Our b/c puppy sits on our feet if we're standing up doing something or just sitting watching tv. He's not doing it to get attention and I just thought that he loved me and wanted to be near me but the trainer at his puppy class said that it is a dominant action and to stop him from doing it. He doesn't moan if we move him off our feet. Has anyone else got any opinion on this or should I just listen to the trainer and stop being so soft!

My boston Tiva who will be 5 years sits on our feet all the time, always has. I don't mind she helps keep my feet warm :). She does not act dominate to me at all, very friendly and out going with everyone even at her class with people and other dogs.
ttfn :)

I think there's a lot of confusion about so called 'dominance' - my two bitches both like to stand on the stairs at my head height, which is what some would call 'dominant' behaviour, but at the same time they lick my face, which is described as a 'submissive' gesture. I'd suggest your pup has found himself a hotwater bottle and a way of being close to you - although it might become a problem when he's fully grown and you need to leap up to answer the phone/door, so I'd be inclined to stop it now simply because of this.

I would think he's just doing it to be near you! One of my dals likes to sit facing me, with her front feet on my toes, and she is the most submissive dog you could meet. If it doesn't bother you, let him carry on. :)

what sort of flooring do you have? It may simply be that your feet are warmer than the lino!

My 10 month old GSD does this too:) I always assumed it was as Sam said......just warmer on my feet rather the lino or floor outside since she doesn't really do it when there's a nice carpet to sprawl out on:D

Stacey x x x

My previous dog ALWAYS did this . He was not a dominant dog in any way shape or form ( he was a complete softy ) . I always thought he did it for comfort reasons .
Why would a dog do this to dominate anyway ?
Lel

All my dogs do this:) Especially if I am on the sofa, they all lay around my legs and on my feet - I never considered it dominance, just they like to be all together as a pack. It can be a pain sometimes, when you go to get up to make a cuppa or something, as you have to move them out of the way:D Julie:)

I agree it is certainly not dominance, and I feel your trainer should know this (sorry to be blunt :) ).

As long as you are happy with your dog or pup, don't worry about it.

Lindsay

My friends little dog make a bee line for your feet and pushes his chest into them. Then he just sits there leaning on you keeping your toes warm :) Dominance? err.....no way! Just a fetish :D

Hi
I would say its just his way of having physical contact with you and so feeling secure.I have an elkhound who wants constant physical contact with either me or my husband and he is one of the least dominant dogs I've ever come across.
I think you're right -he just loves you!!
Archer

I always consider Holly to be very brave sleeping near my feet :D :D :D

Fiona
x x x

I think this is a normal doggy thing. I have 4 assorted dogs all medium to large and they delight in seeing who can sit closest to or on me. Feet are a favourite to sleep on and i have to remember and give them a nudge before getting up. It's then a case of hopping between them over the floor. :)

Your pup seems to have bonded with you well to want to be cuddled up with you. Enjoy!

my 16 week old does this, but i think it is purely him wanting constant physical contact with me where possible. If i just sit next to him when he is sleeping etc, he always just places one paw on my lap..i think it is more of a comfort thing.
I don't really understand what is dominent about lying over your feet???

He has done it has long as we have had him and i just think its comical (although slightly
annoying when i am trying to get on with the housework!!) ...funnily enough his behaviour is
sort of similar to my other halfs!! ;-)

Thanks for all your replies. I felt really stupid when the trainer said that and I could tell that some of the other owners thought so too.

Good luck Jill.

Sometimes we just know when we're being told a load of tosh! :)

I would take what the trainer has told you with a pinch of salt .
If you dont mind your dog doing this then what harm is he doing ?
:)
Lel

I have to agree with everyone. My yorkie sits on my feet or pretty near when ever I'm sitting down. Or even when I'm standing washing dishes, she likes to be on my feet. :D Does make it a little difficult though. She also runs and sits on my feet when something has scared her, like a new noise in the house or the kids running up the stairs. (Sounds like a herd of elephants at times). So I wouldn't worry, she loves you! Shirl :D

Hi,

My CKCS pup is constantly lying on my feet, even when I'm standing up and he's not in the least bit dominant so personally I think you're ok and your pup just wants to be close to you.

Jasperooni
xxx

Hi Jill,
I have three huge GSD's ranging from 6 months to 18 months and they all sit on my feet given the chance, its a race to see who can get the coveted spot first! Just a case of 'we wanna be togevva!!'
But its me who gets the squashed feet cos they must weigh up to 7 or 8 stone!!

Lynne