Why Does My Dog Lay on My Chest? (Explained)
My dog Max LOVES any opportunity to have a nap. He particularly enjoys a snuggle in bed. It got me wondering – why does my dog lay on my chest? Is it a power trip? Can he hear my heartbeat?
Dogs are typically social creatures who enjoy showing their affection. As a dog owner, you’ve probably enjoyed your fair share of cuddles from your four-legged friend.
Whether it’s laying at your feet, nestling into your side, or sitting on your lap, there’s nothing better than sharing some quality time with your dog!
If your furry family member regularly tries to lay on your chest or perhaps has recently started engaging in this behavior, you might be wondering why.
Let’s take a look at why a dog might lay on your chest and exactly what it could mean.
Why does my dog lay on my chest?
Every dog and every situation is different, so there is no single reason why your dog chooses to lay on your chest. That being said, there are a few common reasons why a dog might be acting this way.
It might be a positive behavior, with your dog choosing to lay on your chest to demonstrate affection, be close to you, or get in a comfortable position.
It could be a potentially harmful behavior if your dog is acting this way out of fear or if the behavior is driven by separation anxiety.
Most importantly, it is worth understanding that a dog may be lying on your chest as a way to establish dominance, and this can quickly become problematic.
What does it mean when a dog lies on your chest?
Depending on the particular dog and the individual circumstance, they could convey any number of messages.
Wondering what your dog is trying to say when it lies on your chest? Here are the 8 most common meanings behind the behavior.
- They are trying to show affection
Lying on your chest can simply be a way for your dog to show affection. Consider what it must be like for your dog. It’s where they can feel your heartbeat and breathing, helping them feel close to you. Sometimes they really just want to cuddle!
- They find it comfortable
Dogs are pack animals, and your beloved family member would traditionally sleep curled up amongst other dogs.
Your chest provides a warm, safe space for them to sleep, and they might be lying on your chest purely for comfort reasons.
- They suffer from separation anxiety
Your dog might be sitting on your chest because they suffer from separation anxiety. Suppose you notice that your dog gets particularly anxious when you are about to leave or only sits on your chest when you have been away for some time.
In that case, they might be demonstrating anxious behaviors. In this instance, you should try to put some space between you and your dog to get them accustomed to spending time away from you.
You don’t want it escalating into an uncontrollable issue.
- Your dog wants attention
A dog might sit on your chest simply because they want attention! It’s a way of getting between you and your phone or whatever other things you might be concentrating on.
If this is the case, they will likely engage in this behavior when they haven’t received much attention. Try not to encourage this behavior as you don’t want them to jump on you when they want something.
Photo by Andrew Bone /CC BY
- Your dog wants to be exercised
Has your dog not been exercised today? They could be trying to send you a message by getting up close and personal. Again, make sure you discourage this behavior if they are doing it to get something from you.
It can quickly become a complex behavioral problem, and it is easier to address it before that happens.
- They are trying to elicit a positive response
In some cases, you may have been unconsciously rewarding this behavior. Your dog might be lying on your chest because they know this elicits a positive response, whether that be a pat, a kind word, or a scratch behind the ears.
Reflect on your behavior and take note of your own actions to see if this is what is driving it.
- They are being protective
If your dog is quite protective, they might lay on you as a way to guard you. You’ll probably have a good idea of whether or not your dog is protective in a general sense and whether lying on your chest is simply another way of showing this.
Be wary if your dog is acting this way to warn away other people, as it can become a real issue if they start acting aggressively.
- They are trying to establish dominance
The final potential meaning behind this action is the most problematic of all. Your dog might be deliberately putting themselves in this position to assert their power over you.
Domesticated dogs have retained instincts that would have helped them survive in the wild or a pack situation. Placing themselves above you sends a signal of dominance.
Pay attention to their other behaviors to see if this is likely to be the case.
You can also test them by giving them a command to see if they will still listen to you from this position. A dominant dog is likely to try to ignore your command when lying on your chest.
They do this to demonstrate their control and desired top rank in the pack.
When is a dog lying on your chest a problem?
While a dog lying on your chest is often a sign of a positive bond and an affectionate relationship, there are several instances when the behavior can be problematic.
Firstly, lying on your chest due to separation, anxiety should be seen as a negative behavior.
In this instance, your dog is acting out of stress and discomfort, so you should work on modifying the behavior to help your dog feel happier. Try sitting in separate rooms for a small amount of time each day to teach your furry friend that they are safe when there is a physical distance between you.
It’s also worth keeping your own anxieties in check, especially when you are leaving the house. Instead of making a fuss, simply make them stay and then leave.
You don’t want to be stirring them up into a frenzy, as this will only make their anxiety worse.
The second reason why a dog lying on your chest could be a problem is if they are doing it to demand something from you. For example, your dog might be placing themselves on your chest as a way of getting your attention or showing you that they want to go for a walk.
Reinforcing this behavior will encourage them to do it more often, and most likely, more forcefully. Instead, make them get off you and listen to your commands before giving them what they want.
Acting out of protectiveness is the third way in which this behavior might be problematic. Having a loyal dog is one thing. When your four-legged friend becomes overly protective to the point that they exhibit aggressive behaviors, that’s when it’s truly an issue.
Do not encourage your dog to lie on your chest if it is acting protectively, as this is only likely to drive other protective behaviors. You don’t want them growling or snapping at other people, including family members!
Finally, the biggest problem regarding this behavior comes when a dog is trying to display dominance.
A dog would place themselves in a higher position in a natural setting than another dog to establish their rank. In your household, you should be top of the pecking order, and this means showing your dog its place when required.
If you notice that your dog is trying to exert its control, do not allow them to lie on your chest. Ensure that they listen to your commands and are not engaging in other behaviors that might cause a power struggle.
Things to consider when your dog lies on your chest
Determining the reason why your dog is lying on your chest can be difficult. This behavior could mean so many things, so how do you know whether the act is meant positively or negatively?
These questions will help you to figure out exactly why your dog is lying on your chest.
- When did the behavior start?
Try to identify when the behavior started. Is it something that your dog has been doing for a long time, or has it recently begun?
Suppose it is a new behavior that coincides with other problematic behaviors like ignoring commands or exhibiting anxiety. In that case, it might represent a broader issue.
- In what situations does your dog behave in this way?
Think about when your dog lies on your chest. If it approaches you when it is relaxed and simply wants a cuddle, they’re probably just trying to show you affection.
On the other hand, if they consistently try to do it as soon as you get home or when somebody else is in the room, it might indicate your dog is suffering from separation anxiety or is trying to be protective.
- How does your dog act when in this position?
One of the most important things to look at is how your dog acts when lying on your chest. Are they relaxed and sleepy? Stressed and agitated? Do they listen to your commands, or are they trying to prove a point?
When they are actually in this position, their mood and demeanor can provide valuable insight into why they are lying on your chest.
How to encourage a dog to lie on your chest?
If you enjoy snuggling up with your canine pal and want to encourage a close bond, you can encourage them to lie on your chest. With some basic training, your dog will quickly learn how to get comfortable in this position.
That being said, always make sure that this behavior is occurring on your terms. The last thing you want to do is create a situation where your dog becomes pushy and persists in lying on your chest when you don’t want it to.
Begin by making sure your dog is aware of basic commands like sit and stay. This will help you keep them off you if you don’t feel like having them lie on you. You can also stand up and leave your dog if they continue to get on your chest without you asking them to.
Once they understand that you will be in charge of the situation, encourage them to lie on you by patting your chest and saying ‘chest.’ It’s unlikely that your dog will need much encouragement!
Let them stay in position for a few seconds, then say ‘off’ while pointing at the floor or space next to you. Make sure that your dog follows your command and gets off your body.
It won’t take long, and your dog will have a good understanding of the command, meaning you can indulge in some special bonding time!
How to stop a dominant dog from lying on you?
Alternatively, you might find that you need to stop a dog lying on your chest, especially if they are trying to exert their dominance.
The easiest way to do this is to teach it to lie somewhere else. Practice basic commands like ‘sit’ and ‘stay’ so that they become accustomed to listening to you, rather than doing what they want.
It’s even worth having a designated bed nearby where you can tell them to lie down. That way, they will know that they have their own space while you have yours, establishing your power in the pecking order.
