Why do dogs like sleeping by your feet? Experts explain this adorable habit and what it truly means.

My Dog and My Feet: A Little Story

Okay, so I wanted to share something I've been noticing for a while now with my own dog, Buddy. It's this funny habit he has – always wanting to sleep right by my feet. It’s not sometimes, it’s like, almost all the time.

I first really started paying attention when I was working from home last year. I’d be sitting at my desk, typing away, you know, focused. Buddy has this super comfy dog bed, right? Like, really plush. But nope. He’d come over, circle maybe once or twice, and then just flop down right under my desk, practically using my feet as a pillow. I’d accidentally nudge him sometimes when I shifted, but he didn’t care. He'd just sigh and maybe reposition a little.

Then I noticed it happening other times too.

• Watching TV: I'd be on the sofa, feet up or on the floor, doesn't matter. Five minutes later, guess who's curled up down there? Buddy.
• In Bed: This was the weirdest one at first. He sleeps in the bedroom with us, usually on his own little rug. But sometime during the night, more often than not, I'd wake up feeling this warm lump right against my feet, under the covers. Yep, Buddy somehow managed to sneak up and wedge himself there.

It got me thinking, why the feet? Seriously. Why not snuggle up next to my side on the sofa? Why not just stay on his comfy bed?

I started watching him more closely. I didn't read any books or anything, just observed my own dog. What I saw was, it felt like he just wanted to be close, but maybe not too close? Like, being at my feet meant he was right there, he knew where I was, but he wasn't directly in my way, or maybe he felt less intrusive down there. It’s lower to the ground, maybe feels safer, like he's got a good vantage point or can react quickly if I get up.

I also wondered if it was a pack thing. You know how they talk about pack hierarchy? Maybe being at the 'leader's' feet (that's me, I guess!) is a comfortable spot for him. It shows respect, maybe? Or it's just a way to feel secure, knowing the pack leader is right there guarding the 'den'. That made some sense to me, thinking about how dogs might see the world.

And yeah, sometimes my feet might be warm, especially under the desk or in bed, so maybe that's part of it too. He does like a warm spot. But he does it even when it's not cold, so it can't be the only reason.

What I Reckon Now

So after all this watching and thinking, I don't have like, a scientific answer. But for Buddy, it feels like a mix of things. It’s about security, knowing I’m right there. It’s about being part of the group, staying connected to me. Maybe it's a bit about temperature sometimes. And it’s just… his spot. He chose it.

Honestly, I’ve gotten used to it. It’s just one of those quirky dog things. Sometimes I still accidentally kick him in my sleep, poor guy. But he always comes back. It’s kind of endearing, knowing this furry little guy wants to be that close, even if it’s just my feet he’s after. It’s our little routine now.