You get up from the couch for a quick trip to the kitchen, only to return and find your dog curled up in your spot, looking completely innocent even though they were so quick to steal the seat. While it may look like your dog is claiming your spot, the behavior is usually nothing to worry about, Chris Loverseed, founder of PK9 Gear and owner and head trainer of Positive K9 Training in Melbourne, told Newsweek. "The majority of the time, I see no concern with this, and it is really normal," Loverseed said.
"It is a chance for them to get closer to their owner." But why do dogs steal your spot in the first place? There is a simple reason your seat may be particularly appealing to your dog—it smells like you. "The owner's spot is generally the thing that smells like them the most," Loverseed said.
Your dog may also simply find the spot comfortable and warm after you have been sitting there. But rather than viewing the dog's behavior as trying to claim your territory, Loverseed said it is often just another way for dogs to feel close to their owners. "Even this morning, I got up to go to the toilet and, when I came back, my Rottweiler was in my spot on the bed, curled up in a little ball and sound asleep," he said.
"To me, that isn't her claiming anything. She just curled up and went to sleep." If your dog happily moves when you return, there is generally little reason to read too much into the behavior. While Loverseed believes this habit is usually harmless, he still recommends that owners pay attention if the behavior is accompanied by signs of resource guarding.
Resource guarding occurs when a dog becomes protective over something they consider valuable, including food, toys, beds or even a particular resting place. "You do get some dogs where it can almost turn into a resource guarding issue, and that's when it does need to be taken seriously, and some work needs to be put in," Loverseed said. Owners should be particularly cautious if their dog growls, stiffens, snaps or refuses to let them return to their spot.
These behaviors are significantly different from a dog simply curling up in an empty seat. But Loverseed said he wouldn't go over and physically drag the dog off the couch or seat. Instead, owners should manage the situation, seek professional help if necessary and teach the dog commands such as "off" or "place." If a dog suddenly begins guarding a spot or displaying behavior that is unusual for them, Loverseed also recommends having the dog examined by a veterinarian.
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