This is why dogs lean against their owners

Sometimes it can be difficult to decipher a dog's behavior, as they operate differently from us humans in many ways. For this reason, we are often inclined to question the meaning of even the simplest gestures.

Whether it’s a small or large dog, dogs love to lean against their beloved owners. Most owners appreciate this, as there are few things better than having our pet snuggle up to us. It feels particularly nice, for example, when after a long and tiring day, we can rest peacefully and quietly at home in the company of our four-legged friend. It’s undeniable that this creates a cozy atmosphere. However, the reason why dogs lean against their owners is not always entirely clear.

Why do dogs lean against their owners?

There can be two main reasons, both of which, to some extent, indicate that the owner and the dog share a close bond. The more obvious and frequently mentioned reason why dogs lean against their owners is the expression of love. You could say this is how they hug their loved ones.

The other common reason is seeking security or protecting the owner. It’s not necessarily from a visible or immediate danger; rather, it can be described as wanting to ensure the person is safe.

Can leaning towards the owner indicate a problem?

In itself, leaning towards the owner doesn’t signify a problem, but it’s always worth looking at the bigger picture: what situation are we in, and why is our furry friend leaning towards us? It’s clear that in the comfort of home or a familiar place, in a calm environment, the first explanation applies more to the situation. However, if our pet leans towards us in the presence of other dogs or additional potentially stressful stimuli, it could mean they perceive the situation or their peers as threatening. They may want protection from them or seek refuge. While the former is a truly chivalrous gesture, it’s not necessary in an average situation. If possible, we should distance ourselves a bit from the situation (no need to rush, just calmly step away), communicating to them that there’s no problem, but we understand that the situation was uncomfortable for them.