Why Does My Dog Rest Their Head on Me? 9 Possible Reasons
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If you own a dog, they will probably lay their head on you at some point. However, why they display this behavior can vary quite a bit. Your dog (or someone else’s dog) may decide to lay their head on you for several reasons. For instance, they could be showing affection, or they feel anxious. Often, you don’t need to read too much into this behavior. It usually isn’t a sign of an underlying health issue or a reason to call the vet.
Still, you may be interested in the why behind this seemingly affectionate behavior. Here’s a list of reasons that may explain why your dog is laying their head on you.
Why Does My Dog Rest Their Head on Me?
1. Affection
We know that dogs experience both serotonin and dopamine when they receive affection.1 These are the “feel-good” chemicals that make affection pleasurable. Therefore, it’s likely that dogs like affection just like we do. Of course, different dogs prefer more affection than others. It isn’t odd for some dogs to love cuddling while others don’t.
If your dog likes to cuddle, they may just like to cuddle! Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the best one.
2. Scent Sharing
Dogs and many other animals explore much of the world through scent. One of the ways that dogs understand the world via scent is through “group scents.” Simply put, if a bunch of dogs smells similarly, it’s probably because they hang out often and are friends. Therefore, if a dog wants you to be considered their family, they’ll often try to mix your scents. It’s a dog’s way of “owning” you, though it’s more of a shared experience.
You start to smell more like the dog, and your dog starts to smell more like you.
Dogs have scent glands in their cheeks. Therefore, it isn’t odd for dogs to use their head in this scent-sharing situation.
3. Anxiety
If a dog is anxious, they may try to get as close as possible to their safe space. In many cases, that’s you. Therefore, your dog may lean against you or try to cuddle when anxious. They may push their head against you for the pressure if you’re standing. It isn’t odd for dogs to feel anxious, either. Many dogs feel somewhat stressed, especially when involved in new situations.
However, if your dog is always pressing their head against you, it may be time to approach the vet about their anxiety. Training methods can help with the stress, as well as medication if necessary.
Anxiety is common for dogs, but it doesn’t have to be common for your dog.
4. Empathy
We know that dogs are very good at understanding humans, including our emotions. Their lives depend on it to some extent, as they’re used to relying on humans for just about everything. Therefore, they may be trying to offer you support if you’re feeling bad. This empathy is partially how service dogs function. They can pick up on slight physiological changes we don’t notice.
5. Cold
Dogs may cuddle with you because they are cold. Just like humans, dogs can become cold for all sorts of reasons. If it is a bit cold outside or the dog is getting sick, the dog may decide to cuddle to get warmer. Many dogs do have coats to help keep them warm. However, some dogs don’t have very effective coats or may be shaved.
Furthermore, not all coats are very efficient at keeping the dog warm. Some dogs were made for warmer temperatures.
6. Attention
Sometimes, dogs may want attention. Laying their head on you may be a great way to get your attention in their mind. Some dogs are more people-oriented than others, often leading to them seeking attention. Giving them the proper attention can help their overall well-being and ensure they’re mentally supported. Dogs need attention just like people do.
This reason is very similar to affection. However, in this case, your dog is looking for more—they aren’t just looking for head petting.
7. Depression
Dogs can feel depressed just like humans can. They may often seek human companionship to help support their mental state. They may be lonely or in pain. Either way, they believe that your cuddles will make them feel better.
8. Jealous
If your dog thinks you’re paying too much attention to someone else (especially another dog), they may place their head on you to make you pay attention to them. For instance, their head may be used to block the other dog from getting any attention, or they may just insistently place their head on you to encourage your attendance.
Once the threat is gone, the dog may stop paying attention to you, too. If a dog is only laying their head on you because they are jealous, you may find that they’re paying more attention to the “enemy” than you—even when trying to get your attention.
9. Tired
Dogs may want to cuddle when they are tired. Like humans, your canine may be looking for a soft place to lay, and you may be that soft spot. Dogs may curl up on or next to you and nap. Your canine may not be interested in being petted, necessarily, but may love to use your lap as a sleeping spot.
If your dog curls up and goes to sleep while in your lap, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they were looking for a nap in the first place. However, if they go to sleep rather quickly, this could be the reason they curled up with you.
Final Thoughts
Dogs may lay their head on you for all sorts of reasons. In many cases, the dog may just be looking to cuddle. They may need some extra attention and may just like the affection. However, dogs may also lay their head on you for other reasons. For instance, they may be stressed, anxious, or depressed. Sometimes, dogs may be jealous and try to use their head to make you pay attention to them.
No matter why your dog is lying to you, it typically means that they want your attention. Usually, you should pay attention to your dog. However, if your dog is being jealous, you may want to use other methods to decrease the chance of aggression.
Featured Image Credit: Elena Shvetsova, Shutterstock
