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Dog owners are all too familiar with being used as a human table for toys. Sometimes it’s welcomed, and sometimes it gets in the way of relaxation. But why in the world do dogs chew their toys on their owners?
Your dog likely does not mean any harm by it. It is actually a good sign of your relationship with your pet! Let’s take a look at the reasons for this behavior.
The 5 Reasons Why Your Dog Chews His Toys on You
1. Trust
Trust is one of the main reasons dogs like to chew their toys on their owners. Your dog shows that they trust you and aren’t afraid of carefree activity when you’re near, especially with their favorite toy.
In your dog’s eyes, you’re a safe space for them to be themselves. Why wouldn’t they invade your personal space for security?
2. Hanging Out
Sometimes dogs want to hang out with us while they do their own thing, like chewing their favorite toys. Chewing a toy on you is their way of spending time together without interactive play.
Other times, dogs will lay a toy in your lap to signal playtime. But chewing a toy on you is a good alternative if you’d rather do something else.
3. Leverage
Have you ever paid close attention to your dog’s chew toy? There can be some hard-to-reach places to chew. Toys are also wiggly and can be challenging for your dog to keep still using only their paws.
A good way to solve this problem is using you as leverage. Your lap will help keep their toy steady while they chew and lick every nook and cranny.
4. Past Behavior
If you’ve let your dog chew their toy on you before (or maybe a previous owner did), they now associate it with good vibes. You can bet they’ll continue the behavior if you don’t say anything.
5. Companionship
Throw all these ingredients into the pot, and you get a recipe for companionship. All your dog wants to do is spend time with you. Dogs often chew toys around other dogs to hang out and build trust, and your dog wants to share that love with you.
How Do I Stop My Dog From Chewing on Me? 3 Things You Can Do
If your dog chewing their toy on you isn’t your thing, stopping the behavior can be simple with these three tips.
1. Play Together
Try to play with your dog if you can. We know it’s tough when you want to relax, but this is the reality of owning a dog. They want to spend time with you after not seeing you all day. Pick up a ball, grab a leash, or go outside with your pup and spend some time together. Your dog will love it, and it may make them more willing to grant you your personal space eventually.
2. Distract Your Dog With a Food Puzzle
Distracting your dog with another toy, like a treat dispenser, is a great way to keep your pet’s drool away from your lap. Dogs should solve a daily puzzle for 15 to 30 minutes of mental stimulation.
Some treat dispensers are easy and can be solved within seconds, while others take more time. It’s nice to have both options if you need to mentally stimulate your dog for long periods.
3. Relocate Your Dog
At the end of the day, move your dog away from you if needed. Lay a comfy bed in a nice area, or set up a different play area for your dog to entertain themselves and leave you be.
Final Thoughts
Dogs like to chew toys together to hang out with each other, so it makes sense that your dog would do the same around you. A dog chewing their toy on you is like a big hug. They’re showing you that they love and trust you. There’s no other explanation aside from companionship.
Featured Image Credit: AnnaD, Pixabay
