If you're a dog owner, you may have noticed that your furry friend loves to sit on your lap or snuggle up close to you - at Delivery Hound, it's our favourite thing!

What dog owner can resist enjoying these moments, but have you ever wondered why some dogs have this behaviour?

There are a few reasons why dogs may prefer to sit on their owners laps, and understanding these reasons can help strengthen the bond between you and your furry companion.

It's a sign of affection and bonding.

Dogs are social animals and they crave attention and affection from their owners. Sitting on their owner's lap or snuggling up close is a way for them to feel close and connected to their human. It's a sign of trust and love, and it can also be a way for them to seek comfort and security. So, the next time your furry friend jumps up on your lap, know that it's a sign of their affection and desire to be close to you.

It provides a sense of security and comfort.

Dogs are pack animals and they feel most secure when they are close to their pack leader, which is often their owner. Sitting on their owner's lap or snuggling up close provides them with a sense of security and comfort, similar to how a child feels when they are held by their parent. It also helps them regulate their body temperature and feel safe in their environment. So, if your furry friend loves to sit on your lap, it's a sign that they trust and feel safe with you.

It's a way for dogs to assert dominance and protect their owners.

While sitting on their owner's lap can provide a sense of security for dogs, it's not necessarily a way for them to assert dominance. In fact, it's more likely that they see their owner as the pack leader and want to be close to them for protection. Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their pack, and sitting on their owner's lap can give them a better vantage point to keep an eye on their surroundings and potential threats. So, if your furry friend loves to sit on your lap, it's a sign that they see you as their protector and want to be close to you for safety.

It's a natural instinct from their wolf ancestors.

Dogs are descendants of wolves, and sitting close to their pack leader was a way for them to show respect and loyalty. In the wild, wolves would huddle together for warmth and protection, with the pack leader at the center. By sitting on their owner's lap, dogs are exhibiting this same behavior and showing their trust and affection for their human pack leader. So, the next time your furry friend jumps onto your lap, remember that it's a natural instinct from their wolf ancestors and a sign of their love and loyalty to you.

It's a way for dogs to regulate their body temperature.

Another reason why some dogs prefer sitting on their owners is that it helps regulate their body temperature. We love this reason in winter as lap dogs act as a warm heat pack! Dogs have a higher body temperature than humans, and sitting close to their owner's body can help them stay warm or cool down depending on the weather. This is especially true for smaller dogs who may have a harder time regulating their body temperature on their own. So, the next time your furry friend snuggles up to you, know that they're not only showing their love and loyalty but also seeking comfort and warmth.

Spreading Their Scent

It turns out that dogs have a natural instinct to mark their territory and spread their scent. By sitting on you, they are essentially claiming you as their own. This behavior may become more frequent if your dog feels insecure or anxious, especially after encountering other dogs or being outside. To help your pup feel more secure, try giving them extra attention and affection. This will reinforce the bond between you and your furry friend and may prevent any unwanted marking behaviour in the house.

Do Dog Owners Benefit from Having their Dog Sitting on their Lap?

It turns out that regardless of why some dogs love to sit near us or on us, we also benefit from these affectionate gestures! There are a few reasons why dogs may choose to sit on their owners. For some dogs, it may be a way to show affection and seek attention. Others may do it for comfort or security, feeling safer and more relaxed when they are close to their human. Regardless of the reason, having a furry friend snuggled up next to you is always a heartwarming experience.

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