Why Does My Australian Shepherd Sit on Me?

Last Updated on July 4, 2023

Australian Shepherds, also known as Aussies, are lovable and energetic dogs known for their loyalty and affectionate nature. They are a popular breed among dog owners due to their high intelligence and overall proclivity for being protective. Still, sometimes their behaviour can be confusing and even concerning, especially when they sit on you.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? This article will go in-depth with why an Aussie might be sitting on you and whether you should be concerned about such. Keep reading below to know all about it!

What Does It Mean When an Australian Shepherd Sits on You?

When your Aussie sits on you, it can have different meanings. It could be a sign of affection, a way to seek attention, or an attempt to assert dominance. However, an Australian Shepherd sitting on you generally means trying to show you affection or showing dominance.

Another likely reason for your Aussie sitting on you can also indicate that they are trying to mark you by essentially putting their “scent” on you; in this way, an Aussie can mark you as their possession. In other cases, however, your dog could be trying to assert dominance by showing others that the Aussie is in control and not otherwise.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? Understanding context is crucial. If your dog is stressed or anxious, sitting on you can provide comfort. However, it must be corrected if your dog tries to show dominance.

How To Respond to Your Australian Shepherd’s Behaviour of Sitting on You

If your dog is sitting on you, responding positively and rewarding the behaviour is essential and the behaviour. You can pet your dog, give treats, or offer praise. If your dog is trying to assert dominance, you need to be firm and assert your dominance. This can be done by standing up, pushing your dog off, and giving a stern command to stop.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? Generally, positive reinforcement training can work wonders in this situation as it can slowly modify a dog’s personality to eventually make them understand what to do and what not to do. However, the owner will have to be patient for this to work.

Training Your Australian Shepherd To Stop Sitting on You

If your Aussie’s behaviour of sitting on you is problematic, it can be corrected through training. Consistent training and reinforcement of desired behaviours will help your dog understand what is expected of them.

Some of the things to keep in mind while dealing with this behaviour are:

• Determine the reason for their behaviour: Is the dog sitting on you for affection or to assert dominance? Understanding the motivation behind the behaviour will help you tailor your response.

• Establish clear rules and boundaries: Make sure your dog knows what is and isn’t allowed. For example, you can establish a rule that the dog is not allowed to sit on the furniture and especially not on you.

• Reinforce good behaviour: Offer treats, praise, or attention when the dog sits politely beside you.

• Redirect bad behaviour: If the dog tries to sit on you, redirect its attention with a toy or a game.

• Be consistent: Consistency is vital in training, so ensure everyone in the household uses the same commands and rules if family members are living alongside you.

• Be patient: Modifying behaviour takes time and patience, so be persistent and keep going even if progress is slow.

• Consider professional help: If the behaviour is persistent or becomes problematic, consider working with a professional dog trainer for more tailored advice and guidance.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as rewarding your dog for exhibiting desired behaviour and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviour. Try stimulating your Aussie mentally by exercising them for at least 60 minutes while making them do puzzles and like.

Common Misconceptions About Australian Shepherds Sitting on Their Owners

Australian Shepherds are known for their affectionate and loyal nature, but their behaviour of sitting on their own can be misinterpreted. There are several common misconceptions about this behaviour, which can lead to misunderstandings and ineffective training methods.

One misconception is that the behaviour is a sign of affection. While it may be true in some cases, it can also be an attempt to assert dominance. Owners who see this behaviour as a sign of affection may reinforce it, but this can lead to the dog becoming more dominant and difficult to manage.

Another misconception is that the behaviour is simply a habit. While habit formation may play a role, it’s essential to understand that the behaviour may have deeper roots in the dog’s instincts and personality.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? It is believed that the behaviour can be eliminated through punishment or physical force. This approach can be counter-productive, as it can lead to fear and anxiety in the dog and damage the relationship between the dog and its owner, resulting in typically violent behaviour from the dog in the long run.

The Importance of Bonding With Your Australian Shepherd

Bonding with your Australian Shepherd is a crucial aspect of dog ownership. It can have a significant impact on the health and well-being of both the dog and the owner. A strong bond between a dog and its owner is characterised by trust, mutual respect, and a deep connection.

Australian Shepherds are known for being fiercely loyal and protective. A strong bond will enhance these traits and create a positive relationship. A dog with a strong bond is more likely to respond to commands, be well-behaved, and exhibit fewer behavioural issues.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? Studies have shown that spending time with a pet can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and improve mood. Bonding with a dog can also improve the owner’s physical and mental health.

Understanding the Pack Mentality of Australian Shepherds and How It Relates to Sitting on Their Owner

Australian Shepherds are descendants of working dogs and have a strong pack mentality, which can significantly impact their behaviour, including sitting on their owner. The pack mentality is based on the dog’s instincts to live and work in a hierarchical group. In a pack, the leader is the one who sits at the apex (highest point) while the rest of the pack members arrange themselves accordingly.

This instinct can manifest in a dog’s behaviour when it tries to sit on its owner to assert dominance and its place in the pack hierarchy. The dog may see the owner as the leader of its pack, and by sitting on the owner, it is. This behaviour can become problematic if not addressed as it signifies the dog trying to be rebellious and trying to take the top spot.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? To understand and address this behaviour, it’s essential to establish clear rules and boundaries, such as not allowing the dog to sit on the furniture. Reinforcing good behaviour through positive reinforcement and consistent training can help modify the dog’s behaviour and encourage it to respect the owner’s role as the pack’s leader.

How To Create a Positive Reinforcement Training To Discourage the Behaviour of Sitting on You

Positive reinforcement training is an effective way to modify dogs’ behaviour, including sitting on their own. The key to success with this approach is to focus on rewarding good behaviour rather than punishing bad behaviour.

You’ll need to understand and consistently reinforce the desired behaviour to create a positive reinforcement training program for your Australian Shepherd. Start by creating a positive reinforcement plan that outlines what the dog will be rewarded for.

Next, you’ll need to choose appropriate rewards that your dog finds highly motivating, such as treats, toys, and praise. It’s essential to reward the behaviour immediately after it occurs. Hence, the dog makes a clear connection between the behaviour and the reward. Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? If you need help initially, consider seeking a professional dog trainer.

How To Provide an Alternative Behaviour That Your Australian Shepherd Can Exhibit Instead of Sitting on You

To discourage the behaviour of your Australian Shepherd sitting on you, it’s essential to provide an alternative behaviour that the dog can exhibit instead.

To start, use a verbal command such as “lie down” and reward the dog immediately with a treat or praise when it follows the command. Consistent reinforcement of this behaviour will help the dog make a clear connection between the command and the desired behaviour.

You can encourage alternative behaviour by having the Aussie lie beside you instead of sitting on you. When your dog approaches you to sit on you, redirect your attention to a toy which will signal to the dog that you are not interested in such behaviour. Play with the toy together and reward the dog for focusing on it.

Why does my Australian Shepherd sit on me? Providing an alternative behaviour is a short-term solution. Consistent reinforcement of the alternative behaviour through positive reinforcement training is crucial to discourage the behaviour of sitting on you.

Conclusion

Why Does my Australian Shepherd Sit on me? While some of the reasons why your Aussie may sit on you might differ, you should always try to keep track of your Aussie’s behaviour to figure out why they are behaving the way they do. If it is not apparent to you, you may consult an animal vet or another similar professional to try and figure it out.