Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs?

Does your dog love getting cozy in bed with you? Does it snuggle down as close to you as possible? Why does your dog sleep between your legs when it could sleep anywhere?

Cuddling with dogs is a sweet experience that warms your heart. Some owners notice their dog loves to sleep between their legs when it’s bedtime.

So what’s the story behind this most intimate if sleeping positions?

Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs?

Many owners don’t like the idea of their dog sleeping in their bed with them and some dog breeds are completely happy to sleep in their own bed.

I’m a Whippet owner and Whippets love to burrow under the covers with you

According to many others I’ve met who own Whippets, Sighthounds or any type of Longdog, they’ve also found it difficult NOT to allow their dogs to sleep with them in their bed.

There are lots of reasons why some dogs love to sleep with their owners. Additionally, there are many reasons why dogs that do sleep in the same bed as their owners, love sleeping between their legs.

Why Does My Dog Stand On Me?

Pack Mentality

Your tiny Pomeranian may not exactly remind you of a fierce wolf, but pack instincts are still engrained in our furry friends. In the wild, dogs form packs to survive. Sleeping side-by-side has long been a natural part of pack mentality. 

In packs, dogs provide security and familiarity to one another. Snuggling up to one another may also comfort dogs, reminding them of their early days with their litter-mates. 

A wolf pack’s alpha will choose the optimal sleeping spot, and subordinates must have permission to sleep next to them. Depending on what breed your pooch is, he may sleep between your legs with (or without) your permission.

Why Do Dogs Lick Air?

Your Dog Feels Safe

When your dog snuggles between your legs, it feels safe and secure. As a pet parent, you keep your pup from harm. Nestling between your legs makes your dogs feel secure from any threat that could pop up. 

On top of your bed also serves as a good vantage point to stay on the lookout. Between your legs or at your feet may offer the best visibility of both you and the whole room, helping your dog feel safe and in control. 

If your dog pal knows it can rest safely between your legs, it’ll be a happy bedmate!

Comfort and Warmth

One simple reason for this sleeping phenomenon is that your dog is cozy and warm between your legs. 

Perhaps your dog tested the doggie bed you bought him, then the rug and then the couch. After a period of experimentation, your dog may have decided that snuggling next to  your legs offered optimal comfort and warmth.

If your home’s a little cooler during winter months, you may notice your dog sleeping between your legs more frequently: this suggests it’s seeking warmth. Unless you toss and turn all night, being in the bed with you might just be the most comfortable real estate available!

Your Dog is Protecting You

A loyal and loving dog would likely do anything for you? Of course they want to feel protected but they too want to protect you at all times? This could be another reason why your dog wiggles in between your legs when it’s bedtime.

As part of that pack mentality, dogs have a natural instinct to protect their families. And you, as your dog’s loving owner, are a member of your companion’s pack. 

Your dog wants to be there for you throughout those long nighttime hours, ready to guard you against any threat…

… and sleeping between your legs might be just the best place to be to that end!

Bonding

At the heart of all of these reasons is the special connection you share with your pup. Your dog loves you, trusts you and enjoys spending time with you. 

When you think about it that way, how could you expect your dog to want to sleep apart from you?

Humans and dogs share bonds that are unlike any other cross-species relationships on Earth. This close bond traces back to 15,000 years ago and it’s unlikely to change anytime soon.

You and your dog care deeply about one another. Sleeping together so closely solidifies your bond, making you inseparable.  

Separation Anxiety

While we’re on the subject of inseparability, separation anxiety could be another reason why your dog refuses to leave your side (or legs) even while you sleep.

Have you noticed that your dog becomes anxious when you’re not around? Does it struggle if you’re gone, even if just for a few hours? 

If you think your dog has separation anxiety, try consulting your vet. Sleeping between your legs could be the tip of the iceberg if your dog is suffering in this way.

It’s critical that your dog knows how to behave and feels safe all the time, even when you’re not around.

Can Whippets Be Left Alone?

Sleeping Between Your Legs Could Be a Habit

As a puppy, where did your little companion sleep? If it was between your legs, that could be the reason it still chooses to sleep there. Once your dig finds a comfortable sleeping spot it adores, it turns into a habit. 

Dogs enjoy routines and habits, similar to humans. When your dog is used to sleeping between your legs, it’s more likely to continue doing so.

If your dog had originally started sleeping by your side or next to your pillow, it might have continued with that habit instead.

No matter where your dog sleeps on your bed, consider it a sign of love, trust, and affection.

How to Train Your Dog Not to Sleep Between Your Legs

Are you a light sleeper, or do you prefer having your bed to yourself? If so, perhaps you groan when your dog hops into bed and snuggles between your legs. However, it is possible to train your sog to sleep in another location or position on your bed.

Use positive reinforcement to encourage the sleeping behaviour you desire. You’ll need lots of patience and time while training your dog to sleep somewhere new, so take a deep breath!

Use treats or your dog’s favourite toys as a reward for sleeping in its own bed. With time, your dig can learn to love its new little nap spot. 

Summary – Why Does My Dog Sleep Between My Legs?

Some dogs may be difficult to convince that sleeping between your legs is the best place to spend it’s nights but with persistence and love you can change it’s nighttime habit. 

Whether you continue snuggling with your dog or gently convince it that the dog bed is just as cozy, know that the bond you two share runs deep!

Do you have another reason why dogs sleep between your legs? Please share it or leave a comment on the section at the bottom of this page.

Related Posts

• Why Do Dogs Lick the Furniture?
• Can Dogs Eat Jello?
• Why Are Whippet Rescue Centres So Important?
• Is Eucalyptus Oil Safe for Dogs?
• 4 Useful Items of Clothing for Whippets
• Is Peppermint Oil Safe for Dogs?
• Why Do Dogs Roll in Fox Poo?
• Reasons Why Whippet Puppies Are the Best!
• Can Dogs Eat Feta Cheese?
• Can Dogs Eat Hazelnuts?

Enjoyed this post? Please share it!