If you have arrived at this content, you are probably asking yourself: Why Does my Dog Sleep on my Head?
For some dog owners, it’s gratifying when the pup climbs onto the bed to be pet or decides to sleep right on top of your head. But if this behavior starts to occur too frequently, it’s best to determine the reason why your pup is displaying this behavior and identify if there’s an underlying issue that needs to be resolved.
Knowing why your dog sleeps on your head is essential, as this behavior can indicate that your dog suffers from anxiety or insecurity. Here are some reasons why your dog may use your head as a pillow:
Why Does my Dog Sleep on my Head?
1. Separation Anxiety
If your dog is extremely attached to you or sleeps next to your head, he may be suffering from Separation Anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety are nervous in the absence of the owner. They may also exhibit problematic behaviors, such as excessive barking or restlessness. Learn more about Separation Anxiety in the link below.
In milder cases, you can gradually increase the amount of time you and your dog are apart on a daily basis. This will help your pup get used to your absence and help prevent him from feeling a drastic change. Drastic and sudden changes can be extremely stressful for dogs.
Read More: How to Prevent Separation Anxiety in Dogs
2. He is being protective
Your dog may be sleeping on your head to protect you. Have you ever imagined this?
If your pup sleeps on your head when other people are around, it could be a sign of protection. Dogs tend to exhibit this type of behavior when they notice strangers in the room.
Remember that you are your dog’s world and at any sign of threat, he will try to protect you as he sees fit.
3. “Trained” for it
We can say that animals in general tend to pick up some habits from their owners and this is no different with dogs. Dogs naturally reproduce some behaviors of their owners, whether positive or negative.
Imagine that your pup jumps on your bed and lays down next to your head. If you respond to this behavior by scratching his head and offering him a toy, your dog will automatically relate the act of sleeping on your head to something positive and will repeat it whenever he has the opportunity.
4. Makes him feel more secure
When puppies are born, they usually stay together with their mother and siblings. This kind of behavior caused them to evolve as pack animals.
It’s natural for dogs to want to be with other people so they don’t feel alone. The company of their owners and especially the act of sleeping together, makes them feel safer and more protected.
How to Make my Dog Stop Sleeping on my Head?
The dog is an animal that was raised in a pack and therefore, it is normal for him to want to be with his owner, reproducing the behaviors that were part of his routine before being with human beings.
If you don’t like your dog sleeping on your head, be patient, as a quick change can be frustrating and stressful for your pup.
One option is to train him to sleep elsewhere. For this, you can take your four-legged friend to a different place when he is about to sleep on your head. This change for your pup to understand where he should sleep may take some time, so be sure to patient and consistent.
In addition, remember that this new sleeping place should be clean and comfortable.
Read More: The Best Dog Breeds in New York City
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