So, you decide to take a nap on the sofa and as soon as you lay down and close your eyes, your Shih Tzu jumps up and makes themselves comfortable right on top of you. So, you might be asking yourself, “Why does my Shih Tzu sit on me when I’m laying down?” It’s a good question. Here’s the answer.
Why Does My Shih Tzu Sit on Me When I’m Laying Down?
After running around all day and working and making dinner you finally get a moment to lay down on the sofa and watch some TV.
The good thing about your Shih Tzu plopping down on you is that they aren’t a 100 pound Black Lab.
While it might not be comfortable, it’s not a huge weight pressing down on you.
But just as you get comfortable, your Shih Tzu decides to join you by jumping up on the sofa and sitting down on top of you, but why?
There are several reasons your Shih Tzu might do this.
1. You’ve Been Gone All Day and They Want to Be Close
Shih Tzus are bred to be companion dogs and what better way to be a companion than being as close to you as possible.
You make a great pillow and being on top of you lets them be close and comfortable.
If you’ve been gone all day, they miss you.
Shih Tzus are known to have separation anxiety and if you’ve been gone then they can really need to have that connection with you.
The fact that you make a cozy spot is just an added bonus.
My Shih Tzu, Sammy always wants to be close.
When I’m laying on the sofa she will lay on my back or stomach.
If I’m sitting up on the sofa with my feet on a footstool, she will lay on my legs.
If I’m in bed sleeping on my stomach, she will lay on the back of my legs or on my back.
It’s like having a 10-pound tumor attached to me.
In the winter it is kind of nice because she is warm.
In the summer, it feels like the sun is sitting on top of me.
Even so, it is part of her charm.
2. Marking Their Territory
Dogs are pack animals and you are one of their pack.
Hopefully, you are the head of the pack, but if not, we’ll get to that in a minute.
For the same reason a pack of dogs in the wild will rub in the same smell, so they all smell alike, your Shih Tzu might sit on you to make you smell like them.
In a way, they are marking their territory or at the very least letting anyone who happens upon you to know that you are one of their pack.
This really shouldn’t be seen as a behavior issue.
It is completely normal for dogs.
3. Showing Who is Boss
Sometimes, however, your Shih Tzu is showing you that they are in charge.
That they are the alpha dog.
When it comes to unwanted behaviors this is one of them.
You need to be in charge and if your Shih Tzu is showing you that you’re not, you might want to consider some training sessions to change the dynamic.
This isn’t aggressive behavior, but you do want to take back control.
If your pouch does feel it is the ruler of the house, you’ll see it in other behavioral issues as well.
4. You’re in Their Seat
Sometimes canine behaviors are really simple.
You’re just in their favorite spot and if you won’t move, they will sit on you instead.
Let’s face it, if you’ve taken the most comfortable spot in the house, your Shih Tzu is going to want in on the action.
5. They Want to Cuddle
This goes back to the nature of Shih Tzus.
As companion dogs, they want to be with you and they are great cuddlers.
This is going to be even more of the case if you’ve been gone all day or haven’t had enough time to spend with them.
They can be needy, but that is part of their charm.
6. There’s Nothing Else to Do
Sometimes, it is just about boredom.
They’ve got nothing to do, so they decide to hang out with you.
They never know when you might do something interesting and they want to be front and center when you do.
You might also enjoy:
Shih Tzu Barking – What Can You Do About It?
The Shih Tzu Personality – The Good, Bad, and Ugly
7. They Are Scared
If your Shih Tzu is afraid of loud noises or something else, they may just be looking for some comfort and a hiding spot.
They are looking to you to protect them.
And that’s a good thing.
They see you as the alpha dog and the leader of the pack.
You might also enjoy:
Why Do Shih Tzus Roll in the Dirt?
To Sum it All Up:
There are a number of reasons why your Shih Tzu might want to lay or sit on you, all of them are good except one. So, as long as they aren’t showing their dominance, enjoy the attention and the company when you’re watching your favorite show.
Please Note:
This article is informational only and does not substitute for veterinary advice. Always check with your veterinarian or doctor if you are concerned about your Shih Tzu’s. This article should not be considered in any way as veterinarian advice.
