Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!

For many dog owners, it's a familiar and often endearing scene: you settle onto the couch, perhaps with a book or to watch TV, and almost immediately, your furry companion is there. Not beside you, but on you. Whether they're a tiny Chihuahua or a hefty Great Dane attempting to become a lap dog, this desire to perch on their humans is a common, comforting, and often hilarious canine quirk. But what's really going on in their adorable heads when they decide your lap is the best seat in the house?

At the heart of it, your dog simply loves you! Sitting on you is a profound act of affection and connection. Dogs are highly social animals, and physical closeness is a key way they express and receive love. When they curl up on your lap, they're not just seeking warmth; they're seeking the warmth of your presence, your touch, and the comforting rhythm of your breathing and heartbeat. It's their way of saying, "You're my favorite human, and I want to be as close to you as possible."

Let's be real: human laps are cozy! We radiate warmth, and our bodies create a soft, malleable cushion. For dogs, especially smaller breeds or those with thinner coats, a human lap can be the ultimate in comfort and warmth. It's like a personal, living heating pad, perfectly shaped to snuggle into. This desire for warmth is particularly evident on chilly days or when they're settling down for a nap.

In their ancestral history, dogs are pack animals. Even though your home is a far cry from a wild pack, the instinct for security within the group remains strong. By sitting on you, they're physically reaffirming their place within your "pack." They feel safe and protected when they're close to you, knowing you're there to watch over them. It's a primal sense of security, especially for dogs who might be naturally a bit more anxious or timid.

While perhaps less romantic, there's also an element of scent marking involved. When your dog sits on you, rubs against you, and leaves their scent, it's a subtle way of claiming you. It's their way of saying, "This human belongs to me, and everyone (or every other dog) should know it!" This behavior reinforces their bond with you and their sense of belonging in your home.

Dogs are incredibly astute at learning what behaviors get them what they want. If sitting on your lap consistently results in pets, scratches, cuddles, or even just your acknowledging glance, your dog quickly learns that it's an effective way to get your attention. Why sit on the floor when a climb onto your lap guarantees a reaction? For some dogs, it's a tried-and-true method for initiating interaction.

For pint-sized pups, sitting on your lap offers a unique advantage: a better view of the world! From the floor, they might not be able to see over furniture or out windows. Your lap elevates them, allowing them to survey their surroundings, keep an eye on everything, and feel more in control of their environment.

While generally harmless and often adorable, consider your dog's size, your comfort, and any potential orthopedic issues your dog might have. For very large dogs, sitting on a person can be uncomfortable for the human or put strain on the dog's joints. If it becomes problematic, you can gently redirect them to a dog bed right next to you, rewarding them for staying close without being on top of you.

Ultimately, a dog choosing your lap is a beautiful testament to the powerful bond you share. It's a tangible expression of their trust, their love, and their desire to be as close to their most cherished companion as possible. So, the next time your dog makes themselves comfortable on you, embrace the warmth and the weight – it's a clear sign you're their whole world.

Here are the recent recalls and advisories:

🐶 Refer 10 people: We will donate a box of treats to an animal rescue 🐶

🐶 Refer 50 people: We will donate a bag of dog food to an animal rescue 🐶

🛏 Refer 100 people: We will donate a dog bed to an animal rescue 🛏

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Sources:

Dog of the day: IG pchs_rochester

Meme of the day: IG yayathecorgi