{"id":9904,"date":"2023-01-10T12:37:49","date_gmt":"2023-01-10T12:37:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/blog\/uncategorized\/why-do-dogs-sit-on-your-feet-5-reasons-explained\/"},"modified":"2023-05-15T09:41:56","modified_gmt":"2023-05-15T09:41:56","slug":"why-do-dogs-sit-on-your-feet-5-reasons-explained","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/zigzag.dog\/en-us\/blog\/puppy-behavior\/understanding-your-puppy\/why-do-dogs-sit-on-your-feet-5-reasons-explained\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do Dogs Sit on Your Feet? 5 Reasons Explained"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

We\u2019ve heard your feet are the next best thing. Soft and clean, they make the best chair in the world for your puppy to sit on. You\u2019re not that special though, don’t get any ideas. It\u2019s pretty common for some dogs to sit on your toes, but there are other reasons why they do it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll fill you in on the peculiar mystery of why dogs sit on your feet. We\u2019ll tell you if you should let your dog sit on your feet, or whether sitting on your feet is something to worry about. We could talk about this for days – you\u2019ll see how much we can stretch this topic.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n


Have you already downloaded the Zigzag training app<\/a>? Just do it – you won\u2019t regret it. You\u2019ll receive an in-depth training program based on your puppy’s developmental age and breed-specific requirements, as well as access to our team of dog trainers<\/a> who can help you with any late-night panic questions about your puppy, or just friendly advice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Marcus Wallis<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why do dogs sit on your feet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dogs sit on your feet to show affection and be closer to you, for security, to get your attention, and to stay warm. Some may also sit on your feet as a way of protecting you. Let\u2019s get into why dogs sit on your feet and what it might mean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. To show affection<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

They don’t call the man\u2019s best friend for nothing. Dogs love being next to us and thus make it their mission to show affection. Different dogs will do this in different ways; some will lick your face<\/a> or hands<\/a>, and some will want to play on your feet. It depends on what they\u2019re like, really. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. To be closer to you <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sitting on your feet may be the perfect source of comfort for an anxious or insecure dog. When your dog is in a new situation or environment or is in a fear period<\/a>, you might find that your feet will double as a fantastic security blanket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. To get your attention <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A dog lying on your feet is difficult to ignore, isn’t it? If your dog finds your attention the most rewarding, they’ll try anything to achieve it\u2014including sitting on your feet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. To keep their bottom off the cold floor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dogs with little fur or thin coats like Staffies<\/a> and French Bulldogs<\/a> feel the cold, so sitting on your feet is an easy way of staying warm. In exchange, dogs laying on our feet keep us warm too, so it\u2019s a win-win situation for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. To protect or guard you <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your dog might want to sit as close as possible to you as a way to protect you – which often ends up being right on your feet.  Dogs resource guard<\/a> all kinds of things, not just food<\/a>, treats<\/a>, and toys<\/a>, they can resource guard humans too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo by Elena Mozhvilo<\/a> on Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Should I let my dog sit on my feet?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Personally, we find it rather nice when dogs sit on our feet. Who doesn’t like to feel appreciated? Whether you\u2019re happy for you to sit on your feet is up to you of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There might be a few instances in which you might not want your dog sitting on your feet such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n