The latter is more likely if your dog has had a bad experience before.
If this happens often, then it’s best to discuss it with your vet.
“If there’s any history of aggression toward other dogs, your vet should be notified immediately so that proper precautions can be taken,” says Dr.Dale.
However, it’s important to note that this behavior isn’t necessarily an indication of aggression.
Some dogs simply enjoy snuggling up to their owners and resting on their chests.
In fact, some dogs even have a habit of doing this throughout the day instead of just at night.
This is because they feel safe, secure, and comfortable around you.
“Some dogs will lie on their owner all day long, but others only do it at certain times of day,” says Dr.Dale.
“They’ll still do it if you’re not home. So, it’s really up to your individual dog.”
If your dog does this often, then it may be best to try and get them used to sleeping elsewhere.
You may even want to consider getting a crate instead of a bed to make sure they don’t feel threatened by you in your sleep.
It’s A Sign Of Dominance
When it comes to dominance, dogs are not like humans.
Humans have an innate instinct to give way to those with more power.
This is usually done through physical strength, but in some instances, it may be achieved by using intimidation or fear.
For example, if you own a small dog, it could be intimidating enough to make people back down.
In other situations, it may be possible to intimidate someone with your body language alone.
If you want to dominate your dog, it’s important to use these techniques effectively.
Dominant dogs tend to display a lot of submissive behavior.
It may include sitting, laying down, or curling up next to you.
The reason your dog does this is because it wants to show its submission to you.
It also shows how much it trusts you as a leader.
However, this doesn’t mean that dogs don’t get jealous.
Some dogs may try to gain control over another dog by lying on top of them.
It’s likely that they are doing this out of jealousy, since they feel like they aren’t getting enough attention.
This isn’t to say that all dominant dogs act this way, but many do.
So if you see your dog laying on your chest, it’s best to leave them there until they calm down.
You should never reprimand a dominant dog for this behavior, unless it becomes aggressive.
It Could Be Anxiety
There are two main reasons why your dog could lay down on your chest while sleeping:
They Want To Sleep With You – If your dog wants to sleep with you, it’ll usually try to get into bed with you. This is because they want to be close to you, and they feel safe if you’re near them. So if your dog is laying on your chest, this is a clear sign that they want to stay close to you at night.
They Fear Abandonment – As I mentioned above, dogs are social animals, so they don’t like being left alone. If they sense that you won’t be there for them in the morning, they’ll often seek out someone else to make sure they have company. In other words, they fear abandonment.
If your dog is anxious or fearful, they may lay down on your chest as a way to calm themselves.
However, if your dog is happy and content, they may just be resting comfortably after having a good night’s rest.
It Could Be A Health Issue
If it happens more than once, then it could be a health issue.
Dogs can get allergies just like humans, so if your dog has developed an allergy to something in your home, they might resort to laying near you as a way to feel better.
The next time this happens, make sure your dog doesn’t have fleas or ticks.
Fleas can cause them to itch, which causes them to rub against you.
If your dog does have fleas, contact your vet immediately to treat them.
Also, check for ticks around your dog’s neck, ears, and paws.
Another possible reason for your dog to lay on your chest is because they are experiencing pain.
Sometimes our pets can experience pain, but it’s very rare.
However, some dogs are prone to arthritis or other joint problems.
When these joints hurt, they may resort to rubbing themselves against you to try to relieve the pain.
If it’s happening frequently, then there is probably a deeper underlying problem with one of your dog’s joints.
In order to find out, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
It’s Probably Just Comfort
When we first meet our new puppy, it’s normal for them to want to snuggle up to us.
This is because it feels good to have an animal who loves you unconditionally right next to you.
When your dog sleeps, they often like to curl up around your body so they can feel protected and secure.
However, if your dog starts laying on your chest after they wake up, this could mean something else.
It could be a sign that your dog wants their routine to start over again.
For example, if they sleep in the same spot every night, but suddenly, they decide one day to change their sleeping position, then this is a sign that they are insecure — and they need more attention.
If your dog always lies down on your chest during the day, this could also be a sign that they are uncomfortable with strangers or other pets.
If this happens to you constantly, it may be time to take your pup outside to play to get some fresh air and exercise.
This behavior is not uncommon at all, as many people report dogs laying down on their chests while they sleep.
So don’t worry too much if your dog does it occasionally, as long as there aren’t any negative health issues involved.
Hi, my name is Megan Turner and I have worked in a dog’s shelter for four years now. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home.
Unfortunately, handicapped dogs are much more likely to be ignored when a family is picking out their new pet. Handicapped pets need more care than non-handicapped pets, so it is understandable why they are often harder to rehome.
