Why Do Dogs Sleep With Their Bum Facing You?

Has your dog always slept with its bum facing you or has made a change in its sleeping position just recently? Here is a summary of the potential reasons this is happening:

1. It’s more comfortable
2. Protecting you
3. Trust you
4. Want their bum pet
5. Positive Reinforcement

We break down these reasons in more detail and answer some more dog and sleep-related questions, so keep reading!

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Why does my dog lay with their bum towards me?

There are several reasons why your dog sleeps with their bum facing you. Some dog parents may interpret this as a sign that there’s something up with their dog. Let’s have a look at some reasons why dogs sleep with their bum facing you. 

• It’s just comfortable for the dog: Your dog might just have its bum towards you while it sleeps because it’s more comfortable to sleep that way. If your dog is facing away from you, you can take it as a positive sign as it could indicate that your dog trusts its surroundings. Sleeping with their bum towards you is just more calming.
• Dogs aren’t used to ventral contact: Dogs generally don’t like ventral contact such as chest-to-chest and face-to-face. Your dog might like to have its butt against your face while it sleeps because of this instinct. They may not want to disrespect you or display a threatening pose by sleeping in your direction. 
• Dogs are protecting you: Dogs are loyal creatures and are very protective of their owners. While they are sleeping, they’ll think about your safety and ensure you come to no harm. They are cautious and they want to be alert to any threat. Dogs sleep in this position when they’re resting but not sleeping deeply. This posture allows them to jump up quickly in case of any threat.
• They trust you: Dogs show their trust in many ways and this may include lying with their bum facing you. They’ll not have a second thought to sleep facing away when you’re loyal to them. Sleeping with their bum facing you makes them feel safe. They are comfortable enough with you. And they feel like they don’t need to protect themselves. They also feel safe knowing that you’re behind their back.
• Dogs want you to pet them on the rear: Dogs like their rear scratched because it’s a hard area for them to reach. For some dogs, rubs and scratches communicate love and affection. Bum-rubbing is one of the highest pleasure zones for them. When they’re nudging you with their butt, it might be that they want a solid rubbing on their rear.
• You are encouraging this behavior: You might’ve encouraged them to sleep in such a way. If you scratch their bum whenever they’re facing away, they’ll do it often to take more. They’ll learn that you’ll give them more rubs when they face away.

Fun fact: Dogs often sniff each other’s bum as a form of greeting. It is a form of dog identification. By sniffing each other’s butts, dogs can also know if they have met before.

Why do dogs like to touch you when they sleep?

Dogs are instinctively packed animals. When it comes to the pack mentality there could be a couple of different reasons your dog likes to touch you when they sleep.

• As their pack leader, your fur buddy sees you as their protector. So, it will want to stay right against the alpha for security and protection. 
• Dogs might touch you while sleeping for warmth. 
• Your furry companion just absolutely adores you, plain and simple. 
• The act of them sleeping all snuggled up to you could be their way of getting some quality one-on-one time with you. 
• Some breeds are naturally more cuddly than others, it is just part of their DNA. These breeds include Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Pomeranians, Golden Retrievers, English Bulldogs, and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.

Why do dogs always take your spot when you get up?

The two most common reasons why your favorite pooch may want to steal your seat are affection and dominance. 

• One reason is just a wistful desire to soak in your special smell. 
• Another reason for this is separation anxiety. It makes your dog feel compelled to be in your space.
• Most of the time, dogs are eager to take your place because it represents safety. As social animals, they want to be part of a safe and secure place in which they feel they belong.
• The other reason is to show dominance. Sometimes, there are multiple dogs in the same household. In addition to taking your spot, the dog may try to show dominance and establish their “rank” in the family. It is something that should not be encouraged.

Should you pet your dog while sleeping?

You might have heard the saying, “Let sleeping dogs lie.” Although all dogs like to be petted, you should always look for a mutual agreement that the dog wants you to pet him. Unless they are years into a comfort zone with you, it may startle them to be touched when they are most vulnerable.

Like human beings, most canines do not like being disturbed while they are sleeping. They like to sleep in peace and not be disturbed.

Final Thoughts 

Your dog sleeps with their bum facing you because it’s comfortable this way and as a sign of friendliness, and trust. They also feel safe and want you to pet them on their back. It’s a physical sign your dog believes in your presence and wants to show their back to you willingly.

Let your dog be and let it sleep the way it feels most comfortable!

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