If you’re lucky enough to have a dog, then you’re also lucky enough to have experienced the joy of falling asleep on the couch with your pup.
Not only is it great bonding time with your furry friend (and parent-in-training), but it’s also an opportunity to take a nap without being woken up by an alarm clock or someone poking you on Facebook.
But what happens when this lovely situation goes awry? What if you fall asleep and your dog falls asleep on top of you?
This can be a problem if you’re claustrophobic or just don’t like sleeping in weird positions but there are some steps that can help get rid of the doggy burrito once and for all.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Dogs may fall asleep on their owners as a sign of trust, comfort, and bonding. |
| When a dog falls asleep on you, enjoy the precious moment and create a cozy environment. |
| Avoid disturbing your sleeping dog, as it may disrupt their rest and cause unnecessary stress. |
| Provide your dog with a comfortable sleeping area of their own to encourage independent rest. |
| Seek professional advice if your dog’s sleeping behavior becomes excessive, disruptive, or concerning. |
1. Petting A Dog Asleep On You
When your dog falls asleep on you, the first thing to do is pet him. This will keep him calm and relaxed so that he doesn’t move around or get up.
Be sure not to wake your dog up by moving his legs or head, even if it seems like he might be uncomfortable. It can be hard for dogs to fall back asleep after they’ve woken up from a nap!
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2. Try To Move Out
As soon as you realize your dog has fallen asleep on you, try to move out of the way. It’s not easy but try to do it slowly and gently so you don’t hurt him or yourself.
If this doesn’t work, use a little more force and keep trying until he finally gets off of you. It may take quite some time so be patient!
3. Read A Book
If you don’t have a book to read and you are not in the mood to read, then there is an alternative option that can help keep your dog at bay while you are reading. You can listen to an audiobook or podcast instead of reading one!
For someone who doesn’t like reading or has no interest in doing so, listening to an audiobook can be a great alternative way of passing time while keeping your dog at bay.
It also allows you not only keep yourself entertained but also enjoy some positive self-improvement by listening to educational material (such as podcasts).
| Points |
|---|
| Expands knowledge and understanding |
| Enhances critical thinking skills |
| Boosts vocabulary and language proficiency |
| Sparks creativity and imagination |
| Reduces stress and promotes relaxation |
| Improves focus and concentration |
| Provides entertainment and escapism |
| Cultivates empathy and emotional intelligence |
| Enhances memory and cognitive abilities |
| Fosters personal growth and self-improvement |
| Offers diverse perspectives and new ideas |
| Stimulates curiosity and lifelong learning |
4. Listen To Your Play List
- It is a good idea to listen to your playlist, but make sure that the volume level is not too loud.
- Also, make sure that the music does not have any words in it, otherwise this could be very distracting and annoying for you.
- There are also some songs which are sung by animals (like cats), and these can be quite funny sometimes! These kinds of songs can help you relax as well as entertain you while listening to them.
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5. Do Some Household Chores
This is your chance to get some housework done while the dog is asleep. Cleaning, laundry, folding clothes whatever needs doing. Just make sure you don’t wake up your dog by moving around too much!
6. Watch TV Shows And Movies
If you find yourself with a few hours to spare and your dog is sleeping soundly on you, why not use the time to relax and unwind? Watching TV shows and movies can help you do just that! It can also be a good way to spend time with your dog if he’s tired after playing all day.
| Points |
|---|
| Provides a wide range of entertainment choices |
| Offers immersive storytelling and narratives |
| Presents visual and audio stimulation |
| Showcases diverse genres and themes |
| Features popular TV shows and movies from various platforms |
| Allows for relaxation and leisure |
| Provides a shared cultural experience |
| Offers escapism and a break from reality |
| Enables exploration of different time periods and settings |
| Can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family |
| Provides opportunities for emotional connection with characters |
| Offers a source of inspiration and creativity |
7. Practice Meditation Or Yoga
Meditation is a great way to relax, and yoga is a great way to relax and stay flexible. There are lots of free online resources for you to try if you want to practice meditation or yoga at home.
8. Use The Time To Socialize
While your dog is sleeping on you, you can use that time to socialize with him. You can talk to your dog or play with him. You can teach your dog new tricks and many other things that he enjoys doing! If you want to take advantage of this situation, here are some things that you can do:
- – Take your dog for a walk
- – Play fetch with your dog
You should also remember that there are lots of ways to bond and strengthen the relationship between owner and pet without having them fall asleep on top of each other in bed at night!
Ever wondered what goes on in your dog’s mind during sleep? Find out the fascinating details about canine dreams in our article on Do Dogs Dream. Explore the science behind dog dreaming and uncover the secrets of their nighttime adventures.
9. Take A Nap Along With Your Dog
You’ve done all the right things, and now it’s time to reap the rewards. Your dog has fallen asleep on you. This is an excellent situation that can only get better if you fall asleep too.
If your dog falls asleep while in the car with you, or on the couch next to you, or even at school or work, it may take some effort to wake up from this nap.
If we’re being honest here: getting out from under a dozing dog can be harder than getting out from under a sleeping human being but we’ve got some tips for making sure that neither of you are trapped for too long in this position (we’ll get into those later).
For now, just hold onto this moment! You’ve finally reached what we’ll call “dog-on-human cuddling bliss.”
The world around us may be spinning off its axis; but as long as everyone keeps their eyes closed together, everything will be okay…
Has your dog ever fallen asleep on you? It’s a heartwarming experience! If you’re unsure what to do in such a cozy situation, check out our article on What to Do When Your Dog Falls Asleep on You. Discover tips and ideas to make the most of these precious moments with your furry companion.
10. Talk To Your Dog When It’s Awake Again
If you’ve been talking to your dog as it falls asleep, then it will be easier for you to continue the conversation when it’s awake again.
You can use this opportunity to connect with your canine friend and make sure that they’re feeling OK. If they seem tired or ill, then you should take them to the vet as soon as possible.
| Points |
|---|
| Strengthens the bond between you and your dog |
| Provides mental stimulation and engagement |
| Helps establish clear communication |
| Enhances training opportunities |
| Reinforces positive behavior |
| Allows for expressing love and affection |
| Provides an outlet for sharing emotions |
| Can alleviate separation anxiety |
| Supports socialization and adaptability |
| Encourages active listening and responsiveness |
| Helps create a sense of routine and structure |
| Facilitates understanding of your dog’s needs |
11. Make Him Sleep In His Bed Rather Than On You
When your dog falls asleep on you, just gently move him off of you and put him back in his bed. If he will not get up, don’t try to pick him up and carry him. This may only encourage him to think that sleeping on people is the best thing ever!
When your dog sleeps in his own bed at night, he’ll learn that this is where he’s supposed to be when he’s tired or sleepy.
You can help reinforce this by giving your dog a treat only when they go into their own beds during the day so they begin associating going into their beds with positive experiences and rewards.
Looking for a way to calm and comfort your dog? Discover the effective technique of wrapping your dog’s face with our easy-to-follow guide on How to Wrap a Dog’s Face. Learn the benefits and steps involved in this gentle practice for anxious or stressed dogs.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many things that you can do when your dog falls asleep on you. This will make sure that both of your needs are met.
So if you find yourself with a sleeping dog on your lap and don’t know what to do just follow our guide above and have fun!
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources for further reading on why dogs like to sleep on top of or close to their owners:
Why Does My Dog Sleep on Top of Me?: Explore the reasons behind your dog’s preference for sleeping on top of you and learn how it relates to their instincts and behavior.
Why Your Dog Likes Laying and Sleeping Close to You: Discover the emotional and bonding aspects of why dogs choose to be near their owners when they sleep and how it strengthens the human-canine relationship.
Why Does My Dog Sleep or Lay on Top of Me?: Uncover the possible motivations behind your dog’s desire to sleep or lay on top of you and learn how it can be a sign of trust, affection, and seeking security.
FAQs
Why do dogs sleep on top of their owners?
Dogs may sleep on top of their owners for various reasons, including seeking comfort, warmth, security, and a sense of closeness and bonding.
Is it normal for a dog to want to sleep on top of their owner?
Yes, it is quite normal for dogs to want to sleep on top of their owners. Many dogs find comfort and security in being close to their human companions.
Does a dog sleeping on top of you mean they are dominant?
Not necessarily. While some people associate dogs sleeping on top as a sign of dominance, it’s important to consider the overall context and behavior of the dog. Dogs may choose to sleep on top for various reasons, and dominance is just one possible interpretation.
How can I encourage my dog to sleep in their own bed?
To encourage your dog to sleep in their own bed, make the bed comfortable and appealing with cozy bedding, toys, and treats. Establish a bedtime routine and provide positive reinforcement when they choose to sleep in their bed.
Are there any potential downsides to letting my dog sleep on top of me?
Allowing your dog to sleep on top of you can create a strong bond and provide comfort for both you and your dog. However, it’s essential to ensure that it doesn’t become a problem for your sleep quality or if it causes any physical discomfort. Setting boundaries and training your dog to sleep in their own bed can be helpful if needed.
I am Dr Hellen James a veterinarian, pet lover, and writer. I have many years of experience caring for pets, including dogs, cats, birds, and fish (and even axolotls!). I love spending time with the animals in my life, especially when they are sick or need love.