Why Do Dogs Sleep Between Your Legs? (Top 11 Reasons)
Humans have had dogs as pets, hunting partners, and best friends for centuries and it is easy to see why. They are loyal, loving, and often silly animals that bring joy into our lives.
However, sometimes our dogs do some very odd things. For example, why does your dog always try to bite you when you’re swimming? Or why does she insist on licking your belly button?
While we may never know for sure what’s going through our dog’s mind, there are a few possible explanations for these common behaviors.
As a responsible dog owner, you should take the time to learn the meaning behind your dog’s funny behaviors. They could be suffering a medical problem, or they could be trying to tell you something else important.
Of course, there is always the possibility that your dog is just being silly or loving on you.
So, what about sleeping between your legs? Why do dogs sleep between your legs? Dogs may sleep between their owner’s legs for a variety of reasons. Here are the 11 most likely reasons explanations:
- They love you
- They trust you to keep them safe
- To get and stay warm
- It’s comfortable
- They are acting on pack instinct
- To protect you
- They are scared
- They want attention
- They are sad
- They miss you
- They just simply enjoy it
Your Dog Loves You
There’s nothing quite like snuggling up with your furry best friend at the end of a long day, and of course, your sweet pooch feels the same way about you.
In fact, one of the top reasons your dog likes to sleep between your legs is because she loves you and wants to be close to you.
Your dog loves spending time with you! Sleeping between your legs is an excellent way for your dog to be close to you while they rest.
Your Dog Trusts You Will Keep Her Safe
Some of what your dog does is still based on instincts ingrained in her from when her ancestors lived in the wild. In the wild, letting your guard down and going to sleep isn’t always the safest thing to do, your dog’s sleeping habits have some basis in instinct.
When your dog sleeps between your legs, she is instinctively trying to protect herself. By curling up close to you, she feels safer and more secure. It’s a position that allows her to feel safe while you can keep an eye on her surroundings.
Your Dog Sleeps Between Your Legs Because It Is Warm
Like us humans, dogs enjoy being warm, and sleeping between your legs provides excellent body heat. Of course, your dog could get more body heat if you just let her up on your lap, or even under the blanket with you!
Unfortunately for them, most dogs are not allowed in laps or under covers. However, between the legs makes an excellent compromise for both you and your sweet dog.
Sleeping Between Your Legs Is Comfy
While dogs seem to act on love and instinct most of the time, they also like to be comfortable. Whether she is resting her head on your foot, or leg or just pushing her back against you, your dog like many other dogs loves coziness.
Comfort isn’t just about a nice pillow though, this reason can also be somewhat all-encompassing of the few we already listed too.
Pack Instinct
Another reason your dog loves to sleep between your legs has everything to do with their pack instinct.
Dogs are social creatures that crave companionship. In the wild, they live in packs where they bonded together for survival. This instinct carries over into their domesticated life, and they view their family as their pack.
When your dog sleeps between your legs they aren’t just bonding with you, it’s their way of showing that they trust you and view you as a leader.
To Protect You
Your dog may sleep between your legs to protect you, by positioning themselves in such a way that they can be ready for potential threats. Obviously, not every dog wants to protect you though, some dogs want protection from you! You’ll need to take your dog’s size, personality, and other traits into account when deciding if your dog is trying to protect you.
Your Dog Is Scared
Like I said in the last point, some dogs want protection from you. If your dog is small, old, or if they have a naturally timid personality, then it’s possible that they’re not feeling entirely secure and appreciate the extra protection you provide.
This isn’t only a problem for small, old, or timid dogs. One of my dogs doesn’t fit into any of those categories and there are still a few things that scare him.
Thunder and other loud noises, for instance, will send him running to get as close as to me as possible. And if a thunderstorm lasts for too long, he’ll make himself comfortable between my legs and start to drift off.
Your Dog Wants Your Attention
Dogs crave attention from their owners. If you’re not giving them enough attention (trust me, in their minds you never do!), they may start acting out to get your attention.
This can manifest itself in a number of ways, including trying to get as close to you as possible. If you reward the behavior, it’ll be a go-to move for your dog, which might end with them asleep between your legs each time.
She Needs You Emotionally
For the most part, dogs are happy-go-lucky animals, but that is not always the case. If your dog is always trying to sleep between your legs, it could be a sign that she is emotionally distressed in some way.
There could be several reasons why your dog is seeking out this type of physical contact. It could be that she is feeling insecure and is looking for a sense of security by being close to you.
It could also be that she is feeling isolated and is looking for some companionship. When dogs lose buddies (when your child moves out of the house or the other family dog passes) they can and do experience grief.
Being there for a dog that needs emotional support is an important part of being a responsible pet owner. Be especially kind to your best friend until she starts feeling better.
She Misses You
If you’ve been away from home for a long period of time, your dog may start to feel anxious and lonely. This is especially true if she’s not used to being left alone for long stretches.
One way she may try to handle her anxious feeling is by sleeping where you are. This gives her a sense of comfort and helps her feel closer to you.
Your Dog Enjoys It
Dogs do weird dog things just because they are fun and enjoyable. Sometimes they are silly, sometimes loving and sometimes they are destructive.
Luckily, sleeping between your legs usually isn’t destructive.
For your dog, when it comes to sleeping between your legs, she may just enjoy it because she’s a dog and that’s what dogs do in her mind.
Is It Okay For Your Dog To Sleep Between Your Legs?
As long as you don’t mind it and your dog isn’t being destructive somehow, there’s no harm in letting her sleep between your legs.
In fact, it may even be beneficial for both of you! Physical contact can be soothing for everyone involved.
Plus, it’s just nice to have a warm body next to you when you’re trying to sleep!
I personally love a dog that’s ready for a cuddle!
Final Thoughts: Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs?
Dogs may sleep between their owner’s legs for a variety of reasons.
If your furry friend loves snuggling up to you when they sleep, it’s likely because they love and trust you. They feel safe and comfortable with you and know that you’ll keep them protected.
Dogs are den animals, meaning that they’re programmed to sleep in small, tight spaces. When they curl up between your legs, they’re imitating this instinctual behavior. It’s also why some dogs enjoy sleeping in dog beds that are similar in size to their own body.
Another reason your dog may sleep between your legs is for warmth. This is especially true if your pup is small or has thin fur. By snuggling up to you, they’re able to stay nice and toasty.
Some dogs also just genuinely enjoy it! They may like the feeling of being close to you, or they may find your legs to be comfortable. Regardless of the reason, if your dog is happy doing it then there’s no need to worry.
Of course, there are also some less than positive reasons why your dog may sleep between your legs. If they’re scared, they may view you as a form of protection. This could be due to a traumatic experience, or simply because they’re something is making them anxious.
Dogs may also sleep between your legs when they’re sad. If you’ve been gone all day, they may miss you and want to be as close to you as possible. This is especially true of puppies, who may get separation anxiety when left alone.
Ultimately, the reason why your dog sleeps between your legs is unique to them. It could be a combination of several different factors, or it could be something as simple as enjoying the way you pet them in that cuddle position.
It’s good to be able to understand why your dog does anything, even as seemingly harmless as sleeping between your legs. If your dog is just getting comfortable you may have a much different reaction than if you learn your dog is scared.
If you’re concerned about your dog’s behavior, always consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist to get their professional opinion.