to get food because they cannot reach the counter or table.

Standing on a human can be a sign that the dog needs to be fed, as this is the easiest way for them to obtain food.

Dogs have been known to beg for food in this way and will continue to do so until they are given some food.

little dog on grass jumping to his owner

Time For A Walk

Dogs have been known to stand on humans to get their point across.

For instance, when they want to go for a walk, they will often stand on their human feet until they comply.

It’s also a sign that the dog needs to relieve himself by peeing or pooping.

Taking your dog for regular walks is essential to their health and well-being, so it’s important to recognize when they ask you to take them out.

Plus, a nice walk with your pup always serves as a great bonding experience!

That way, you can give them the exercise and stimulation they need.

So don’t ignore those pleading eyes from your pup.

It’s also good to remember that if your furry friends become too persistent about wanting to go for a walk, there may be underlying issues.

If this is the case, it’s best to consult your veterinarian or a certified behaviorist for more advice on handling it.

How To Stop A Dog From Standing On You

brown white dog looking into the camera

One way to stop a dog from standing on humans is to make sure the dog has a comfortable bed.

If the dog is tired, it’s less likely to want to stand on people.

You also need to be consistent with your commands.

If you tell the dog not to stand on you, it needs to know that you mean it.

Dog training can help reinforce this behavior.

If the dog starts standing on you, be sure to use a firm ‘no.’

Immediately move away from the dog and give it space so it can understand that its behavior is unacceptable.

Reward your dog when it does something good such as staying off people.

Show your appreciation with a treat or special petting session.

You should also make sure that your home is an inviting environment for your pup.

Provide plenty of toys and activities to keep them busy to prevent boredom which can lead to trying to stand on people out of curiosity or excitement.

If you need additional help stopping a dog from standing, trains are available that specialize in canine behaviorism and could provide you with more tips.

When your dog stands on you, ensure you stay in control and don’t get angry or scared.

Getting mad at the dog won’t help, just move away and be firm when telling it ‘no.’

That will help your pup to understand what behavior is expected of them.

If the behavior continues, try a more formal training session to give it more guidance and reinforcement.

You can stop a dog from standing on humans by consistently following these steps.

With patience and understanding, your puppy can learn appropriate behaviors that will keep everyone happy!

Make sure to provide plenty of love and treats for good behavior and consistent commands so that the pup can understand what is expected of them.

With the right approach, you can create a happy and healthy relationship between you and your dog!

Before You Go…

Now you know the answer to the question, “Why does my dog stand on me?”.

If you want to learn more, read the following articles too!

Or watch this video:

Mena Emad, DVM
Mena has a Bachelor’s degree in veterinary medicine. His expertise, passion for animal welfare, extensive knowledge, and experience in the field of veterinary medicine make him an excellent resource for our readers.