Why Do Dogs Have This Behaviour?
Some of the reasons that motivate dogs to go between your legs are that they want attention, are anxious, are showing submission, for protection, to protect you, because you’ve rewarded that action before (whether you realized it or not), to show affection, to scratch himself against your legs, he’s distracted, or he’s got the zoomies.
Let’s talk about why dogs go between your legs and how to stop that behaviour so your pup doesn’t accidentally trip you up.
Trying to Get Attention
Our adorable furry family members have many ways to capture our attention. This is one of the less subtle ways, especially if your dog is big. It’s difficult not to notice when a dog, especially a huge one, pushes his way in between your legs.
Daily play, exercise and training will ensure that your pooch doesn’t feel ignored or like she’s not receiving the amount of attention that she needs. The key to stopping your dog from pushing herself in between your legs is to provide attention before she feels that she has to take action to be noticed. If you respond to her going between your legs by playing with her, she’ll learn that she’s rewarded for doing so.
Feeling Anxious
Fido’s stress and nervousness may be abated if he feels protected by slipping in between your legs. Sometimes the fear of a strange person or canine can be the reason your dog seeks refuge under you.
Observe your pooch carefully when she seems anxious so you can pinpoint what causes it. Desensitize her by exposing her to a little bit of it (being alone, with strangers, etc.) and then gradually increasing the exposure each time. If your dog is racked with so much nervousness that you can’t seem to help her, you might confer with your veterinarian about medication or trying a natural solution like an essential oil product or CBD Oil.
Separation anxiety occurs when a dog becomes frantically upset if her human leaves the house. If your pup darts under your legs when she senses you are going out, you need to set up an oasis of fun activities before you leave (snuffle mats, food-stuffed toys and so on). CBD Oil or an essential oil product would likely help pups suffering from separation anxiety.
Submissiveness
Submissiveness is an ongoing theme with our pack animal fur babies. Positioning herself in between your legs means she realizes you are the alpha and won’t challenge you.
For Protection
If your pooch feels threatened, he may seek protection by “hiding” between your legs. As the alpha, you’re the protector.
To Protect You
Some dogs have been trained to heel by sitting at their human’s feet. If your pup belonged to someone before moving in with you, she might have been taught that she can protect you by sitting or standing between your legs.
The Behavior Has Been Rewarded
You may find yourself amused and surprised the first few times your dog runs in between your legs. If you say “so cute” or pet her, she’s going to think that you want her to continue doing it.
Alternatively, you can step over her and give her a sit command. Giving a command makes her feel like you have things under control so there’s nothing to worry about. Focusing on a command should also distract her if she’s afraid or anxious about something. Always praise, pet and reward with a treat when your dog follows a command.
To Show Affection
Breeds like Great Danes and Rottweilers like to lean against their humans to show their love. Settling themselves in between your legs is also an affectionate gesture, although it could be dicey if your dog is large, so hopefully, bigger pups will lay down between your legs rather than knocking you over. Being between human legs enables your poochy to be near you while waiting for you.
Scratching Themselves Against Your Legs.
If your canine is rubbing against your legs, especially rubbing her bum, she may be using your legs for a butt scratch or to scratch on another part of her body.
He’s Distracted
Walks and parks are sensory overloads for our fur pals. There’s so much to see, smell and maybe taste. Amidst squirrels, other dogs, people and everything else, your doggy may be between your legs so you can guide her while she’s taking it all in. With you watching the path ahead for her, she can absorb all the exciting stimuli.
Zoomies
The crazy zoomies cause energetic dogs to enthusiastically zip around, crashing into your legs or speeding through them. Anything can happen during zoomies.
How To Stop Your Dog From Going Between Your Legs
You need to put on your detective cap to determine if there’s a pattern to the behaviour. When does your dog go between your legs? Are there other dogs or people present? When did it first occur?
Training Your Dog
The main problem with your dog going between your legs is you losing your balance. If your dog is sitting calmly between your legs, it’s not a reason for concern.
Once you figure out what causes your pup to go in between your legs, you can redirect her and reward her for other behaviours like sitting calmly next to or in front of you. It’s important to play with your dog each day and make sure he’s mentally and physically stimulated.
Conclusion
Bonding with our fur babies through walks, playtime, and training is healthy for them and also for us. It may eliminate or lessen your canine’s need to show submission, to try to get attention or to be concerned about protecting you or needing your protection. If your dog still needs reassurance because he’s been traumatized or has anxiety issues, you can try CBD oil or essential oils.
