In fact, dogs have been known to sleep at their owners’ feet since ancient times.
It is believed that this is because dogs feel more comfortable around humans than other animals and they also feel safer.
This may sound strange but there are plenty of examples where dogs sleep with their heads on their owner’s lap or even between their legs.
This is especially common in breeds like dachshunds, poodles, and bulldogs.
How Did This Start?
Like most things in life, there are two sides to the story of how this started.
The first theory states that this was originally done as an expression of affection and trust.
When wolves would sleep together, they were able to protect each other from predators.
Since man-made houses were not yet available, dogs slept at their owners’ feet to keep them safe while they slept.
The second theory claims that this originated from the time of domestication.
During this time, people raised dogs to help them hunt and defend their homes.
As a result, dogs became loyal companions and began to sleep at their masters’ feet.
The benefits of Having a Dog Sleep at Your Feet
Having a dog sleep at your feet may not seem like such a big deal if you don’t have any experience with dogs.
However, there are many different ways that having a dog sleep at your feet can benefit you.
1. Reduces Stress
When you walk into your house after a stressful day, your dog will most likely want to jump up on you and give you a hug.
This is also true for your dog when he or she sleeps at your feet.
By sleeping at your feet, your dog will feel more relaxed, confident, and secure.
This feeling of security helps reduce stress and anxiety in both humans and pets.
2. Helps You Relax
If you find yourself stressed out, take a moment to think about how much better you would feel if you were able to relax a little bit.
Think back to when you were younger and how much more comfortable you felt as a child when you had your favorite stuffed animal or blanket by your side.
The same thing happens with your dog when he or she sleeps at your feet.
They feel so much safer and calmer because they know that you are nearby.
3. Saves Money
It’s amazing how much money we spend on our pets each year.
We spend thousands of dollars every year just on food alone, which is one of the main reasons why we get dogs in the first place.
With a pet, you never really need to worry about feeding them again.
You also don’t have to buy them expensive toys or treats anymore.
4. Helps Improve Relationships
When I was growing up, my family always had dogs around the house.
As I got older, I realized that these dogs were actually helping us build stronger relationships.
When I came home from school, my dogs would greet me and make sure that I was okay.
They knew when I needed to be consoled and when I needed a good laugh.
In fact, having a pet has helped improve my relationship with my own children.
Since they grew up with dogs all around their homes, they treat their pets much better now than they did when they were younger.
The Different Ways Dogs Sleep at Our Feet
If you have ever taken a walk with your dog, then you will know that dogs love to be by their owner’s side.
They enjoy being in the same room as you because they feel safer and more secure being near you.
When it comes to sleeping, dogs like to do this at our feet. Dogs love to curl up on our legs or even around them.
In fact, some dogs prefer to sleep curled up against your leg rather than on your lap because they want to feel closer to you and to your warmth.
1. Walking The Dog
Dogs who sleep at our feet may also be doing so while walking.
This can happen if your dog falls asleep during walks.
It is common for dogs to fall asleep from exhaustion when they are tired out after a long day.
If your dog wakes up during a walk, he or she may curl up and rest at your feet until you get home.
2. Doggy Daycare
Another way that dogs may choose to sleep at our feet is through dog daycare services.
These services allow dogs to socialize with other dogs in the facility, which helps to keep them calm and relaxed.
Some facilities even offer grooming services for dogs so that they can relax and enjoy themselves before their owners pick them up.
How Can You Get Your Dog to Sleep at Your Feet?
If your dog has started sleeping at your feet, it’s not necessarily a bad thing.
It can be quite comforting for both you and your dog.
But if your dog is doing this on their own then it may indicate that there is something wrong with them.
So here we will discuss how to get your dog to sleep at your feet and what to do if you think your dog is sick or stressed.
1. Try to Understand Why Your Dog Is Doing This
Before you try to change anything about your dog’s behavior, you should first figure out why your dog is doing this in the first place.
You should also understand what motivates your dog to want to stay near you.
If you don’t know the answer to either of these questions then you should ask your vet.
A lot of dogs sleep at our feet because they feel safe and secure.
They like feeling closer to us, so if your dog sleeps at your feet, it may be a sign that they feel safer and more comfortable around you than other people or animals.
The fact that they spend time at your feet doesn’t mean that they love you any less.
However, if your dog spends much more time sleeping at your feet than usual, it could be a sign that they need some extra attention.
2. Make Sure That Your Dog Has Enough Exercise
When you exercise your dog, you should make sure that they have enough rest afterwards.
In order for your dog to be able to relax after an intense workout, they must have plenty of rest before and after.
If they don’t, they will become tired and stressed, which could lead to them sleeping at your feet.
You should never force your dog to exercise.
Instead, you should always encourage them to walk whenever possible.
Walking is one of the best ways to keep your dog healthy and happy.
If your dog does not enjoy walking, you should find another way to exercise them.
Some dogs prefer swimming, while others enjoy playing fetch.
Whatever activity you choose, make sure that your dog gets plenty of rest afterwards.
3. Don’t Overfeed Your Dog
If you feed your dog too many treats, they will probably start getting used to them.
This will cause your dog to associate food with comfort, which could result in them sleeping at your feet.
If your dog starts eating too much, cut back on their meals until you see a change in their behavior.
If you notice that your dog has trouble waking up from naps, or is constantly wanting to eat during the day, then you should stop giving them as many treats.
Even though they may look thirsty when they are not drinking, they still need water.
If you let them go without drinking for long periods of time, they will begin to lose strength.
Eventually, they will develop heat stroke and end up having to visit the vet.
If you have noticed that your dog drinks very little water, try adding a few drops of Pedialyte to their water bowl.
This is a specially formulated liquid that helps hydrate your dog.
5. Check Their Bowel Movements
It is important that your dog defecate regularly.
If they do not, they can become dehydrated and weak.
When they are dehydrated, they will often sleep more, especially at night.
You should check your dog’s bowel movements every day.
If you notice that they are passing fewer and fewer stools, you should take them to the vet right away.
6. Pay Attention to Any Changes in Behavior
Sometimes, dogs will start sleeping at our feet even though they are fine.
If you notice that your dog is acting strange, such as becoming lethargic, depressed, or aggressive, contact your vet immediately.
These symptoms could be signs of a serious health problem, so you should not wait to seek medical help.
7. Monitor Their Weight
Dogs tend to gain weight easily.
Unfortunately, this means that they are prone to developing obesity-related conditions.
If you notice that your dog is gaining weight, you should talk to your vet about it.
Obesity can affect a dog’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels.
If your dog is overweight, you will likely need to work with your vet to reduce your pet’s caloric intake.
They may also recommend that you put your dog on a diet, which could include using low calorie foods.
Conclusion
Whatever the reason, it is clear that your dog enjoys being close to you.
Therefore, if you want to get your dog to sleep at your feet then you should consider some of these tips below.
Put your hands under their body.
Try to make eye contact with them while they are sleeping.
Give them treats and praise as soon as they wake up.
If they still don’t do what you want, try putting a collar on them and taking them for a walk or even letting them play in an enclosed area like a yard.
Make sure that you also take care of the air around them by keeping the house clean and free from any odors.
If all else fails, you can always put them to bed in another room and let them sleep there until you feel comfortable enough to bring them back to the bedroom.
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.
