The relationship between man and dog goes back to ancient times, and over the centuries these animals have become not just companions, but also loyal friends.
One of the most touching and expressive gestures a dog can use to share its feelings is when it lays its head on a person.
This action can be full of tenderness and trust, and often speaks volumes without words.
We will try to reveal the meaning of this gesture and its influence on strengthening the bond between a person and his four-legged friend.
Considers him part of his pack
Dogs like to mark what they consider their territory, much like cats do.
When they are outside, they may mark a tree to “claim space” and let other dogs know they have been there.
However, dogs urinate for more than just marking territory or things.
The dog places its head, paw, or entire body on a favorite toy or pillow in the house to prevent other pets or children from taking possession of what it considers “its” things.
Some dogs also like to lay their heads on their owner to “mark” them as part of their pack.
There is nothing wrong with a dog lying on a person, as long as the dog does not behave aggressively towards people and animals that approach him.
In such a case, the dog tries to “own” him as if he were his own, as if he were the leader of the pack. It is necessary to immediately correct your behavior, since a person should always be a leader.
Separation Anxiety
Some dogs develop separation anxiety, especially when they spend a lot of time alone at home.
If a dog suffers from separation anxiety, it may try to ease its anxiety by bonding with the person when they are around.
She may lean her head or body against him, even just his legs, while the person is sitting, in an attempt to feel less lonely.
It may be cute when a dog puts its head on a person, but if it is due to separation anxiety, then the behavior is unhealthy and anxiety needs to be addressed.
If your dog has separation anxiety, he or she will likely exhibit other signs such as barking, pacing, destroying things, and defecating on the floor.
Offers support
Dogs tend to have the ability to understand what people are feeling.
Body language and other cues allow her to understand when a person is feeling lonely, depressed, stressed or sick.
When a dog senses that a person is not in the best position, it will usually look for a way to offer its support.
One way is to lay his head on his owner. If you are feeling down, sick or unhappy for any reason, don't be surprised if your dog curls up and lays his head on your lap while you are sitting on the couch.
Wants to get closer
One of the reasons why dogs are considered man's best friend is because they are willing to bond with humans.
The more a dog becomes attached to a person, the better it will understand them and what they are communicating to it. The same is true in the opposite case - the closer a person gets to them, the better they will understand the dog.
Dogs bond with people by making physical contact, such as laying their head on a person's legs or lap. If the dog is calm and relaxed, and there is no other reason for this behavior, it should be taken as a sign of a desire for further bonding.
Wants to protect the owner
Some dogs are protective of their owners, especially when they sense that something is “wrong” or that danger is lurking around them.
For example, a dog may sense that a stranger the owner is meeting in public is a threat and will want to protect him in some way.
In this case, she may decide to rest her head on her leg or press herself against her owner's body in an attempt to protect him from the perceived threat.
If no threat is carried out, the dog will most likely do nothing more.
Seeks protection
The dog not only wants to protect the person, but also relies on the person to provide protection when needed.
Sometimes a dog may feel threatened or anxious, especially in a new situation, and will try to get protection from a person in order to feel more comfortable and at ease.
One way she could do this is by placing her head on the person.
The dog may do this while trying to hide behind a person's body or while under a table.
She may be wary of people she doesn't know and stay close to her owner, whether she can touch him or not.
Closeness and physical contact allow your pet to feel more secure and in control of its environment.
Trying to warm up
Another common reason a dog will lay its head on a person is to keep warm on a cold day.
Even though dogs have fur that keeps them warm, they can still get very cold.
To try to keep warm, they will pool their body heat with other members of their "flock".
Wants attention
All dogs enjoy getting attention from their owners. Whether it's a walk or a game in the park, the attention a dog gets from its human helps improve its life and health.
When a dog feels like it is not getting enough attention from its owner, it may decide to nuzzle its head against him to get him to focus his attention on it.
Feels depressed
Depression is as real for dogs as it is for people. Depressed dogs tend to want comfort from their owners.
Depression can develop for a variety of reasons, including illness, chronic pain, loneliness, and even grief following the death of another pet or human family member.
Many dogs try to find comfort when they feel stressed by resting their head on a person or another pet.
Extra physical contact can help ease the dog's mind and body.
Feels unwell
A dog that is not feeling well will tend to nap frequently to conserve energy for healing and to pass the time until he feels well again. Sometimes a pet wants to distract himself from his discomfort.
The dog may find a comfortable blanket or pillow to sleep on, or rest its head on the owner's legs or lap. Physical contact will allow you to check for symptoms (such as body temperature) and assess whether the pet needs help.
Tired
Although most dog breeds are full of energy, they sometimes get tired during the day. Many dogs sleep on a bed, but some prefer to snuggle up to a person.
Reminds of its presence
Sometimes a dog may put its head on its owner's lap to get noticed.
This is especially true for dogs who don't like being ignored and who are used to being the center of attention.
A dog who sees its owner focused on visitors or other animals may simply want to make their presence known with a quick nudge or head tilt. A pat on the head or a “sit” command will give it the reassurance it’s looking for.
Wants to reduce stress levels
Stress can make a dog feel uncomfortable, whether it is the dog or the person experiencing the stress.
If the owner is stressed, the dog will likely sense this and may offer support.
One way a pet might do this is by laying its head on the person.
A dog may behave in exactly the same way if it is itself stressed and in need of comfort.
Just enjoying the interaction
Finally, there may be no reason for a dog to put its head on a person's lap at all, other than to simply enjoy the companionship.
Some dogs will not do this because they have a more independent temperament.
Other dog breeds are physically attached to their owners and may often lay their heads on their owners' shoulders.
Dogs that enjoy physical touch are more likely to do it simply for the fun of it.
Earlier we wrote about why a cat sleeps on a person’s stomach.
