Why Does My Dog Sit on My Feet?
When you’re out and about with your canine companion, you might notice that sometimes they like to back up and sit between your legs or on your feet. Even if your pooch doesn’t do this, you may have noticed another dog at some point displaying this behavior. Let’s dive more into what this means, and if it should raise concerns for you as a pet parent.
Misconceptions Behind This Behavior
Some people see the action of a dog sitting on their owner’s feet as a sign of protectiveness. When the canine growls while in this stance, this interpretation can seem reliable; however, this isn’t the case. In fact, a majority of the time that a dog displays this type of behavior, it’s because it stems from anxiety, and getting as close to their owner as possible (e.i. sitting directly on their feet) can help them feel safer. When in a state of severe anxiety, dogs can become aggressive, causing them to growl or even bite out of fear.
However, it is important to note that not all dogs who sit on their owner’s feet do it out of anxiety. If a pup acts this way when at home or in a safe space with no one else around – it could just be a way of trying to get your attention or being territorial over their owner if other pets are present in the house.
Does Your Canine Display Any of these Other Signs of Anxiety?
If your dog sits on your feet when strangers are around, when out in public, or when in stressful situations, you should also take note of other behaviors that can be anxiety-related, such as:
- Excessive licking
- Whining
- Tucking their tail between their legs
- Ducking their head
- Rolling onto their back submissively
- Urinating inside or abnormally
If your pooch shows some of these signs, then their feet-sitting behavior can most likely be attributed to anxiety.
What to Do if Your Dog is Suffering from Anxiety
If you have a dog that seems to be experiencing anxiety, especially when in public or even on walks – there are a few things you can do. First, training is a great place to start. Obedience training helps a dog build confidence and structure. When your canine knows what to expect of you, it can help reduce their anxiety significantly. You can also talk to Fido’s vet and try to find out if theirs a medical answer to this behavior. However, it’s important to remember that every canine is different – so while some dogs may quickly grow out of their anxiety, others may need a lot of time and patience.
Even though the act of a dog sitting on their owner’s feet doesn’t immediately signify that they’re experiencing anxiety, it is usually the cause. If you suspect your pooch is suffering from anxiety, the best thing you can do for them is try to get them the help they need and be patient with them as they grow.