It’s a common behavior for dogs to rest their heads on their human’s shoulder. But why exactly do they do this? There are several possible reasons why your dog may lay his head on your shoulder.
Affection
One of the most common reasons dogs put their head on your shoulder is to show affection. By resting their head on you, they are seeking to be close to you and express their love. It’s a soothing, comforting act that allows them to feel connected. Just like hugging or snuggling up next to you on the couch, putting their head on your shoulder is a way for your dog to bond with you.
Attention
Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction and attention from their owners. Placing their head on your shoulder is an easy way for them to get your attention. If you respond by petting or talking to them, they’ll learn that putting their head on your shoulder leads to getting attention and time with you.
Tiredness
Dogs put their heads on shoulders when they are tired or sleepy. The shoulder provides a nice, comfortable spot for them to rest their head and take a nap. By laying their head on you, they are probably looking for a place to rest as they drift off to sleep. It’s their way of snuggling up to you for a nap.
Security
Laying their head on your shoulder may provide your dog with a sense of security and comfort. By being close to you and literally leaning on you, they feel protected and safe. It can be reassuring for nervous or anxious dogs. Puppies also frequently lay on their human’s shoulder when sleepy or scared as it helps them feel secure.
Scenting
Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, so they pick up a lot of information from your scent. Putting their head on your shoulder allows them to get closer to your face and neck, areas that produce smells your dog wants to investigate. They may simply enjoy your familiar, comforting scent.
Protectiveness
Some dogs will put their head on your shoulder as a protective gesture, especially if they sense you are sad, ill, or vulnerable in some way. By literally leaning on you, they are trying to use their body to support you and be ready to help if needed. It’s their way of saying “I’ve got you” and looking out for you.
Submission
Lowering their head and resting it on you is a submissive posture for dogs. If your dog is particularly low on the dominance hierarchy scale, laying their head on your shoulder may be a sign of submission, akin to saying “you’re in charge.” It’s a deferential posture that communicates non-threatening intentions.
Enjoyment of Closeness
Some dogs simply enjoy being close to their beloved humans. If your dog frequently lays their head on your shoulder, they probably find it satisfying on some level. It may just feel good or be calming for them, much like a human enjoys a good hug.
Boredom
Dogs left alone for long periods may start resting their head on you when you return home. This behavior can become attention-seeking or clingy if they are chronically bored or under-exercised while you are away. Make sure your dog gets sufficient physical and mental stimulation.
Stress or Anxiety
Dogs may lean on their owners more when stressed. Changes in routine, new environments, loud noises or strangers can cause anxiety. The shoulder provides comfort and security during stressful times. If your dog is suddenly leaning on you more, assess what changes may be causing them stress.
Illness or Pain
Dogs that are ill or in pain may rest their head on you more as a way to cope and elicit comfort. If your dog is sick or injured, the shoulder posture may be their way of asking for help and relief. Always assess changes in behavior that could signal underlying medical issues.
Old Age
Senior dogs often grow more attached to their owners as they age. Laying their head on your shoulder is a way for aging dogs to be close and feel protected. Declining health, senses and mobility contribute to older dogs appreciating the comfort and intimacy of resting on you.
Breed Tendencies
Some breeds are more likely to rest their heads on owners due to inherent traits. For example, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are very people-oriented breeds prone to behaviors that keep them close to their family. Terriers were bred to work closely with people and enjoy that interaction.
Conclusion
Dogs have many good reasons for laying their heads so affectionately on your shoulder. It is often a sign of a healthy bond and their innate desire to be close to you. Make sure to fulfill your dog’s needs for attention, exercise, medical care and bonding so they feel secure resting their head contentedly on their favorite human’s shoulder.
| Reason | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Affection | Expressing love and connection |
| Attention | Seeking interaction and notice from you |
| Tiredness | Looking for a comfortable place to rest their head |
| Security | Feeling protected and reassured by being close |
| Scenting | Enjoying your familiar, comforting scent |
| Protectiveness | Using their body to support and care for you |
| Submission | Showing deference and non-threat |
| Enjoyment of Closeness | Just feels good and satisfying to be close |
| Boredom | Attention-seeking behavior if understimulated |
| Stress or Anxiety | Seeking comfort during challenges |
In summary, dogs put their heads on shoulders for a variety of reasons rooted in their instincts, emotions, and social nature. Pay attention to any changes in this behavior to make sure your dog feels secure and content resting affectionately on you.
Reasons Related to Dog’s Instincts and Ancestry
Dogs inherited many of their behaviors, traits, and motivations from their wolf ancestors. Some reasons for shoulder leaning stem from these innate instincts.
Pack Animal Instincts
Wolves stick close together in packs for companionship, warmth, bonding, and safety. Dogs have retained this drive for proximity and physical closeness for comfort and security.
Security in a Leader
Wolves feel protected by being near the alpha leader. Dogs mirror this by finding security staying close to their human leader’s shoulder.
Working Partnership
Wolves partner in hunting and working together. Dogs continue this teamwork, often working very closely with people’s shoulders during tasks like herding.
Communication
Canine body language conveyed through shoulder contact includes deference, affection, protectiveness, anxiety, etc.
Scent Reception
Wolves and dogs gather chemical signals from facial areas. Laying on the shoulder enables optimal scent reception.
Reasons Related to Dog’s Emotions
A dog’s emotional state influences their likelihood of resting on their human’s shoulder.
Happiness
Dogs lean when joyful and content – it enhances their enjoyment and fulfillment.
Sadness
Dogs lean more when mourning a loss or departure to seek comfort.
Fear
Timid, frightened dogs lean on shoulders to feel safe and reassured.
Insecurity
Dogs lean when anxious or unsure to stabilize and orient themselves.
Love
Dogs in love lean on the object of their affection for closeness and bonding.
Reasons Related to Dog’s Social Nature
As social animals, dogs lean on shoulders to connect with their human family.
Companionship
Dogs enjoy the friendly intimacy of shoulder contact when bonding with their person.
Rapport
Leaning builds rapport, coordination and familiarity between dog and human.
Protection
Dogs lean on shoulders to protect their vulnerable human family members.
Responsiveness
Dogs lean when pleading for food, play, petting, door opening, etc. from their human.
Submission
Lower ranking dogs lean on higher ranking humans as an appeasement and deference gesture.