Dogs are some of the most loyal creatures. It’s why they are called man’s best friend. Dogs share their lives with you and you with them, which means that everything in your home is up for grabs.
You probably have a favorite spot you like to sit in, that good chair with the armrests and the great lumbar support. You sit in that same chair all day long or whenever you want to relax, but there is a problem. Whenever you get up from your favorite spot, your dog swoops in and robs you of your comfortable spot.
There are several reasons why your dog might be doing this, and it’s not just to spite or annoy you. There are excellent reasons why your dog sits in your spot when you get up, so let’s take a look.
Why Dogs Sit in Your Spot?
There are five reasons why your dog will jump into your chair the second you get up, and it’s not trying to bully you out of your spot, at least not usually!
They Think it’s the Better Spot
For the most part, dogs are much smarter than we give them credit for. That blank look on your dog’s face may very well be the look it gets when it is in intense thought. So, what does this have to do with sitting in your spot when you get up?
Quite simply, your dog sees you sitting in that spot all the time, so it must be comfortable. If that spot is good enough for you, then it is certainly good enough for them.
Dogs can and do mimic behavior. They pick up on various signals, behaviors, and actions of the people around them, including your seating preference. Your dog sees you sitting in that comfy spot all the time, so it might just take advantage of you getting up for a drink to get the best spot in the house for themself.
It’s More Comfortable
The above point had to do with what your dog sees you doing, but there is more to it than that. If you were sitting on a hard and cold floor and see the person next to you sitting in a leather recliner, would you not want to get into that soft and warm chair the second that person gets up?
Of course, you would, because that is the nature of humans, and it’s the nature of dogs too. We always want better; we always want the best, which means sitting in the comfiest chair in the house.
Why do you like the spot you sit in? Is it warm? Is it comfy? Does it have great support? Is there a good view out of the window? For all the same reasons you like your spot, your dog could like it too. In this case, it has nothing to do with your dog usurping your throne. It just wants to sit in a comfortable spot.
It Smells Like You
Another straightforward reason your dog might jump into your spot t it is because it makes them feel secure. That spot you sit in, right when you get up, it’s still warm, and it smells like you. This can be exceptionally comforting for dogs. Being able to smell you and feel your warmth provides a certain sense of security. It’s a way for your dog to feel closer and more connected to you.
Dominance and Possessiveness
The next reason why your dog might steal your spot the second you leave it is due to dominance and possession issues. Dogs are pack animals. There is a pack leader, and the rest are followers. In your home, you should be the pack leader, and this means that you always get your choice of seating.
However, if you have a dog that wants to challenge your authority, they might try and steal your spot. Your dog knows that you are the alpha and that the seat you sit in is the alpha’s seat. Therefore, stealing your spot is a challenge to your dominance. It is your dog wanting to be the alpha.
This can be problematic because a small challenge like taking your spot can lead to more significant challenges to your authority down the line. A dog that is dominating and attempting to be possessive of your spot can end up becoming dangerous, and it’s a problem that needs to be dealt with.
Separation Anxiety
The other reason why your dog might be stealing your spot the second you get up is due to separation anxiety or abandonment issues. Dogs usually don’t like being alone, and every time you leave the house, they fear you may never return.
Sitting in your spot when you get up is a way to be as close to you as possible. If they cannot be close to you, sitting in your seat, with your smell and warmth, is the next best thing. If you notice your dog whimpering, panting, or shaking as it takes your spot, then separation anxiety may be the cause.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that your dog stealing your seat is generally not a big deal, and if you can get the dog to relinquish the seat when you want it back, then it really is not a problem. The only real problem is if you have a possessive dog that is challenging your authority. You will need to tackle this issue right away.
