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Do you find your puppy constantly likes to sleep on your head or next to your head? Or, do you often wake up with your dog’s butt in your face? It’s a question that has baffled dog owners for centuries: why does my puppy sleep on my head?
Some say it’s because they want to be close to their humans, while others believe it’s a way to stay warm. But the truth is, there are a variety of reasons why puppies might sleep on their owner’s heads. In this article, we will reveal 19 reasons why your furry friend might want to sleep on your head. We will also offer 7 tips to stop this behavior so that you can get quality sleep at night.
19 Reasons Why Your Puppy Sleeps on or by Your Head
1. A sign of Affection
One of the most common reasons why puppies, especially smaller dogs like to sleep on their owner’s heads is simply because they want to be close to them. After all, you’re their favorite person in the world! And what better way to show your love than by snuggling up close, even if that means perching on your head?
2. Social Status
Another possible explanation is that they are trying to assert their social status. Puppies are born into a pack, and in the wild, the pack leader sleeps at the top of the hierarchy.
By sleeping on their owner’s head, puppies may be trying to establish themselves as the leader of the pack.
3. They’re Trying to Keep Warm
Many people believe that puppies sleep on their owners’ heads in order to keep warm. After all, body heat is a great way to stay warm.
Puppies are born without much fur, so they can sometimes get cold easily.
So by sleeping on its owner’s head, the puppy can get some extra warmth and help to keep its body temperature regulated.
4. They Smell Your Scent
Puppies have a very strong sense of smell, and they can often pick up on their owner’s scent. So, if your puppy is sleeping on your head, it could be because they’re trying to get closer to your scent.
This is especially common for puppies who are away from their owner for long periods of time, such as when they’re in a kennel.
5. They Feel Safe and Secure
Many dog owners believe that one of the reasons why puppies might sleep on their heads is because they feel safe and secure.
Dogs are pack animals, and they often look to their humans for guidance and protection. When your puppy is sleeping on your head, they’re able to feel close to you and get that sense of security.
This is especially true if they’re sleeping in close proximity to your face. For puppies, being close to their human’s face can provide a sense of security and comfort.
6. They’re Marking Their Territory
Another possibility is that your puppy is trying to mark their territory.
Puppies are notoriously possessive, so it’s not surprising that some of them may think of you as their own personal property and exhibit territorial behavior.
By sleeping on or above your head, they’re leaving their scent behind. This can be a way of claiming you as their own and marking their territory. They’re claiming you as theirs and marking their territory.
7. They’re Looking for Attention
It’s also possible that your puppy is sleeping on your head because they’re looking for attention.
Puppies are notoriously needy, and they often want to be the center of their owner’s attention. So, if they’re sleeping on your head, it could be because they’re trying to get your attention.
8. They’re Feeling Lonely
If your puppy is sleeping on your head, it could also be because they’re feeling lonely. This is especially true if you’re not around much during the day. Puppies can get lonely easily, so if you’re not giving them enough attention, they may try to seek it out by sleeping on your head.
9. They’re Feeling anxious or stressed
If your puppy is feeling anxious or stressed, they may seek out comfort by sleeping on your head. This is especially common if they’ve recently been through a traumatic experience, such as being separated from their mother or going to a new home.
10. They Want to Protect You
Some puppies may sleep on their owner’s heads as a way of protecting them. They may see you as part of their pack and feel the need to watch over you, especially if you’re asleep.
Examples of Protective Dog Breeds
- Rottweiler
- Doberman Pinscher
- German Shephard
- Belgian Shephard
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Akita Inu
- Tibetan Mastiff
- Siberian Husky
- Boxer
- Great Dane
11. They Love the Smell of Your Hair
Another possible reason why your puppy enjoys sleeping on your head is that they love the smell of your hair. This is especially true if you use scented shampoos or conditioners.
12. They’re Bored
If your puppy is bored, it may start sleeping on your head as a way to pass the time. This is especially common if they don’t have many toys or if they’re not getting enough exercise.
13. They Have Separation Anxiety
Some puppies may develop separation anxiety if they’re left alone for too long. If you have an anxious dog, they may start sleeping on your head as a way of coping with their anxiety.
Adult dogs are usually calmer and would have learned to be more independent. Therefore this may not be a common reason for older dogs sleeping on its pet parents’ head.
14. They’re Sick
If your puppy is sick or has any health problems, they may start sleeping on your head as a way of seeking comfort. This is especially common if they’re suffering from an illness or injury.
15. They’re Teething
Puppies go through a teething phase just like human babies do, and it can be quite painful. As a result, some puppies may start sleeping on their owner’s heads as a way of finding relief from the pain.
16. They’ve Been Spayed or Neutered
After being spayed or neutered, puppies may start sleeping on their owner’s heads as a way of coping with the stress of the surgery. This is perfectly normal and should subside after a few weeks.
17. They’re Just Strange!
Finally, some puppies may sleep on their owner’s heads simply because they’re strange! There’s no other explanation for it. If your puppy falls into this category, just accept them for who they are and try to enjoy the snuggles.
18. You have Reinforced This Behaviour
One possible reason your puppy is sleeping on your head is that you’re unintentionally reinforcing this behavior.
If you laugh, smile, or give your puppy any other form of attention when they sleep on your head, you’re teaching them that this is an acceptable behavior. So, if you don’t want your puppy to keep sleeping on your head, it’s important to avoid reinforcing this behavior.
You Are Lonely
Another reason why you may have allowed your puppy to sleep on your head is that you’re feeling lonely. Puppies are known for being needy, and they often love the attention of their owners. If you’re not around much during the day, your puppy may start sleeping on your head in an attempt to get your attention.
You’re Stressed or Anxious
Finally, it’s possible that you’ve allowed your puppy to sleep on your head because you’re feeling stressed or anxious. Puppies are known for being able to sense their owner’s emotions, and if they’re feeling stressed, they may try to comfort you by sleeping on your head.
19. Sleeping Position
While sleeping on your head may simply be a sign of affection, it could also be related to the way that dogs sleep. There is no one normal sleeping position as all dogs are different.
Dog Sleeping Positions and Their Meaning
Dogs often sleep in a variety of positions, each of which can reveal something about their personality.
Side sleepers are often calm and relaxed, while dogs who sleep on their back with their legs in the air are usually confident and secure in their surroundings.
The so-called “superman” position, with front paws outstretched and back legs tucked in, is typically seen in puppies who are still getting used to their surroundings.
The lion’s pose, with front legs outstretched and head held high, is a sign of dominance, while dogs who curl up into a tight ball are often shy or anxious.
Some dogs often curl up in a tight ball, with their head and tail tucked in close. This position conserves body heat and makes them feel safe and secure. Some may even prefer to sleep at the foot of the bed or on top of your feet, instead of at the head.
Puppies may instinctively seek out this type of sleeping arrangement when they are around their owners. By snuggling up close and sleeping on their owner’s head, they are able to recreate the feeling of being in a cozy den.
As a result, this behavior is not only cute but also serves an important function for puppies.
Ultimately, there is no one right way for a dog to sleep; however, observing your pet’s sleeping habits can be a fun way to learn more about their personality.
Is it ok to let my puppy sleep on my head? (or above/next to my head)
As any puppy owner knows, there’s nothing quite like finding your furry friend curled up next to your head at night. However, as endearing as it may be, it can also make it difficult to get a good night of deep sleep.
Dogs have a natural instinct to protect their pack, and by sleeping next to your head, they can keep an eye on you and make sure you’re safe.
However, this can also mean that they’re more likely to wake you up if they hear a noise or feel uneasy about something. This is especially so if your puppy is a large dog breed, any movement will likely disturb you.
If you’re finding it difficult to get a full night’s sleep with your puppy by your side, there are a few things you can do to help them (and yourself) get a better night’s rest.
7 Tips to Stop Your Puppy from Sleeping on Your Head
If you don’t want your puppy sleeping on your head, there are a few things you can do to stop them.
And the good news is, that training them while they’re still a puppy gives you a better chance of correcting this behavior.
1. Create a comfortable sleep space for your puppy.
If your puppy has their own dog bed to sleep in, they’re less likely to sleep on your head. Make sure the bed is soft and comfortable and put it in a quiet place where your puppy can relax. This way, you can both get a good night’s sleep.
You can also try training them with positive reinforcement methods, such as rewarding them for good behavior when they sleep in their own bed instead of on your head.
Finally, if all else fails, it may be a good idea to put their bed next to yours so they can still be close while giving you both some much-needed space.
2. Give your puppy plenty of exercise during the day.
A tired dog is less likely to want to sleep on its owner’s head at night. Make sure you take your puppy for regular walks and playtime so they can burn off some energy.
3. Don’t give your puppy attention when they’re sleeping on your head.
If you laugh, smile, or give any other form of attention when your dog is sleeping on your head, you’re teaching them that this is acceptable behavior. So if you don’t want them to do it, avoid reinforcing the behavior!
4. Address Separation Anxiety in Puppy
One way to stop your puppy from wanting to sleep next to you or on your head is to address its separation anxiety issues.
You may try to do so by providing them with plenty of toys and playtime during the day. This will help keep them occupied and less likely to sleep on your head at night.
You can also try training your puppy with positive reinforcement methods, such as rewarding them when they sleep in their bed instead of on your head.
Try to ignore your puppy when they’re trying to get your attention at night. If your puppy is whining, pawing, or otherwise trying to get your attention at night, try to ignore them. It may be difficult, but it’s important not to give in or they’ll learn that this is an effective way to get your attention.
5. Put a barrier between you and your puppy at night.
If you’re finding it difficult to ignore your puppy, try putting a barrier between you and them at night. This could be anything from a baby gate to simply closing the door to your room.
With consistent training and a good nighttime routine, your puppy will eventually learn that sleeping on your head is not acceptable behavior and regain some personal space on your bed.
6. Get up and move around if your puppy won’t stop bothering you.
If all else fails, and your puppy is still trying to sleep on your head, get up and move around. This will show them that their behavior is not effective in getting your attention, and they’ll eventually give up and go back to sleep.
7. Consult a professional if you’re having difficulty training your puppy.
If you’re finding it difficult to train your puppy not to sleep on your head, you may want to consult a professional dog trainer.
A dog trainer can help you find the root of the problem and develop a plan to address the behavioral issues.
Conclusion: Why Does My Puppy Sleep on My Head?
Puppies are known for being cute, cuddly, and full of energy. But sometimes, all that energy can be disruptive – especially when it’s time to sleep!
If your puppy is constantly sleeping on your head, there are a few things you can do to stop them. The most important thing is to create a comfortable sleep space for your puppy and give them plenty of exercise during the day.
You should also try to address any separation anxiety issues your puppy may have. If all else fails, consult a professional dog trainer for help.
