{"id":1150,"date":"2024-10-07T12:59:26","date_gmt":"2024-10-07T12:59:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/termray.net\/?p=1150"},"modified":"2024-10-12T01:14:16","modified_gmt":"2024-10-12T01:14:16","slug":"why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-me-and-not-my-husband-10-vet-reviewed-reasons","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/termray.net\/index.php\/2024\/10\/07\/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-me-and-not-my-husband-10-vet-reviewed-reasons\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Does My Dog Sleep On Me And Not My Husband? 10 Vet-Reviewed Reasons"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s something so comforting about having your dog curl up, snuggle, or drape themselves over you. Even when it\u2019s not all that convenient, having your dog treat you as their safe place is undeniably special. So it can be a point of contention between couples when a canine family member is showing favoritism towards one person, leaving many to ask why does my dog sleep on me and not my husband?<\/p>\n

It might be tempting to simply assert that your dog prefers your company to your husband\u2019s, but it\u2019s often not quite that straightforward. In fact, we\u2019re going to take a look at 10 possible reasons why a dog may choose one half of a couple over another, and discuss why your husband shouldn\u2019t necessarily feel rejected, or try to upset the status quo.<\/p>\n

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The 10 Reasons Your Dog Sleeps on You and Not Your Husband<\/h2>\n

1.<\/span> You are the primary caregiver.<\/h3>\n

Even in the most equal of households, it\u2019s normal for there to be one person who tends to do more of the feeding, walking, letting out to the toilet etc. If that person is you, then there\u2019s a good chance that your dog will see you in more of a maternal role (whether you are male, female, or anything in between). Your dog almost certainly loves your husband just as much, but your differing roles and actions will impact how your dog sees and interacts with you.<\/p>\n

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2.<\/span> You have a more calm energy.<\/h3>\n

Some people naturally exude a calming energy on those around them, while others are more on edge, nervous, or energetic. Perhaps your husband is \u2018the fun one\u2019 that plays, wrestles, and throws the ball, while you are the person who makes your dog feel settled and sleepy.<\/p>\n

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3.<\/span> You smell better.<\/h3>\n

To your dog at least. Dogs experience so much of their world through their sense of smell, with scents and pheromones having a huge impact on their mood, behavior, and experience. You might have a natural scent, wear a perfume, or work with something that smells good to your dog, or creates a sense of calm and wellbeing, so it\u2019s only natural that they would want to snuggle up to you.<\/p>\n

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4.<\/span> They smell worse.<\/h3>\n

No judgment here! If your husband spends the day with chemicals, animals, or anything else that might be unpleasant to your dog\u2019s sensitive olfactory senses, they are going to be less inclined to cuddle up and fall asleep with them. This could also include a cologne, body spray, or deodorant that might smell great to us, but repel your dog.<\/p>\n

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5.<\/span> Your routines are in sync.<\/h3>\n

Dogs are creatures of habit and take comfort in having a routine. If your bedtime, tv time, or relaxing times are more consistent, your dog may prefer to schedule their naps to coincide with your timetable.<\/p>\n

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6.<\/span> You give them more attention and affection.<\/h3>\n

If you are constantly stroking your dog, tickling their ears, or rubbing their belly, this sort of attention will not go unnoticed. When a dog’s basic needs of food, shelter, and safety have been provided, the next thing they will be on the lookout for is pleasure and company. If you are able to provide both, then you will be the one they gravitate towards.<\/p>\n

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7.<\/span> Your position in the \u2018pack\u2019.<\/h3>\n

Although the idea of the canine dominance hierarchy is not as widely accepted as it used to be, we still recognize that there are specific roles and relationships within a pack that will impact how individuals will interact with one another. For example, a dog that has more of a leadership role is unlikely to find itself at the bottom of the sleeping pile, while a youngster is not going to be taking the top spot. If your husband is seen by your dog as a stronger leader, your dog may not feel that it is appropriate to sleep on top of them.<\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t mean that sleeping on you is a sign of disrespect, just that they may see you more as a nurturer than a leader.<\/p>\n

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8.<\/span> You are under their protection.<\/h3>\n

As mentioned above, dogs tend to fulfill different roles within their pack or family group, and one of those is of guard or protector. If your dog has taken on this sort of responsibility in your home, they may simply be affording you their top level of defense. This could be because they see you as being of higher value than your husband, or in need of a greater level of protection – we\u2019ll leave that to you to figure out!<\/p>\n

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9.<\/span> You spoil them.<\/h3>\n

Admit it: are you sneaking your dog extra treats<\/a> in exchange for affection? There\u2019s no shame in it, unless your pampered pooch is packing on the extra pounds. If you are seen as the \u2018soft touch\u2019 in the house, your dog is obviously going to want to stay close, and that includes falling asleep on you too.<\/p>\n

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10.<\/span> You move around less.<\/h3>\n

Perhaps you tend to stay settled in one place, make fewer trips to the bathroom or kitchen, or fidget less, allowing your dog to stay comfortable and sleep. It doesn\u2019t take long for dogs to work out whose lap gives them a better quality snooze!<\/p>\n

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How Can I Get My Dog To Sleep On My Husband More?<\/h2>\n

If you\u2019re wanting to encourage your dog to spend more time snoozing<\/a> on your significant other, whether it\u2019s because they are feeling neglected or you want a break from constantly being under your dog, there are some things you can do to make this happen. However, make sure you\u2019re doing it for the right reasons.<\/p>\n

Changing your dog\u2019s routine and relationships within the home can be stressful, especially if we change the rules frequently. If your husband would like to have more snuggle time with your dog, the simplest way to approach this is to look at the 10 reasons above, and see which ones you might tweak in their favor. You won\u2019t be able to manipulate them all, but there are some that your husband can work on.<\/p>\n

For example, they can:<\/p>\n

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