Quick Answer
When a dog lays its head on you, it is generally a sign of affection, closeness, and trust. The dog feels comfortable and happy around you, sees you as part of its pack, and is displaying bonding behaviors. While each dog has its own personality, laying their head on you is typically an indication that a dog accepts you and feels safe and content in your presence.
When Dogs Put Their Heads on You
Dogs have a natural pack instinct that goes back to their wolf ancestors. Part of this instinct involves bonding with members of their pack and displaying affection. When a dog puts its head on you or lays its head in your lap, it is signaling that you are a member of the pack and showing trust, closeness, and harmony within the group. Here are some of the main reasons dogs will lay their heads on you:
Affection
Laying their head on you is one way dogs show affection. It often comes with other bonding behaviors like nudging your hand to be pet, looking up lovingly, licking, and wagging their tail. Your dog is saying “I feel happy and safe with you.” Dogs are very affectionate and lay their heads where they feel comfortable. If your dog consistently puts its head on your lap or leans against your leg, it is showing you are a source of calmness and comfort.
Attachment
Dogs form attachments to their caregivers and see you as a parent figure. When your dog lays its head on you, it may be trying to maintain closeness and physical contact, like children hugging their parents. This head resting behavior can be especially common after you return from being away. Your dog wants that physical contact and missed your presence.
Protection
Since dogs live in packs in the wild, they have protective group instincts. Laying their head on you or sittingCLOSE to you shows they accept you as part of the pack and want to guard you. It also establishes a close bond. When your dog puts its head on your foot or leg, it may be showing guarding behaviors and that it feels responsible for protecting you.
Submission
Lowering their head and resting it on you is a dog’s way of showing submission to you as the dominant pack member. Your dog respects you and is demonstrating its loyalty. This is one reason puppies and younger dogs frequently lay their heads on their human caregivers. It helps establish rank and authority in the relationship.
Fatigue
Your dog may lay its head on you simply because it is tired. Just like people rest their heads when they are worn out, dogs will lay their heads down to get comfortable and take a rest. It is a vulnerable position that further shows your dog trusts you. If your dog’s head is on your lap, it just wants a cozy place to relax and may eventually doze off. This is especially common after exercise or playtime when your dog is all tuckered out.
Attention and Affection
Dogs love attention and laying their head on you can get your attention. When your dog puts its head on your lap or leans against your leg, it is saying “pet me!” Your dog wants to be scratched behind the ears or have you run your hands along its back. It knows laying its head on you will get you to shower it with affection. Think of it as asking, “please pay attention to me!”
Reward
Dogs aim to please their human caregivers and laying their head on you can be them seeking a reward. If you tend to pet your dog or offer verbal praise when they put their head on you, your dog associates this with positive reinforcement. The head rest is them saying “I did something good, time for a reward!” This will likely encourage the behavior to continue.
Signs Your Dog Loves and Trusts You
If your dog regularly lays its head on you, it is displaying signs that it cares for you and sees you as a member of the pack. Here are some other signals that your dog loves and trusts you:
– Wagging tail
– Licking face and hands
– Rolling on back to expose tummy
– Contented sighs, grunts, or hums when pet
– Coming to you when called
– Attentive listening
– Watching you closely or following you around
– Greeting you enthusiastically
– Sleeping next to you
– Displaying submissive behavior
– Loyal, aims to please you
Key Things to Keep in Mind
While laying their head on you is generally a positive sign, there are some things to keep in mind:
– Don’t punish or push your dog’s head away – This can damage your bond with your dog.
– Pay attention to body language – If your dog stiffens, moves away, or shows other signs of discomfort, respect its space.
– Give affection – Give your dog a neck rub, back scratch, or belly rub as positive reinforcement.
– Build strong foundations – Spend quality time together through walks, play, training, and activities.
– Socialize your dog – Ensure it feels comfortable around other people and animals as well.
– Supervise children – Teach kids to respect a dog’s space and provide good experiences.
– Consider health issues – Rule out conditions causing lethargy or pain if head resting increases suddenly.
– Watch for resource guarding – Your dog may show possessiveness over furniture or your lap. This requires training.
– Avoid punishment – Yelling at or physically disciplining your dog will break trust and damage the human-canine bond.
What It Means if Your Dog DOESN’T Put Its Head on You
While most dogs will display affection by laying their head on you, some dogs may rarely or never exhibit this behavior. If your dog doesn’t put its head on you, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Here are some possible reasons why:
– Independent personality – Some dogs are simply less affectionate and outgoing. They bond differently with their owners.
– Too much energy – Very active dogs may have trouble settling down and relaxing enough to lay their head on you.
– Youth – Puppyhood is a learning period. Young dogs may not be fully comfortable and trusting yet.
– Fear – Dogs that are timid, anxious, or mistreated can be fearful to show vulnerability by exposing their head and neck.
– Physical discomfort – Dogs with arthritis, sore joints, or back pain may avoid laying down for extended periods.
– Hot climate – Dogs who are hot may not want to put their heads down.
– Preference for personal space – Some dogs just don’t enjoy prolonged physical contact as much as others.
– Distraction – Dogs focused on toys, treats, or activities divert their attention from resting their head on you.
– Lack of attachment – Dogs who haven’t bonded closely with their owners are less likely to display affection.
So you shouldn’t worry if your dog doesn’t put their head on you often. Pay attention to other signals of trust and happiness from your dog. Also ensure you are meeting its needs through proper care, exercise, training, socialization, and veterinary care. Build strong foundations, be patient, and know each dog has its own personality.
How To Get Your Dog To Lay Its Head On You
If you want to encourage your dog to lay its head on you more often, here are some tips:
– Have designated cuddle times where you invite your dog up on the couch or bed with you and give them focused attention. Dogs love routines.
– When your dog lays its head on you, respond with excited praise, petting, and treats so they associate this with rewards.
– Maintain calm, relaxed energy as dogs pick up on emotions and are more likely to rest their head on a calm leader.
– Go on walks and play with your dog before cuddle sessions so they have expended energy and are ready to settle down.
– Avoid physically forcing your dog’s head onto your lap. This can frighten them. Lure them gently and use treats.
– Teach cues like “lay your head” or “settle” during training sessions so your dog learns the behavior.
– Evaluate your dog’s favorite spots to rest their head and make yourself available in those places.
– Get down on your dog’s level rather than having them jump up, which may be difficult for them.
– Massage your dog’s neck and shoulders lightly to relax them and encourage head resting.
– Wait patiently and don’t give up. It can take time for some dogs to feel safe displaying affection.
Building a strong bond through everyday care, training, play, and quality time together provides the foundation. Meeting your dog’s needs and being a patient, loving leader will create trust and comfort.
What To Do If Your Dog Is Laying Its Head On You Too Much
While it’s usually a good thing for your dog to lay its head on you, some dogs take it too far and exhibit clingy behavior. This can mean constantly putting their head on you and whining or barking if you don’t respond. Here is how to deal with a dog that lays its head on you too much:
– Ensure your dog gets sufficient daily exercise to work off energy. A tired dog will be less demanding.
– Stick to a routine with regular feeding schedules, potty breaks, training sessions, etc. to create more predictability.
– Provide interactive toys to keep your dog occupied, like treat puzzles and Kongs. This provides an outlet when you’re unavailable.
– Avoid reinforcing demanding behavior by petting or comforting your dog when it acts pushy. Wait until your dog is calm.
– Practice stays and separation training so your dog learns to relax when you are not directly engaging with it.
– Use crates, baby gates, or tethers if needed to enforce breaks from constant physical contact.
– Visit your veterinarian to rule out separation anxiety or medical issues causing clinginess.
– Seek help from an accredited dog trainer if your dog’s needy behavior does not improve. Force-free training can teach more independence.
With time and consistency, you can teach a clingy dog to be okay with some space and alone time. But always meet your dog’s needs for exercise, socialization, enrichment, and bonding as well.
When to Be Concerned About a Dog Laying Its Head on You
While a dog laying its head on you is typically a healthy sign of affection, there are some cases where it warrants concern:
– Aggression – If your dog growls or snaps when you move it or pet it, it may be resource guarding your lap or furniture space. This requires training.
– Discomfort – If your dog laying its head on you seems painful or it whines or cries, check for injuries or illnesses.
– Excessive lethargy – If your once energetic dog now lays its head down constantly and lacks interest in play or walks, this could signify health problems.
– Depression – Dogs can experience depression due to changes in environment, routine, a new family member, or loss of a companion.
– Fear – If laying its head on you seems soothing in the face of loud noises, strangers, or other distress, your dog may have anxiety issues.
– Attention seeking – Frequent head resting along with whining, barking, or nudging you can signal a dog craving more attention.
– Separation anxiety – Excessive clinging when you prepare to leave the house may indicate separation distress.
So be observant of any behavior changes or signs of clinginess, anxiety, aggression, or depression along with increased head resting. Check with your vet and seek professional training guidance if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my dog put his head on my foot?
Dogs will lay their head on your foot for the same reasons they’ll put their head on your lap or lean against your leg. It shows affection, comfort, loyalty, and a bond with you. Your dog may also lay its head on your foot seeking attention, wanting to be pet, or asking for you to share your food.
Should I move my dog’s head when it is laying on me?
It’s generally fine to gently move your dog’s head if you need to change positions. Avoid forcefully pushing their head off your lap. Move slowly and lure them with a treat if needed. Never disturb your dog when they are sleeping soundly.
Is it bad if my dog always lays his head on me?
Frequent head laying is not inherently bad, but can become problematic if your dog is extremely clingy and demanding, shows separation distress, resource guards your lap, or has other behavioral issues. Setting boundaries with training is important, even as you meet your dog’s needs for affection.
What does it mean if my dog puts their head on top of mine?
When a dog puts their head or paw on top of your head, it is asserting its dominance over you and claiming a superior position. This behavior reflects a lack of boundaries and respect. Use reward-based training to teach your dog you are the leader, not them.
Why does my dog rub his head on me?
Head rubbing usually signals your dog is marking you with its scent and claiming you as part of the pack. It’s a territorial behavior and often done on objects as well. Dogs have scent glands on their heads. Rubbing releases “ownership” pheromones.
Conclusion
When your dog lays its head on you, this reflects comfort, affection, trust, and bonding. It’s a sign you have formed a close pack relationship. Dogs want to be near those they view as family. While each dog has a unique personality, frequent head laying typically means they accept and feel safe with you. It’s one of the many wonderful ways dogs show their humans love. By understanding the reasons behind this behavior and responding positively, you can build an even stronger bond with your canine companion.