Reasons for Pinching Your Spot
Dogs stealing our spots is a behaviour that is driven by several different factors. For many dogs, it is simply a way to seek attention and comfort from their owners. Dogs are social animals, and they often seek physical contact with their owners to feel secure and loved. When they steal your spot, they may simply be looking for a way to be close to you and feel your warmth and affection.
In other cases, dogs may steal our spots as a way of marking their territory. Dogs have a strong instinct to protect their home and their loved ones, and they may view your spot as an extension of their territory. By jumping into your spot, they are essentially telling other dogs and people that it is theirs.
Finally, dogs may steal our spots simply because it’s comfortable for them. Dogs have a natural tendency to seek out warm and comfortable places to rest, and your spot may be the perfect spot for them.
She Wants Affection
Sometimes your dog may hijack your seat knowing that you’re coming back, and if she’s right there, it’s convenient for you to pet her. Perhaps she woke up when you got off the sofa and decided she would surprise you when you return and make it easy for you to pet her and give her love.
Suffering From Separation Anxiety
Some pups just hate when their human mom or dad leaves the room for a moment. Sitting in your spot allows him to breathe in your scent so you’re practically there with her. Your scent also makes her feel safe.
Protecting Your Seat
You know when you ask someone to save your seat in a theatre or somewhere? This is the canine version of that. She plops into your spot to make sure that no one tries to take it. If you have a multi-pet home, she may want to ensure that the other pets don’t seize the opportunity to grab your seat. This rule applies to protecting your seat from house guests as well.
He Knows It’s Cute
We’re endlessly amused by their antics. When you return to your spot and see your beautiful pet, you probably make a big deal about how adorable he looks and how funny it is that he’s a serial spot stealer. The positive reinforcement confirms to him that it always gets a great reaction because it’s a good thing to do.
He Wants To Bond With You
Wild dogs bond by sleeping together. Your pup wants to be near you all the time as part of your bonding process. Out in the wild, sleeping together is also a good security measure.
Security
Your spot smells like you, and that makes him feel safe. It’s also raised up off the ground. A little height provides security.
For Attention
You just can’t miss her when she’s right where you were sitting and plan to sit again. Taking your spot is a good way to guarantee that you’ll notice her when you come back and give her some attention.
Spreading His Scent
Dogs know that anytime is a good time to mark objects with their scent. In addition to how comfy your spot is, he might want to just get his scent on the sofa so everyone knows that you two share it and he’s in with the boss.
It’s Funny
Dogs have a sense of humor. They know by the way you react that it’s funny when you expect an empty space and find her there. Humans have conditioned their pooches to have a sense of humor by reacting positively to their silliness.
Your Spot Is Warm
In addition to your delicious and comforting scent, your spot is warm. Why wouldn’t your dog want to luxuriate in your warmth and scent?
Curiosity
Perhaps your pup wants to know what it’s like to be in the seat of command. You have the remote controls, your snack and you look pretty content being in charge. He must wonder what’s so amazing about that spot that you always want to be there.
He Wants To Be The Alpha
Your dog is your beta. He’s submissive with you and will play second banana, but he may aspire to the alpha position and want to experience what it’s like to be on the alpha throne.
If your fur pal growls or bears his teeth when you want your seat back, you have a dominance issue. That behaviour must be extinguished. Tell your dog firmly to get off while throwing a treat on the floor. Praise him for leaving the couch.
Is It Ok For Your Dog To Sit In Your Spot?
Most of the reasons your dog wants to hop into your seat are harmless. If you don’t mind him on the furniture, it’s not necessarily a problem.
Scoot Her Over
If she wants to be near you and you don’t mind her on the furniture, you can scoot her over a few inches so you can fit comfortably.
If You Don’t Want Your Dog on the Furniture
If your dog is too big to be bouncing on the couch, or if you don’t want him to crush your sofa-dwelling cat, you can shape his behaviour with positive reinforcement.
Yelling at him isn’t the best way to get him off the furniture. Positive reinforcement makes training more pleasant for both pet and human. As described earlier, throw a treat on the floor, say “off” or “down” and praise when he’s on the floor.
Conclusion
Dogs stealing our spots is a behaviour that is driven by a variety of factors, from seeking attention and comfort to marking their territory. Understanding why your dog is stealing your spot can help you better understand their behaviour and strengthen the bond between you and your furry friend.
So, the next time your dog jumps into your spot, embrace the moment and enjoy the comfort and love that they bring onto the coach with them.
