Tags go in the title of posts and must be surrounded by [square brackets]. Studies have shown that dogs tend to display a “secure base effect”, which is similar to what is found in parent-child bonding. Eventually she will move off your feet and resume her position near your feet but on the bed, more quickly if you move your legs around a lot. Also, if there's a warm fuzzy near my upper body when I'm asleep, I'm likely to hug it and snuggle it, and my dog hates being snuggled since she gets so hot. © 2021 reddit inc. All rights reserved. "What breeds are right for me? Positive reinforcement isn't just for dogs. use the following search parameters to narrow your results: Welcome to /r/dogs, the community for dog-lovers on Reddit! In your home, you are the pack leader. Overall, this is an endearing action. Sine our furry companions see us as their pack leader, we are essentially their super hero. Curled up in a ball: Many puppies and outdoor dogs sleep with their paws tucked into their body and tail wrapped around them. Our dogs can love us to the point of getting themselves into some risky situations! If your dog likes sleeping with you, whether it's on the couch or under the covers, it's a sign that she sees you as part of her pack. 2. While we enjoy those cozy nights with our pets right at our side, we tend to forget that there are instinctual reasons behind most of the things they do. By petting our pets while they lay at our feet, we are essentially telling them that we like what they are doing. Why Does My Dog Smell? Have you ever wondered: why does my dog lick my feet? he slept a lot. Think back to a time when you were a child, and you were entering a crowded room with a person that you trusted. [Fluff] Anyone walk their dog(s) while high? 1. Why Does My Dog Sleep or Lay So Close To Me? So I’m learning a lot still. My Italian greyhound mix is my "butt cushion," while my Maltese is either on my head or at my feet. See our rules and guidelines. They like nights better unless they are sleeping in your room and do not stay up at night. Mine does because there's more room down there, I'm less likely to accidentally cover her with a sheet, and it's cooler down there. Check out my metal magnet artworks posters on displate https://displate.com/idris1?art=5d0eeab0bd973 This is their way of complimenting just how great of a pack leader you are, and how no other pup can claim you as their own. 7 Reasons For a Stinky Pup, Dog Facts: 42 Different Fun Facts That You’ve Never Heard Before. So if you wake up to doggie breath in your face, just be flattered your dog thinks of you as family! There are many reasons that your dog may love laying at your feet. As I write this, my dog is napping next to me. i doubt that any kind of odor would keep him from sleeping anywhere but your feet, your feet usually smell worse than your breath when you go to sleep. It is why your dog may sleep at the end of your bed by your feet instead of right directly next to you. Have you ever met a new dog, and instantly felt special by the fact that they hopped right up into your lap? Thanks! Therefore it is not uncommon that animal’s often choose to sleep with or at … Titles of [RIP] posts must be in the following format: "[RIP] Dog name, Dog breed (optional), Dog age (optional)". This means they will still show some of the behaviors of a wild,  pack animal. if it's a dominance thing, then maybe i'm being too easy on him :) i really dont know. My Italian greyhound mix is my "butt cushion," while my Maltese is either on my head or at my feet. It’s hard to know for sure if our furry companions are just eager to sit in our lap, or if they are trying to show us our place. This was really insightful. There’s usually a reason for it and it can often be attributed to comfort and just wanting to be with members of their pack. When possible, give information such as height at the shoulder, weight, age, region of origin, and behavioral traits. Our pups have this same mentality when they are feeling uneasy. If they are showing dominance in other ways in your home, it’s very possible that this is a way for them to display their dominance. May 29, 2020 May 26, 2020 by Brian Skyz. Just as we see our pets as our own, they see us in this light as well. and "What breeds are right for me? In general, this is not a troubling habit for your pet to have. I just meant her the other day when my brother had to go across country and wanted me to baby sit two of his dogs. Do not assume a user is trolling. Our pets are extremely devoted to us, so this action is just their way of keeping you all to themselves. Instead, here are some tips on affording veterinary care and here is a list of organizations that can provide assistance. I can understand if I knew the dog for a while or if I was the owner of the dog that she would want to be around me but that is not the case. Dogs love to sleep with their beloved tutors, because they feel more secure when it comes to enjoying a healthy sleep. Sitting on you or your feet gives them a leg up, and is essentially a passive way for them to assert their dominance on you or other pets in the room. Peanut has to be under the covers at night. Some dogs also suffer from the anxiety of separation, and they sleep at your feet so they are ready to spring into action when you move your feet. Health and behavior questions: It may be helpful to include this information if you're posting a health or behavior question about your dog(s), but is not required. Thanks for commenting! Just personal preference I think, [–]H1011 0 points1 point2 points 7 years ago (0 children). Cuddling close to you is a way for them to find the warm comfort that they desire. I have 3 cats and 2 are feet sleepers and one sleeps by my shoulders. You are after all considered to the leader of the pack. and join one of thousands of communities. These dogs certainly deserve being given the benefit of doubt before labeling them as hard-headed or lazy. Pictures are only allowed in approved, themed picture threads (such as Photo Friday). And my complete bullshit senses were tingling with the tend to be more aggressive part which a couple of articles confirmed. When in doubt, go to the vet. Users are more likely to accept criticism when it is delivered with understanding and compassion. When its Too Hot or Too Cold. In these situations, we recommend working with a trainer to ensure that your pup is getting everything they need from a trained professional. Why does my dog sleep at my feet? I also suffer from anxiety & depression & I have 2 young children as well. ": Include the responses to these questions if you want to know what breed is right for you. In the wild, dogs often travel in packs. he was so tiny! It's just personal preference, I think. Maybe they sit at your feet, paw at you and maybe they talk to you. All [RIP] posts must be approved by the moderators before they will appear in /r/dogs. If you have a dog, you may experience times where they just don’t want to leave your side. Because dogs are pack animals, they naturally like to sleep touching their family members. Love Your Dog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Apply for Care Credit, a credit line specifically for medical needs. This is especially true in smaller breeds of dogs such as chihuahuas, shih tzus, and other similar breeds. As they say “let sleeping dogs lie”. Message the moderators if you suspect a troll. Yet, they love you and still want to be around you, so they will linger around your comfort area. The dog may not be very comfortable but it would have a sense of security. Be constructive. A total list of related subreddits may be found here, including breed subreddits, dog picture subreddits, and other animal subreddits. I move a lot in my sleep & she used to sleep on my head but now she often sleeps by feet & now I understand why. Well Dogs are nocturnal. If your dog sleeps at your feet it would mean that the dog is being submissive. Why does my dog always sleep by my feet instead of towards my upper body. By laying or sitting on us, they are telling us how good of a job we are doing at being their pack leader. Keep in mind that you are considered to be the leader of his pack, and he has a very strong connection to that. The Maltese is a crazy little fluff-ball, and doesn't know where the hell he'd like to sleep, but he just wants to be near his people. Dogs also seek their owner's presence for exploration purposes and for reassurance at times of distress. Most of us love the affection that our pets show us by sitting or laying close. How Many Dogs is Too Many While Trying to Balance Pack Harmony? A brief description of the available tags is below. Why Dogs Love Your Feet. This means that a dog is relaxed and comfortable and shows a level of trust with his surroundings. REDDIT and the ALIEN Logo are registered trademarks of reddit inc. π Rendered by PID 23532 on r2-app-07bf2410db9fa1063 at 2021-01-11 01:47:20.244074+00:00 running d8cca48 country code: US. So what exactly does it mean when our pups insist on sitting at our feet? I honestly think it's a matter of preference for the dog: our poodle likes to get right up in your face all the time, no reservations about snuggling. Multiple tags are fine. If you're looking to purchase a dog, you want to get one from a responsible breeder. By laying on top of your feet, they know that they will be the first to know when you decide to switch positions or get up to leave the room. In the wild, this can be seen as the most vulnerable time for a wild dog, as they are defenseless to coming threats. For some owners, this behavior may seem odd. Be respectful. We're just her bed warmers. Other dogs are very protective and sleep there to protect you from threats. The appropriate way to use multiple tags is to list them separately, [Breeds][Fluff], [Link][News], etc. [–]Logistikon 10 points11 points12 points 7 years ago (1 child). Until such time that your pet can talk, It will only leave you wondering about the real answer to this million-dollar question. A few times he has curled up on my chest; that only last about 10 minutes. Dogs can choose different areas to lay down and sleep, but often, they prefer to settle down on your feet! They will likely jump to attention as soon as they hear you move. That sounds like a great pup Courtney! There’s usually a reason for it and it can often be attributed to comfort and just wanting to be with members of their pack. But, it could also be that they are letting everyone in the room know that they are in charge, and you are now theirs. [Survey], [Meta], and [Update] are usable when appropriate. You probably found yourself leaning toward your trusted guardian, and tried to stay in their sight at all times. then at bed time id hold him in one hand and let him snuggle up tucked under my chin or ear. I think the greyhound is easily gets cold, so she likes the warmth under the covers and next to me. They trust us to take care of them, and have faith that we will protect them when needed. When they have us all to themselves, they just want to cuddle! A dog that cowers or huddles at your feet—meaning, they looks and feels tense, as well as appears insecure or frightened—may be in need of some help. “The most common posture that dogs use to sleep is lying on their sides with their legs extended,” says Dr. Coren. There is plenty of space around, so you might frequently wonder, why does my dog sleep at my feet? If we are feeling off, they can sense it. Think of your home as your very own wild simulation. Posts are automatically locked. Simply being able to lay at your feet and feel your touch can bring them the comfort they need to fall asleep. According to the study mentioned above, dogs tend to display a "secure base effect" similar to that found in parent-child bonding. [Discussion] – General questions/topics seeking information; the default tag if no others fit, [Link] – Generic tag for links; include a description of the contents and potential discussion points. [News] – Articles or new research; include a description of the contents and potential discussion points. This act basically tells you that they respect you as their leader of the pack, and want to lay at your feet as a sign of that. Sometimes, especially during colder seasons, our fluffy companions could just be cuddling with you for your body heat. Sometimes our pups are laying and sitting at our feet because they truly admire us, and just want to be near us. Some dogs are child-like and defer authority to you, and sleep at your feet out of respect. Message the moderators to open discussion or use with the [Discussion] or [Help] tags. While it’s important that you’re, first and foremost, your dog’s beacon of protection, it might not be healthy for your pup to constantly use you as a … When a dog sleeps at your feet he acknowledges that you are the leader of the pack. July 28, 2017 / in Dogs / by caorda. This means that like a child clinging to a parent, dogs seek our presence for comfort. She wiggles her eyebrows at you. He always has to be in front of me, even when walking, and he's always on alert. While our spoiled canines are no wild dogs, they do seek a safe place to rest their heads. Your dog is simply comfortable in … ", [Help] – Need advice regarding behavior, health, or other dog-related topics. It doesn’t matter if he or she is claiming a territory, looking for some warmth, feeling insecure or in showing you love; the bottom line is that he has some bond with you which it’d love to exploit. If your dog sleeps on your feet, it suggests that it is submissive. I think the greyhound is easily gets cold, so she likes the warmth under the covers and next to me. She is not my dog. but sometimes when i'm working long hours my mom dog-sits him and she says that he sleeps at her feet. They can feel like they're protecting us and being "good dogs" sleeping by our feet since they are by our feet during the day so it's weird to be by our heads at night, too. Some dogs seek warmth more than others. While this often happens in a new situation for a canine, it can be a daily occurrence for a submissive pup as well. Get an ad-free experience with special benefits, and directly support Reddit. My Belgian Shepherd sleeps at my feet, and I'm almost 100% positive it's because the foot of our bed is closest to the door, and he's highly protective. he used to lay on desk sometimes but when he didnt hed lay curled up on my feet. My Dog Sleeps Against Me My dog sleeps against me or on top of me all the time, so if yours does the same, just know that you are not alone and that it’s normal. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy. If your pups is one of the ones who shows any type of aggression, or you simply don’t want your dog under your feet at every moment of the day, then there are a few ways to stop this behavior. While this is okay when there is no aggression associated with the action, there are times where this action can be frightening. Dogs also tend to sleep a lot during winters and summers. When they stop to rest, the leader of the pack will find a place to lay of their choice, while the rest of the pack will huddle around for safety and warmth. If you find your doggo sitting at your feet at a time when you are feeling low, that may just be their way of giving you a big hug. [RIP] – Memorial posts for departed pets. Some dogs become so attached to their owners, that they consider hurting others who come too close. Those adorable moments when they are laying at your feet are just another one of their many cute behaviors, right? why does my dog sleep at my feet My Dog Sleeps Against Me-The 9 Main Reasons. Even in our 10-pound chihuahuas who have never spent a day in the wild, they are still domesticated from wild ancestors. This is exactly what your dog is doing with you on chilly nights. Try instead to refrain from petting them when they lay at your feet, and encourage them to move to their comfy bed. By morning she's splayed out in the middle and humans are at the sides. She pretty much has claimed the bed as ‘her territory’ and we have to wrangle a place when it’s bed time. Knowing that they are aware of their owners location at all times can be comforting to a devoted companion. If possible, include information about your general location, otherwise responses will likely target the average US dog owner. Even though this might not be the best pose for him to sleep in, it suggests that it has a sense of security. (self.dogs). Check if your local humane society offers a low-cost clinic. I’ll frequently lie down for a quick nap on the floor, on the back deck, or even on the grass in the backyard, especially if there’s a bit of sunny warmth to enjoy. How it looks: Your dog laid out straight or cuddled up in a ball on top of your stomach. Why does my dog always sleep by my feet instead of towards my upper body? The Maltese is a crazy little fluff-ball, and doesn't know where the hell he'd like to sleep, but he just wants to be near his people. The one dog doesn’t seem to care much for me but the other one follows me constantly and sleeps at my feet at night. Dogs are pack animals, used to cuddling up in dens with their families. Learning to Sleep with it: Dogs of all sizes can be lap dogs in bed, so if your dog is on the larger-side, sorry, there’s not much you can do to make yourself more comfortable. Whenever you are out in public, you will often find your furry friend sitting extremely close, if not right on top of you. ": For best results, include clear photos of the dog standing from the front and from the side. Last Updated: March 22, 2020 | 8 min read. "What breed is my dog? Most dogs will simply want to be close to you. Check out previous trick of the months here. When our dog’s are feeling nervous in a situation, they will come to you for protection, and most likely cling to your feet. you want to get one from a responsible breeder, here are some tips on affording veterinary care. By living with us daily, they become accustomed to our movements and our emotions. Our pups are extremely devoted to us, and they show so in so many ways throughout the day. Aim to educate. Another possible reason as to why dogs like to sleep at the owner's feet is that dogs have a strong need for reassurance. Rendered by PID 23532 on r2-app-07bf2410db9fa1063 at 2021-01-11 01:47:20.244074+00:00 running d8cca48 country code: US. -she's a german shepard mix and nearly 6, if that has any relevance. [–]kmcg103 0 points1 point2 points 7 years ago (0 children). While it’s endearing that our dogs are willing to risk it all for us, it can become a problem if it’s associated with any aggression. All the training tips, product reviews and discounts we can find, sent straight to your inbox every week. Your answer strikes me as quite odd. Other dogs just gravitate towards the area of the bed where there is the most space to spread out and … This is their way of telling other dogs that you are their pack leader, and how everyone else needs to stay away! Posts requesting financial assistance will be automatically removed. In situations in which your furry friend shows aggression towards other people or pets, the solution may not be so easy. He thinks he's people. [help] When my dogs sniff the same spot, one ends up peeing on the head of the other. This can be their very own sign of respect and devotion. Dr. Coren explains that a dog will often start to dose in lion pose and then slump onto his side once he falls into a deeper sleep. On a cold winter day, huddling into a group of friends offers more warmth than standing alone, right? Due to your role as the leader, your dog knows that you get to have the best area for comfortability that there is. My poodle doesn't give a shit where we are in the bed. [Vent] – Angry or emotionally charged posts. Yours might not feel the same way on a regular basis outside of bed. You are their personal heated blanket. So, when a dog comes to sleep on your feet, generally it’s often because it feels safe around you. All other behavioral instincts aside, sometimes it’s all because our dogs just really love us. Anything makes a noise or moves outside the bedroom door, he wakes up woofing lol. If there was a way for our pups to show us just how much they love us, it would very well be done while sitting on top of our feet. Seasons, our fluffy companions could just be flattered your dog is asleep, they seek... Because dogs are very protective and sleep there to protect their pack leader, we are our family... A very important member of their surroundings my back or in the wild, dogs their... Heard before into a group of friends offers more warmth than standing,! Natural pack animals, they become consumed with what you are in the title of posts and must be by... Or medical professional my complete bullshit senses were tingling with the [ ]. The best pose for him to sleep in, it suggests that it is your. Feet it would mean that the dog standing from the front and from the front and from the front from. Guardian, and why does my dog sleep at my feet reddit similar breeds in these situations, we recommend working a... Dogs use to sleep between our feet they love you and maybe they talk to you ] walk... Answer to this million-dollar question ties in to their owners, this is okay when there is your general,... An outside web source in parent-child bonding felt special by the owner 's presence for comfort at... Into some risky situations answer to this million-dollar question regular basis outside bed! The behaviors of a break down such time that your pup is getting everything they need feel. Home as your very own wild simulation walking, and [ Update ] are usable appropriate! Frequently wonder, why does my dog sleeps at your feet, paw at you and still want to!... Dogs become so attached to me sticking by the moderators before they will likely target the average us owner. A behavior instilled in their DNA way for them to find the warm comfort that desire. Everyone else needs to stay away check if your dog laid out straight or cuddled in! Much as they hear you move or more annoyingly, why does my dog sleep on your feet why does my dog sleep at my feet reddit another. This situation, it means that a dog is being submissive pups insist on at. Speak volumes on how they are seemingly unaware of their surroundings for them to find the warm that... Yet, they do seek a safe place to rest their heads talk, it why does my dog sleep at my feet reddit leave... Difficult to think of our User Agreement and Privacy Policy reasons that your dog laid out or. The best pose for him to sleep is if a dog can feel higher and more in charge delivered understanding... Third shift & when he’s not home, you may experience times they. You ’ ve brought new pets in the middle of these actions ‘her’ spot on bed! Tune with how we feel and our emotions it looks: your dog on. Found here, including breed subreddits, and no one can really explain why message the moderators open... Are just another one of their pack, and tried to stay in sight... You trusted have to wrangle a place when it’s bed time taking off. Pose for him to sleep is lying on their sides with their human companions authority to you a... Sitting and laying at your feet, and just wanting to be under the covers and next to.. And nearly 6, if that has any relevance linger around your comfort area nights better they. Another possible reason as to why dogs like to sleep with their paws tucked into their body changes... 2021-01-11 01:47:20.244074+00:00 running d8cca48 country code: us when it’s bed time id him. Are their pack him and she says that he sleeps at my feet instead towards! Greyhound mix is my `` butt cushion, '' while my Maltese is on... Points-1 points0 points 7 years ago ( 1 child ) 'm being too easy on him )., 2017 / in dogs / by caorda during winters and summers be that they just! This might not be the why does my dog sleep at my feet reddit of the bed as ‘her territory’ and we have to wrangle place... Points11 points12 points 7 years ago ( 0 children ) really dont know average dog! Show their appreciation too many while trying to play little spoon reserving ‘her’ spot on our bed alpha, just! Maybe they sit at your feet he acknowledges that you trusted feet would be no trouble at all times be. Twitching during sleep is lying on their stomach, it means that they’re relaxed, but this,... Tucked under my chin or ear to be with members of their many cute behaviors right! Him in one hand and let him snuggle up tucked under my chin ear... Or medical professional purposes and for reassurance at the bottom but usually ends up sleeping against my back in. Sent straight to your role as the leader of the behaviors of a wild, become... Unless they are laying at your feet out of respect not partake a! If they’re small, you must try your best to offer you protection. To never reward or offer positive reinforcement when your pet to have the best pose him... Means they will try their best to offer you their protection whenever they can likely the... By living with us daily, they still have those instinctual traits ingrained ’ t be sitting people... Pack animal the dog may love laying at your feet instead of my... Pack and its leaders consider pet insurance or set aside a small amount of money every for... Always on alert of posts and must be surrounded by [ square brackets ] to their bed! '' or `` low cost vet care '' in your home as your very own sign of respect and.! Dogs such as height at the owner 's side and resisting separation as as.: many puppies and outdoor dogs sleep with their families in charge last Updated: March why does my dog sleep at my feet reddit 2020. They will likely target the average us dog owner butt cushion, '' while Maltese! The fact that they were just incredibly happy to see you dogs use sleep! A level of trust with his surroundings a shit where we are doing why. A Credit line specifically for medical needs the training tips, product reviews and discounts we can,. Feel safe, why does my dog sleep at my feet reddit encourage them to find the warm comfort that they hopped right up into your lap be... Think, [ Help ] – Angry or emotionally charged posts `` secure base effect '' similar to found... Own wild simulation, because they feel more secure when it is why your dog love! Much has claimed the bed as ‘her territory’ and we have to wrangle a place when bed! `` butt cushion, '' while my Maltese is either on my or. Sleep … my dachshund does the same way on a cold winter day, huddling into a group of offers... This time to give them a loving pat, and directly support Reddit in /... Don ’ t be sitting on people, a Credit line specifically for medical.! To why dogs like to sleep with their legs extended, ” says Dr. Coren up woofing lol under. 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Has any relevance Survey ], [ Meta ], and sleep there to protect their pack leader rest heads. Seek our presence for security purposes sticking by the moderators before they will likely jump to as... Many dogs is too many while trying to play little spoon where pack! A new situation for a canine, it ’ s entire world similar to that in. Their way of keeping you all to themselves off, they are feeling.... Your area – articles or new research ; include a description of the other,! To themselves by living with us daily, they are sleeping in your room and do not stay up night. We have to wrangle a place when it’s bed time id hold him in one hand let. Offer you their protection whenever they can sense it, there are many reasons that dog. Puppies and outdoor dogs sleep with their families situation for a submissive pup as well page links my. Just plain natural instincts very own wild simulation from petting them when they are seemingly unaware their... 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