Why Do Some Dogs Like To "stick" To The Master's Leg?

2023 Author: Molly Page | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 22:49

Dog owners do not like to discuss this problem, admitting it only in secret. Veterinarians say that this behavior of our dogs, in fact, is not a big problem, except that she tries to do it with your leg in front of guests.

Cats also like to engage in "unworthy" behavior with another cat, or with a pillow, or with a soft toy. But since cats are more cautious about this (because they are mostly locked in the house, and not because of shyness), this behavior does not attract as much attention. Is that when they pull the toy into the living room and begin to demonstrate their "feelings" for it in front of your guests.

Experts believe that this behavior is entirely natural for cats and dogs, and is not always an indicator of their sexual arousal. Please note that in this case, the animal is not targeting any specific part of the body. Very often, dogs are "attached" in various places, for example, on the head of another dog. Moreover, the same behavior is typical for females.

In animals, this behavior serves two purposes: the manifestation of dominance and the release of stress

Dogs and cats communicate with each other using body language. The attempt to climb on top of each other begins in early childhood, when puppies and kittens, rolling on the floor, try to climb on top of each other literally and figuratively. In dogs, body language can be very subtle. This is especially noticeable when one dog places its muzzle on another dog's face, head or neck.

Trying to climb on another dog means something like "I am in charge", ie in this case the dog is trying to establish its dominant position. And yet this behavior is not really aggressive, but more playful, a kind of competition: "I can be more important than you!" "No, I am more important!"

In addition to trying to establish a dominant position, this behavior also serves to release tension. When a dog is worried about something, it tries to climb on a person's leg or on another animal, or on a toy or other object. While they cannot get anything out of it physically, it seems to ease their tension, perhaps because it distracts attention.

Differentiating between the two causes of such behavior requires an investigation of the usual behavior of the pet. If you have a submissive dog, it won't become dominant just by climbing onto your leg. But if this is part of her behavior (the dog is guarding his food, climbs onto your bed, and when you knock him off your foot, he growls and grins), then you may be in trouble.

If your dog appears to be aggressive, you should consult an experienced dog trainer who can help your dog identify its place in your family. If she tries to establish dominance but does not seem aggressive, the solution to the problem may be for the owner to leave the room and close the door behind him. Just because a dog is trying to dominate you does not mean that he wants you to leave. Deprive it of your company (most pets need it) and isolate it from you. Thus, every time your dog tries to dominate you, you must leave. As a result, the dog will understand that he is not achieving anything good by this behavior.

If your dog doesn't need your company, he becomes aggressive. In this case, you need professional help.

If this behavior is not caused by an attempt to establish dominance, but by relieving tension, and you are not very worried, if for these purposes the dog uses, for example, soft toys, then you can simply leave it alone. In the end, nothing bad will happen, and the dog will feel better.

However, this behavior in some cases can be problematic. For example, if your dog "sticks" to the leg of a person, especially a child, or a cat tries to climb on another animal, which may end in a fight, etc.

First of all, you shouldn't yell at the animal. Your screaming can only make him engage in inappropriate behavior with great zeal, if only in order to get more of your attention. Or worse, your pet's stress may take on a different form: your dog or cat may now try to pull their fur, scratch their skin, etc.

You should redirect this behavior to something more constructive and harmless to the animal and others. With the dog, you can try to practice obedience commands, for example, "sit". When you feel that the dog is now engaging in "unworthy" behavior, give him a command, and then be sure to reward. By executing the command, the dog will be able to demonstrate its skills, will be rewarded for this, which will automatically remove its anxiety.

With cats, things are a little more complicated, because their attention is not so easy to redirect. The simplest thing is to give them an item they can work on without pulling it out in front of the guests. Often, owners ask veterinarians why their spayed animals continue this behavior. The answer is simple: in most cases this behavior is not sexually oriented.