It’s a cool and breezy night outside, one where there’s nothing more tempting than snuggling up in bed or on your couch. You make yourself a cup of tea, take your favorite book in hand and indulge in coziness and relaxation. Until it’s time to get up to get something. Or to go to the toilet, for example. It only takes a minute or two to find that your seat is already occupied by your pet. What’s more – he has even managed to fall asleep there already!
If this situation sounds familiar, you may be wondering, “Why does my dog always want to nap on my part of the bed and couch?” Isn’t there enough space so you don’t have to compete for a certain area?
There are a variety of reasons that may prompt your dog to occupy the spot where you normally like to take a nap. Let’s look at seven of them that will help you explain the behavior of the four-legged.
• Your place is cozy and warm
Dogs like to be warm and seek comfort, especially on a cold day. If you notice that your pet is always trying to take a nap in the place where you were just taking a nap, it’s probably because they like the heat that’s left over (that your body has produced).
Smaller and short-haired dogs are even more inclined to seek comfort in a place warmed by their owner, and even better – if it is as close as possible to their loved one!
• The place is covered with your fragrance
Our pets’ sense of smell is truly an amazing thing! Scientists believe that the part of the quadruped’s brain related to the interpretation of smells is about 40 times larger than ours! Dogs are able to smell things we can’t. And even though you can’t smell your own scent, your furry friend is very familiar with it! Adding to the fact that you are probably your dog’s favorite person, it can explain why the animal finds solace, comfort and peace in a place filled with your scent. It tells him you were there recently or reminds him of you while you’re gone.
• Your dog feels safe with you
Your dog probably sees you as his protector, associating you with security. That’s why your place on the bed or sofa is the safest place on earth for him! When quadrupeds sleep, they are in a vulnerable position. And if you are close to them or they manage to take your place, they will feel more calm and protected.
• Your dog wants attention
Your pet may have realized that the best way to get your attention is to be as close to you as possible or occupy your favorite spot on the couch/bed. Sometimes you may notice the animal exhibiting this behavior when you work late or are away from home for longer. Other signs that it might be a good idea to give your pet more attention include frequent rubbing against you and pawing.
• You encourage the behavior
As mentioned earlier, our dogs crave attention and will do anything to get it. Attention, whether good or bad, works as a kind of reward for some four-legged friends. So, it’s quite possible that you’re inadvertently encouraging and reinforcing this behavior every time your furry friend steals your spot or you catch him resting there while you’re gone.
• It is part of his routine
Dogs are creatures of habit. They like to have structure and predictability in their day. Without a routine, your pet would feel stressed and anxious as they would not know what to expect throughout the day.
Your furry companion may be taking your place at the same time every day because they consider it part of their daily schedule. If you notice that your four-legged companion takes your side of the bed and naps there while you are at work, for example, it is probably because the animal discovered how nice it is one day and has continued to do so ever since.
• Separation anxiety
Sometimes dogs who experience separation anxiety will take their owners’ places when they are not around. Anxiety is also manifested by excessive chewing, pacing, urinating at home and even howling. Four-legged friends who experience separation anxiety may feel the need to always be by your side or choose places where your scent is strongest.
Photo by Lisa Fotios: https://www.pexels.com/photo/white-and-black-dogs-lying-on-white-loveseat-1367002/
