Why does my dog sit on me? | 7 best lap dog breeds

Dogs like to be close to their owners. In their hearts, all dogs want to be lap dog breeds.

Even if you create a cozy bed for your dog, this furry creature will always find ways to sit right on top of you. Do you know what that means?

Your boy wants a piece of you. As a pet owner, you should snuggle with your dog more often. If he wants to sit on you, ensure he’s not acting rude or weird.

If your puppy is too clingy, you should train him not to sit on you at his whim.

But whether your dog is on your lap, at your feet, or on your chest, it’s all just his way of showing that he loves you.

Want to know why dogs prefer sitting on their owners?

Here’s why dogs like to sit on their owners and look at some of the best lap dog breeds, which are some of the most popular dog breeds.

Attention

Most of the time, a dog sits on his owner when he wants some playtime. Dogs need attention and care, just like family members.

Dogs are social animals, so if you get a dog, be prepared to spend time with him.

They can’t ask verbally for attention, so sitting on their owners’ laps is their way of saying, “I need you.”

If your puppy isn’t aggressively snapping or barking at you, consider it a gesture of love.

Scent 

Sitting on their owners allows dogs to mark their territory and show ownership.

Don’t worry that your pet is trying to dominate you. Other, more aggressive ways for dogs to mark their territory include urinating.

Sitting on your lap or chest is a relatively harmless way for your dog to claim you.

Expect your puppy to do this more often when you return home with the scent of another animal.

Your dog is likely trying to reassure himself he’s still number one in your heart.

This behavior also is more likely if other pets or children visit your home. Again, your pup wants to make sure he’s not being displaced.

Dogs will also climb into your lap if you’re ignoring them.

Breed behavior

Usually, small dog breeds are more likely to want to sit on their pet parents. They feel entirely safe snuggled into that warm spot.

Know that your dog needs your attention and reassurance, especially if you have other pets or children.

Some large dog breeds, like English Mastiffs and Great Danes, also like to sit on their people.

Big dogs want to show affection and love like tiny little puppies. The dogs often don’t realize just how big they are.

If you don’t mind letting your big dog sit on you, go ahead. But if the weight of a 60-pound dog is too much, train him to sit nearby.

Security

As a dog owner, you’re responsible not only for your dog’s physical well-being but their mental health, too.

Some dogs like to keep track of their owners and sit on them so that they feel more confident and secure. Dogs are the most loyal animals on the planet and expect loyalty in return.

Dogs always give 100 percent to protect their people. Holding your dog on your lap lets you realize you are safe together.

Mostly, dogs sit on laps for their benefit. Being close to you lets them guess what you’re about to do. Are you getting ready to leave the house? Or start preparing food?

Dominance

Watch your puppy grow and develop to ensure he’s not showing signs of becoming aggressive. Some dogs sit on their owners to establish dominance, which is not healthy.

If you sense your dog is sitting on you to control your movements, you must discourage that behavior. What might seem cute with a 6-pound puppy is potentially dangerous with a 60-pound dog.

If your dog sits on you and starts barking or growling, lift him off. Correct the behavior and do not encourage it.

If your smaller dog sits on your lap when other dogs are around, it’s most likely because he is nervous. Don’t let him use his vantage point of your lap to snap, bark, or snarl at the other dogs.

Cuddling

Some dogs are, by nature, cuddle bugs. If you’re sitting and watching TV, expect these dogs to hop into your lap and snuggle in for the night.

Most canines need physical contact with their owners to feel physically and emotionally satisfied. Most dog owners enjoy it, too. And cuddling will make your bond stronger than ever.

What are the best lap dog breeds?

Are you searching for the best lap dog breeds? Do you like to spend time with a puppy?

Spending quality time with companion dogs can help reduce your stress.

Petting dogs releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin and can lower your heart rate and blood pressure.

So, how do you find the best lap dog breeds?

Maltese

This small, delicate dog is playful, confident, and loving.

The Maltese is a true snuggler who will find ways to sit on his owner’s lap or chest.

Black German Shepherd puppies

Black German Shepherd puppies want to be lap dogs.

German Shepherds enjoy playing, train easily, and love being with children.

Although people tend to think of Black German Shepherds as working dogs, they also make excellent family pets.

Toy poodle

Toy poodles not only enjoy lap time with their owners, but they also want to impress their owners.

These toy dogs love being the center of attention.

The breed isn’t the most social, so it’s essential to adopt this breed at a young age and spend time with friends, family, and other dogs to help your pup become well-adjusted.

Havanese

The Havanese is a small dog and a perfect pick for a lap dog.

This charming breed wants nothing but love and attention from its people.

Havanese puppies are usually good with family members and especially with children.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

Not only is this dog breed beautiful, but it’s also brainy.

The best thing about Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is that if you are active, these dogs are more than happy to be involved.

If you are a couch potato, you will be content to sit in your lap.

Cocker Spaniel

This is one of the cutest dog breeds and a good family dog.

Cocker Spaniels love playing games and sitting on their owners.

This dog breed is available in buff, liver, white and black colors.

Boston Terrier

The Boston Terrier is known for its compact size and big attitude. This canine is gentle and amiable and quickly bond with children and other family members.

This is one of the first breeds established in the United States. Boston Terrier is known for their compact size and big smile.

Boston Terriers are gentle and amiable, so they can quickly bond with children and family members.

If you want a lap dog breed that requires minimal training, consider a Boston Terrier.

Bichon Frise

Of all the dog breeds, the Bichon Frise loves to cuddle the most with their owners.

They don’t shed much, which makes them a perfect choice for people with allergies.

These fluffy little fellas are upbeat and cheerful and love to spend time with their families.

Train your dog not to sit on you

Training a dog not to sit on you requires patience and consistency, but you can teach your furry friend to respect your personal space while still enjoying their company.

Set boundaries and be consistent

Dogs are creatures of habit and thrive with routine. Establishing clear boundaries and rules for sitting on furniture, including your lap, is essential.

To avoid your dog sitting on you, ensure everyone in the household consistently follows this rule to communicate that sitting on humans is not allowed.

Use positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement is effective for training dogs.

Whenever your dog does something right, such as getting off your lap when asked, reward it with treats or praise to reinforce the behavior and encourage them to repeat it in the future.

Train an alternative behavior

Instead of allowing your dog to sit on you, train them to sit beside or near you.

This way, the dog feels close and connected without invading your personal space.

You can use treats or toys as distractions while teaching them this new behavior.

Teach the “off” command

Teaching your dog an “off” command can be helpful when they try to jump onto furniture or people’s laps without permission.

Start by using this command when your dog is about to get off someone’s lap anyway — this will make it easier for them to understand what “off” means and associate it with getting down.

Provide comfortable alternatives

Sometimes, dogs may seek out cozy spots like your lap because they don’t have a comfortable bed or designated place where they feel safe and secure.

Ensure your dog has a cozy bed or blanket in their favorite spot in the house so they have somewhere to go to relax.

Spend quality time with your dog 

Spending quality time with your dog is crucial in building a strong bond.

It makes them feel loved and appreciated and deepens your connection.

Incorporate these tips into your daily routine.

Create a daily routine

Setting a consistent schedule for feeding, walks, playtime, and cuddle time makes your dog happier and helps build a stronger bond.

Incorporate training into playtime

Training your dog is essential to building a strong bond.

But it doesn’t have to be boring or feel like work.

Use playtime to teach your dog new tricks or reinforce old ones.

This stimulates their minds and creates positive associations with spending time with you.

Take walks

Going for walks is a simple yet effective way to spend quality time with your dog.

Not only does it provide physical exercise, but it’s also an opportunity for bonding through exploring new scents and sights together.

Engage in interactive games

Playing games like fetch, hide-and-seek, or tug-of-war can be fun and strengthen your bond. These games encourage teamwork and communication while providing mental stimulation.

Try new activities

Consider taking up a new activity like hiking, swimming, or attending obedience classes. Enriching activities also create special memories that deepen your bond.

Massage your dog

Dogs enjoy being pampered, too. Gently massaging your dog can promote relaxation and release endorphins.

Spend one-on-one time together daily

It’s easy to overlook spending quality one-on-one time with our dogs. Set aside dedicated time daily where you put away distractions such as phones or TV and give your undivided attention to your furry companion.

Practice positive reinforcement

Reward good behavior with treats, praise, and affection instead of punishment to create a trusting and loving relationship.

The bottom line on lap dogs

It is understandable and acceptable that dogs want to sit on their owners to spend quality time together. This behavior is expected in dogs and is not anything to worry about.

Both dogs and their owners enjoy the warmth and affection of cuddle time. But, if you think having your dog sit on you is odd, you can train your dog to sit by your side instead.

Physical contact with your puppy is critical to building and maintaining a strong bond. Plus, it’s fun; who doesn’t love snuggle time with their favorite pup?

Emma Wick is an avid writer. Outside work, she often explores new places or hangs out with rescue dogs. Because she’s health-conscious, she enjoys trying new healthy recipes.