Endearing as it is, many dog owners constantly ask themselves why does my dog lean against me? Not that anyone is complaining about that sweet canine love. The leaning is like a warm, fuzzy hug that canines give to express their love and trust.
Dogs are just like people in many ways. They love a good cuddle and some quality time with their favorite humans. So when your dog yeets their body on you, it’s their way of saying that they want to be as close to you as possible.
Dog leaning is an intriguing behavior with more layers to uncover. PubMed studies prove that dog-human bonds and interactions invoke oxytocin in both of them. Besides getting a shot of happy hormones, let’s explore more about this delightful canine practice.
So, Why Does My Dog Lean On Me?
The main reason dogs lean on people is to be as close to their owners as possible as a sign of affection. Other reasons include drawing comfort and reassurance during moments of anxiety or uncertainty, getting attention, pack behavior, offering emotional support, and catching your scent. Negative reasons include resource guarding and displaying dominance.
Many dog owners have experienced wholesome moments of physical bonding with their pets. Whether it’s while sitting on the couch or standing still. Even sleeping dogs switch sleeping locations to get some love.
A dog’s highly social and arguably co-dependent nature is why the species has walked alongside humans for millennia. These social animals will never run out of ways of showing and demanding some love. Whether it’s coming for belly rubs, licking you, and even throwing you their bum.
Overall, there are various reasons why a dog may lean on their owner, but it’s usually a sign of affection and trust. As long as the behavior isn’t excessive or disruptive, owners should embrace the opportunity to bond with their canine friends.
This Golden Retriever is not having her mom tell her what to do.
9 Reasons Why Dogs Lean
Dogs are known for their affectionate nature and often express it by leaning against their owners. However, there are several other reasons why dogs lean. Here are some of the most common reasons:
1. Affection
Leaning and even dogs burying their head in owners is much like humans hugging their favorite people. It helps canines feel closer to their humans, and as countless dog-human studies show, this closeness releases oxytocin in their system.
You can check out our article on how dogs show affection if you’ve ever wondered how dogs “talk to us.” The listicle shows the obvious and even more subtle ways these social animals express their love for us. Examples are staring at you with dilated pupils and following you.
2. To Offer You Emotional Support
Dogs are known to be highly attuned to their owner’s emotions and offer emotional support. When a dog senses that their owner is feeling down, they may lean against them to offer comfort and support. This empathetic nature is also one way dogs know when you’re sick and even when another dog is sick or even dying.
3. Anxiety
Anxiety is a common problem in dogs, and it can cause them to lean against their owners. Dogs may lean against their owners when they feel anxious or stressed, as it provides them with a sense of security. These dogs portray signs of stress such as a lowered tail, tense body, whale eye, pacing, and trembling.
4. Seeking Comfort
Dogs may also lean against their owners when they are seeking comfort. This may happen when they are feeling scared or when they are in pain. Leaning against their owner provides them with a sense of safety and comfort.
5. Attention-Seeking
Leaning can also be a way for dogs to get your attention. They trust that you’ll respond to their neediness. However, be careful not to coddle your dog by reinforcing bad behavior when you gift them your attention. If an attention-seeking behavior is disruptive, the best thing is to ignore your pup.
6. Protection
Dogs are protective animals, and they may lean against their owners to protect them from potential threats. This behavior is common when dogs sense danger or when they feel that their owners are in danger.
7. They Can Smell You
Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they may lean on you to catch your scent. Your unique smell is comforting and reminds them of their connection with you.
8. Resource guarding
Dogs may also lean against their owners to protect their resources. This behavior is common when dogs feel threatened by other animals or people who may try to take their food or toys.
Cooper is resource-guarding the baby:
9. Pack Behavior
Leaning behavior has its roots in their ancestral pack instincts, such as sleeping with open eyes and digging holes. Wolves, their ancestors, often lay on each other for support and as a way of bonding. Leaning against you can be a similar bonding gesture.
When Dogs Lean OVER You: Dominance Aggression
Dogs are pack animals, and as such, they have a natural instinct to establish a hierarchy within their pack. When a dog leans over their owner, it can be a sign of dominant aggression, and it looks like the dog is standing over or pinning the owner. This behavior can be concerning, especially if the dog is large or has a history of aggression.
Pack Animals
In a dog pack, the alpha dog is the leader, and the other dogs submit to their authority. When a dog leans over their owner, they may be trying to establish dominance over them and it’s often a sign of imminent aggression. This behavior is called “gaining height” and is typically one of the rare signs of true aggression in a dog. It is even rarer for dogs to do this behavior with people, but it can happen. When a dog is leaning over a person out of aggression, you will see:
- Pinned back ears;
- Standing over a person, or pushing part of their body over them;
- Growling or snarling;
- A stiff body; and
- A still, sometimes raised tail.
Body Language
When a dog leans over their owner, they may also display other body language signs of dominance aggression. These signs can include:
- Stiff posture;
- Direct eye contact;
- Raised hackles;
- Growling or snarling; and
- Baring teeth.
If a dog is displaying these signs along with leaning over their owner, it is important to take the behavior seriously and address it immediately.
It is important to note that not all dogs who lean over their owners are displaying dominance aggression. Some dogs may simply be seeking attention or affection. Like this sweet Bernard leaning over the owner and not out of dominance:
Dog Breeds That Commonly Lean
Some dog breeds are more prone to leaning against their owners than others. Here are a few examples:
Great Dane
Great Danes are known for their gentle and affectionate nature. They are also one of the largest dog breeds, which means they need a lot of space to move around in. However, they seem to forget their size and effectively consider themselves lap dogs.
Greyhound
Greyhounds are a breed of dog that is known for their speed and agility. Greyhounds are often seen leaning against their owners when they are feeling anxious or nervous.
Labrador and Golden Retriever
Golden and Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. They are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, as well as their intelligence. These breeds are cuddle maniacs known for killing with kindness.
Boxer
Boxers are loyal and playful. They are also very affectionate and love to be close to their owners. These dogs that look like overgrown Bulldogs also top the charts in leaning behavior.
Bulldog
Bulldogs are known for their stubbornness and loyalty. They are also very affectionate and love to be close to their owners.
How to Respond When Your Dog Leans Against You
When your dog leans against you, it’s important to respond appropriately to show them that you care and that you’re there for them. Here are a few tips on how to respond:
Stay calm
Dogs can sense when their owners are upset or anxious, so it’s important to remain calm and relaxed when your dog leans against you.
Pet them
When your dog leans against you, it’s often a sign that they want attention or affection. So, petting them gently can be a great way to show them that you care.
Give them a treat
If your dog leans against you when they’re feeling anxious or scared, giving them a treat can be a great way to help calm them down and show them that everything is okay. However, be careful not to train them to lean on you for treats unintentionally.
Take them for a walk
Dogs often lean against their owners when they want to go for a walk, so taking them outside for some exercise and fresh air can be a great way to respond to their behavior.
Remember, every dog is different, so it’s important to pay attention to your dog’s body language and behavior to determine the best way to respond when they lean against you. By responding appropriately, you can help strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
When to Be Concerned
If a dog leans against their owner for comfort or affection, there is typically no cause for concern. However, if a dog suddenly starts leaning excessively or the behavior seems out of character, it may be a sign of an underlying issue.
One potential cause of excessive leaning is pain or discomfort. Dogs may lean against their owners to alleviate pressure on sore joints or muscles. If a dog is favoring one side of their body or showing other signs of pain, it is important to take them to a veterinarian for an evaluation.
Another possible cause of excessive leaning is anxiety or fear. Dogs may seek comfort from their owners by leaning against them when they are feeling stressed or scared. If a dog is exhibiting other signs of anxiety, such as panting, pacing, or whining, it may be helpful to consult with a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.
In rare cases, excessive leaning may be a sign of a neurological issue. Dogs with conditions such as vestibular disease may lean or fall to one side. If a dog is showing other signs of neurological problems, such as loss of balance or coordination, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why do dogs lean on their owners?
Dogs lean on their owners for a variety of reasons. One of the most common reasons is that they want attention or affection. Additionally, some dogs may lean on their owners as a way to feel more secure or to alleviate anxiety. Rarely, dogs may also lean on their owners as a way to mark their territory or to establish dominance.
What does it mean when a dog leans against you?
When a dog leans against you, it usually means that they feel comfortable and safe around you. Dogs may also lean against their owners as a way to show affection or to seek attention. In some cases, dogs may lean against their owners as a way to protect them or to establish dominance.
Is it normal for a dog to lean on you?
Yes, it is normal for a dog to lean on their owner. Dogs may lean on their owners as a way to show affection, to seek attention, or to feel more secure. However, if your dog is constantly leaning on you or is exhibiting other unusual behaviors, it may be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
Why does my dog lean on me while sleeping?
Dogs may lean on their owners while sleeping as a way to feel more comfortable. This behavior is especially common in dogs that suffer from separation anxiety or other anxiety-related disorders. Additionally, some dogs may lean on their owners as a way to protect them while they sleep.
Why does my dog press against me in bed?
Dogs may press against their owners in bed as a way to seek security. This behavior is especially common in dogs that suffer from stress or that have a strong bond with their owner. Additionally, some dogs may press against their owners as a way to regulate their body temperature or to show affection.
How do you know if a dog trusts you?
Dogs may show their trust in a variety of ways. Some common signs that a dog trusts you include wagging their tail, making eye contact, leaning against you, and following you around. Additionally, dogs may show their trust by allowing you to touch them or by seeking out your attention and affection.
Final Thoughts
Dogs lean against their owners for a variety of reasons. It is a way for them to seek comfort, show affection, and, rarely, establish dominance. However, it is important for owners to understand the underlying motivation behind their dog’s behavior to ensure that they are meeting their pet’s needs and fostering a healthy relationship.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.