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We love our dogs as much for their personalities as they’re strange quirks. One such quirk is sitting on you. Often a dog will sit on any part of your body… but why do dogs sit on your feet specifically? What does it mean and should you be concerned about it?
There’s no single reason why dogs sit on your feet, and some of our ideas about why they do so are likely just speculation.
However, some reasons why dogs sit on your feet probably have a lot to do with how dogs are in the wild. Some others may be down to habit.
Today I’m going to discuss why dogs sit on our feet and try to tease out some of the reasons behind such behaviour:
Table of Contents
- Our Dogs’ Ancestors Are Pack Animals
- They Like Being Close to You
- They’re Being Affectionate
- They Are Protecting You
- They’re Submissive
- Comfort
- They’re Anxious
- They Want Something
- Summary: Why Do Dogs Sit on Your Feet?
- Related Posts
Why Do Dogs Sit on Your Feet?
Dogs Sit On Your Feet Because Their Ancestors Were Pack Animals
Our dogs’ ancestors were pack animals…. which means they love to hang with their pack family. And when I say hang, I mean they like to be close… very close!
In the wild, our dogs’ ancestors huddled together for warmth, comfort and protection. Such physical closeness ensured their survival.
Of course, our dogs are domesticated and their survival no longer depends pack dynamics in the same way.
However, it’s possible your dog sits on your feet because it has an innate need for closeness springing from ancestral memory. It might not know why it does it, but sitting on your feet might just make it feel safe.
Dogs Sit On Your Feet Because They Like Being Close to You
Perhaps when a dog sits on your feet it requires no other explanation than it likes being in contact with you.
Yes, domestic dogs have evolved from wild dogs and have retained instincts from their foreparents. However, domestic dogs form a strong bond with their owners, and sitting on their feet might be one way they express how much they like being with you.
Like human partners who hold hands, perhaps dogs sit on your feet to say “I love you”.
Ahhhh!
Dogs Sit On Your Feet When They’re Protecting You
A dog will always protect the pack. There may be situations where a dog feels that you, it or both of you are under threat. If this is the case it might sit on your feet.
Dogs in the pack tend to rally around one another if they feel threatened. They may huddle together and put themselves together to protect the pack.
If your dog sits on your feet it may be a sign it’s trying to protect you.
Dogs Sit On Your Feet Because They’re Being Submissive
If a dog sits on your feet, it may be displaying submissiveness to let you know you’re the boss, especially if it exposes its tummy while doing so.
There are some theories that dogs sit on your feet to show their dominance over you, however this seems unlikely.
Dominant dogs may show complete disinterest in you or simply ignore your commands. I wouldn’t imagine that sitting on your feet is a way to state your dog feels like an alpha!
Dogs Sit On Your Feet For Comfort
As I’ve mentioned, our dogs seem to enjoy close contact with us through an innate sense of the “pack”.
The truth is though that dogs seem simply to get a sense of comfort from being close to us and sitting on your feet might simply be an example of that.
Furthermore, most dogs love being warm (I know my Whippet does). If a dog sits on your feet regularly, especially during cooler times, it could be simply stealing your warmth… and that makes it feel comfortable.
Dogs Sit On Your Feet When They’re Anxious
Perhaps you’ve been out walking with your dog and encountered another dog it’s unsure about. I certainly have, and when this happens my dog usually moves very close to me and snakes around behind me almost wrapping itself around my legs.
Clearly she’s putting me in front of herself as a barrier and this makes her feel safe.
If you’re at home and your dog sits on your feet, it may be doing something similar to feel less anxious and more safe.
Dogs Sit On Your Feet When They Want Something
Our dogs communicate with us in a number of ways. Sometimes they bark to draw our attention to something. Other times our dogs scratch floors to let us know something’s up.
Dogs are also resourceful. If your dog wants food, a little play or some time outside, it may try a number of ways to communicate this to you.
If it doesn’t get the response it’s looking for, it may resort to a more physical form of language… sitting on your feet.
Furthermore, it’s likely that a dog will sit on your feet if it’s used the strategy before and it worked.
Dogs aren’t stupid!
Summary: Why Do Dogs Sit on Your Feet?
It’s likely that dogs sit on our feet for a number of reasons. I tend to think that my dog just loves to be in close proximity… preferably sitting on me in one way or another.
If I’m lying down on my belly watching television, she’ll come and lie on my back. If I’m lounging on my sofa reading a book, she’ll try to lie across my lap. And if I put my feet in front of my log burner on a cool night, she’ll sit on my feet!
Does your dog sit on your feet? Why do you think he or she does that? Leave a comment at the bottom of this page to share your thoughts.
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Angela D Asa says
I had dogs continuously from 1970 to 2010 and we, as a family, always just said that, when the dog sat on your feet, he just wanted to be sure to always follow you when you would get up to go elsewhere. You’d move your feet to get up, it would obviously wake him up if he were sleeping and indicate that we were on the move and, heck! Who knows? Maybe something exciting is going to happen. Car ride, walk, treats–yes, please!! 🙂
ShaRonda Foster says
My baby is always at my feet, when I’m working, when I’m lounging to watch tv, when I’m laying in bed. I believe it’s her way of being close to me and protecting me. I know she loves me deeply so I don’t mind that she lay at my feet one bit.
Carmen Gubert says
My 3 yr old, 90 pound GSD (Jack), lays his head on my lap while he is standing and leans into me. This is his way of hugging me. He does it every morning when we wake. He will even hug my boyfriend this way when I tell him, “Dennis needs a hug”. Of course his hugs for Dennis are much shorter. 😉
When it comes to the feet, however, he will lay his head on Dennis’ boot when we are lounging around. He will even wrap his front paw or paws around the boot at times. I am retired but Dennis still works and he doesn’t live with me so he isn’t here nearly as much as I am. I catch Jack sniffing his boots sometimes with an occasional ‘lick’, which is how dogs ‘set smells to memory’. So I think it is a combination of reasons; 1. So he can determine where Dennis has been based on the smells he has on his boots, 2. Because he wants to know when Dennis is on the move. Jack is a rescue and can sometimes have separation anxiety. 3. Dennis always sits in a chair and Jack won’t fit in the chair with him so he lays his head on his feet to be close.
Over-all I believe it is a learned behavior based on what the dog has learned (through trial and error) will works for his needs. Dogs have an incredibly complex range of communication skills. We just have to pay attention to them as they do with us.
Kat says
My Malanutes like to sit on my feet. I believe it’s their way of loving/feeling close to me.
Cowboy Ken says
When I got my first GSD, we would nap on the floor in front of the wood heater. While we slept, I always had a hand on him to alert me when he woke up. Helped keep him from getting into trouble. As he got older he never did the same to me.
Phil says
Great article and clever replies!
My black lab and previous dogs lay down with a head or paw on my lap. I always thought it was so in case they fall asleep ( which is typical) , they will wake up if I go to move.
I’ve had dogs thar can hear me put on my sneakers and come from rooms away. Certainly respond when they see me putting on my shoes.
Mae has correlated the Chime of the Ring doorbell to someone arriving
paulf says
Hi Phil and thanks! I’m loving the discussion too!
Ken says
I believe dogs don’t fully sleep like rems or deep sleep I hear about in us, unless they know one or more in the pack is on sentry or is comfortable with the protection from outside that they fully relax.
Jim says
I think they lay on your feet when your sleeping due to the reasons above. I feel like when I am watching TV, my aussie doodle Lola will lay on my feet and nap. I think she does this so she can feel me when I get up so she can not miss a thing. I had other dogs do the same thing.
Jeanne M Jeffers says
I have 2 lab/collie mix most loving dogs ever always want to be with me no matter where I go or do. Always want to cuddle and play my youngest of the 2 likes to give momma kisses with toys in her mouth yuck whenever something scares them or they just need there momma they will come cuddle up and lay anywhere they can even if it’s on top of my head 😂
Kath says
I believe my dog sits on my feet or my lap if he thinks I’m going out, just doesn’t want to miss out by taking a nap elsewhere, where he might miss out on a trip.
Annie says
My dad used to say that dogs lie on your feet so that they can sleep and know if you’re going somewhere.
Mariana Lita says
It’s looks like one more sweet reason among all the others already so lovely!
Tracy Hart says
Cats do this too. I’m sure it means they love us and want to be close !
Marla Hart (no relation, maybe distant) says
Yes, both my cats love me, want to be close & purr when they get attention. They both have sat on my feet when it’s feeding time. When I get up, they show me the empty food bowls. Lol Also, if I’m away all day, they’ll sit on my feet, I believe to say I was gone too long. I missed them too!
Beth says
My big guy (70 lbs) loves to sit on my feet, as well as my mother’s. He’s not being rude about it, but just seems to want to be close to us. My little girl (12 lbs) will sit on my feet when she’s afraid. She won’t sit on my Mom’s feet, just mine, though she absolutely adores her GrandMaMa. I think it’s as you said, there’s several reasons why they sit on our feet. And I, personally, do believe that they still have that pack mentality buried inside of them.
Cindia says
I do not pretend to know why pets do the things they do – they just do whatever it is they do – and the mystique just adds to the fascination I have with ‘all creatures great and small’ and keeps me wondering why they do the things they do and what it means – and what are they thinking! Regardless, I love the Comments on here!
First time I have seen this Channel – Subscribed!
Wendy Jorgensen says
The mystery of each animal (including humans) is something I doubt we can ever really understand. Still, I believe my little dog lies on my feet to be both to dominant & caring. She wants (& demands) to be needed by me.
Ali says
I/we do not have a dog at the moment. However, I am doing my research, and collecting as much information as possible before bringing a dog into our home. This will be a rescued dog. The dog sitting on your feet for different reasons is interesting, and would have no problem with that.
Tonya says
My husband and I have brothers (border collie/red heeler mix) and one of them just loves to lay on our feet as we watch TV in the evenings. When we get up to do something during commercials he just lays right there and waits for us to come back and makes sure that our feet get covered again. So nice in the winter.
Leslie C Woodward says
I always thought that the reason my dog/dogs sit on my feet was to show their dominance. It doesn’t work, lol.
Read says
Maybe not look at a dog as you do a human, be objective and learn about dominance and hierarchy.
Denita White says
My golden is 6 years old and deaf. She throws her leg over mine while we sleep. In order for her to relax she needs to be touching me.
Loretta says
I am the cook in the family. I am sure my dog lies on my feet so she knows when I get up to possibly go to the kitchen to make food, in hopes she’ll get some scraps. 😋
Heather says
My friend had a dog that needed to be the centre of attention at all times (staffy). He would sit on my feet while my two dogs just did as they were told and waited. I think it is a statement that needs to be addressed by telling them their place is beside us… not on our feet.
Pagey says
Dogs sit on your feet to say, “You’re going nowhere!” Making sure that you remain where you are, with them, for a while longer.
Guenn says
I agree ! I also think they track the smells in our shoes to know where we’ve been and with whom. I think dogs know alot more about us than we do about them ! Their senses are so fine tuned in ways we humans simply aren’t. That’s my take !!!
Railroadralf says
True, Pagey!
Danok9 says
One note. Dogs are not pack animals, they’re domesticated animals now. The difference being in the structure of a pack versus a domesticated socialized dog that has to rely on human beings for their food, shelter and care.
paulf says
That’s a great point and I’ve updated the article to make this more clear. Many thanks for your helpful comment Danok9!
Patti Creem says
My dog does not want me to leave. Sits right on them and doesn’t move. Clever German Shepherd.
paulf says
They’re so smart aren’t they Patti!
Lars says
I think dogs do it sometimes as a way of “claiming” you, or marking you for ownership.
Heather says
Exactly. A dog has no place demanding ownership of a human. They are an ex-wild animal with big teeth who can become insanely jealous!
Cece says
Heather calm down! Your dog is probably fearful of you! Your past comments reflect your overly strict nature. Dogs just want you to love you unconditionally as they love you so freely and so unconditionally. What does it mean that they should know their place? They are sweet defenceless animals unless they are trained otherwise.
Charlie says
Dogs don’t get jealous (like people). More panic on missing out on something. Dogs sit on feet to be close to their owner
Serena says
The black dog in the first photo looks exactly like my rescue dog we adopted from Georgia!!!
Janice says
My dog is a Rottweiler and Cane Corso mix or a Rottiecorso. He is always on guard. If we are outside on my back deck, he will herd me to the patio chair, and lays on my feet. I believe it is a protective mechanism. Also I had an appointment with my attorney, at his office, and I took my dog, he laid on my feet, the entire time. He was unsure of the office environment and people, maybe insecurity or more protectiveness?
Rugergirl says
I love Rottweilers, had 5 of my own and they are VERY protective of their owners
Sandy says
I think my dog sits on my feet because just in case she falls asleep she will know when I get up and leave because she doesn’t like to get left behind.
Pat says
My pug is like that. He doesn’t want to be left behind… OR, if I go to the kitchen to be sure he’ll follow.
Pam says
I agree with this. PAM
Bridgett says
I am older but am constantly on the move at home, one room to the next and so on. I think my English Springer Spaniel just wants me to park it somewhere for a little bit and be the lap dog she was as a puppy.
Jean says
Monitoring pulse in your feet to monitor your status.
paulf says
That’s a great point Jean.
Mark says
Maybe our dogs sit on our feet because their butts are cold?
paulf says
Ha! I hadn’t thought of that Mark!
James Kreider says
My boxer sits beside me or lays on the floor while I’m a couch potato. If I get up I believe he is wondering if I’m going to the kitchen. If he hears a rustling bag of chips or the like he is on it. Lol! Great watch dog! Goofy personality. But when he is serious…whoa.
Paula LaCroix says
My dog lays on my feet when I’m sitting at the table, I’ve always thought it’s he’s way of showing he’s feelings for me.
paulf says
This is what I think when my Whippet sits on my feet Paula.
Don Ross says
My Goldens will lay on my feet when Im eating at the table in particular however I believe they do that so they can sleep but will immediately know if It am on the move. They also will move around with me but will be close enough that they are aware should I move
Pat says
When he’s doing that when eating, it’s just because he wants food and hopes I’ll drop something…
James Kreider says
Waiting for you to drop food lol!
SC Sheythe says
More like waiting for a treat to appear off your plate?
Francesca says
My Newfoundland will sit on feet of strangers too. She is very affectionate and will even go to first time meet people if they acknowledge us.
paulf says
Hi Francesca… she sounds super-friendly!
Laura says
All of these reasons sound logical. I have 2 more questions about a dog’s behavior….
1. Why does my dog howl when he hears sirens?
2. Why does my dog rub his butt on family members?
Kelly says
1 hurts their ears
2 doesn’t like them
Carmen Gubert says
Typically a dog will not present his rear end to someone they do not trust. So it doesn’t make sense to me that a dog would rub his butt on someone they do not like. My guess is that the dog likes a scratch and has learned that this will get them a scratch.
Nicola says
I believe dogs sit at your feet… firstly the dog feels safe and relaxed whilst doing this (a bit like having a tea break and totally switching off from duty). When you (the pack) moves, the dog will feel the sudden movement & will follow so they are not left behind… ultimately for their survival.
paulf says
I think what you say is true Nicola and I love the idea of dogs having a “tea break”!