Why Does My Dog Lie on My Clothes? 5 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

Some dogs love nothing more than lying on their humans’ clothes. While their intentions might be pure, it is a habit that you probably want to prevent. Typically, dogs lie on clothes because they’re comfortable and warm, and they carry your smell, but it might be that you’ve put your clothes in your dog’s favorite spot.

Below, we’ll examine possible reasons your dog has developed this habit and what you can do to prevent it.

The 5 Possible Reasons Why Dogs Lie on Your Clothes

1. They Smell Like You

One reason why your dog might be sleeping on your clothes is that they smell like you. Dogs form strong bonds with their owners and look to them for safety and comfort. Your smell probably comforts them, so they sleep on your clothes because it makes them feel like they’re close to you.

It’s cute, in a way, but it’s unpleasant to have dog hair on your favorite pullover and slobber on your pants.

2. Their Scent Is Appealing

It might not be your smell that is attracting your dog. Dirty clothes can smell like food, other animals, or any of several other aromas that are particularly appealing to dogs. If your dog has a preference for your clean clothes, they might like the smell of the conditioner you use. If you let the clothes dry naturally outside, it could be the smell of the outdoors that attracts your pup.

3. They’re Comfortable

A pile of clothes makes an inviting bed, and most clothes are light enough to be pushed around and turned into a makeshift dog bed. Again, if this is the case, you might find your dog lying in your clean clothes or laundry pile.

The laundry pile is more appealing because the clothes will likely be balled up or stretched out, making them much more comfortable.

4. They’re Warm

If you’ve just taken your clothes off, they will be especially warm from your body heat. However, even if your clothes have been lying on the floor for a few hours, the material can provide some warmth.

If they’re near a radiator, heater, or a sunny window, they will provide even greater warmth for a dog that feels the cold.

5. They’re In Your Dog’s Favorite Spot

Most dogs have favorite spots. Sometimes, that might be on their bed or in the middle of the couch. It might even be at the foot of your bed or on a chair in the hall. If you’ve put your clothes down where your dog normally takes their afternoon nap, they might view it as an invitation to sleep on the clothes.

Helpful Tips to Stop Your Dog from Lying on Your Clothes

Whatever the cause, having your dog lying on your clothes isn't appropriate. They can leave dog hairs, dirt, and grease on your favorite attire. The following steps can help prevent this unwanted behavior.

1. Put the Clothes Away

Your best bet to prevent your dog from lying on your clothes is to keep them in a drawer or closet. Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket, and once they’re dry and folded, put clean clothes away. If you don’t have time, put them in a room and shut the door to prevent your dog from getting on them.

2. Provide More Beds

If your dog is lying on your clothes as a makeshift bed, it might mean that they don’t have enough beds or don’t like the ones they have. Dog beds don’t have to be expensive to be comfortable, and you can always use an old blanket and a budget bed rather than an expensive doughnut bed or canine sofa.

3. Encourage Dog Bed Use

When your dog does sleep in their bed, give them a treat and plenty of praise. When they sleep on your clothes, discourage and ignore them or redirect them towards an appropriate spot. Keep doing this, and eventually, your dog will get the idea that they should sleep on their bed.

Alternatively, consider crate training if this habit occurs when you’re out of the house. Many dogs grow to love their crates, and you can put a blanket with your smell on it in the crate for comfort, warmth, and security.

Conclusion

Dogs love to be around their humans. If you’re unavailable, your clothes might just be the next best thing. They carry your or other attractive smells, are comfortable to sleep on, and may provide additional warmth. You might also find your dog lying on your clothes because they are in their favorite napping spot.

The best way to prevent it is to make sure no clothes are left out, but you should also check that your dog has a suitable bed and use positive reinforcement to encourage them to sleep in desirable spots.

Featured Image Credit: WHYFRAME, Shutterstock