Mary Allen
Is there anything nicer than cuddling your own dog?
Unfortunately, not all four-legged friends share this enthusiasm. Some dogs prefer to lie alone, others lie down after a few minutes.
Here you can find out what needs are behind this behavior, what you can do to make your dog enjoy your closeness and when you should see a veterinarian.
In a nutshell: Why does my dog always lie away from me?
If your dog no longer wants to cuddle with you, it can have different reasons – some you can influence, others you have to accept.
If your dog is in pain, it may be that this is intensified by touch and he therefore withdraws from you.
Sometimes we almost molest our dogs with our love. Does your dog find no peace next to you because you are constantly petting or talking to him? Then at some point, he will lie away from you to make up for his lack of sleep.
Dogs can also suffer from depression and trauma. These dogs prefer to lie alone because they are not feeling well or have less trust in people. With a canine psychologist, these problems can be reduced.
Older dogs withdraw more often because their need for rest increases. In addition, age problems can make it difficult to climb the sofa. With an undisturbed resting place, you give your old friend moments of well-being.
My dog is distancing itself from me: 4 reasons
If your dog prefers to lie alone – don’t take it personally!
Instead, try to find out why your dog doesn’t want to cuddle with you.
We have listed four reasons for you.
1. Physical ailments
If your dog is in pain that is aggravated by touch, he will avoid lying down next to you.
Other symptoms:
- Excessive panting
- Persistent refusal of food or water
- Avoiding certain movements
- Restlessness or sudden aggression
- Frequent licking and scratching
- disinterest and laziness
- Trembling, yelping, or whimpering
Anything could be behind your dog’s pain.
It is best to go to the vet as soon as possible if your dog suddenly no longer likes to cuddle with you and also shows symptoms of pain.
2. Lack of sleep
Dogs need a lot of rest – we are often not even aware of how much. Adult dogs rest about 17 hours a day. Puppies and old dogs even need at least 20 hours.
A stressed dog cannot relax. And lots of things can be stressful – including you!
Be honest – do you cuddle with him all the time when he wants to sleep next to you?
Then it is understandable that your dog prefers to lie alone. It may be nice to be petted, but please not all the time.
Set up a quiet retreat for your dog where nobody will disturb him – not even you. Then he can clearly show you when he wants to cuddle and when he needs his rest.
Good to know:
What we understand as a gesture of affection can trigger stress in dogs. Hugs and hunched over pats are strong dominance gestures that are more likely to make the dog flee. Sometimes less is more.
Leave your four-legged friend alone when he is lying next to you. ‘Contact lying’ is already a great token of love.
3. Depression and trauma
Some dogs carry distressing psychological packages that cause the dog to distance themselves.
There are many triggers for depression:
- under- or over-demanding
- persistent stress
- physical complaints
- Neglect by the caregiver
If your dog comes to you from negative breeding or as a “second-hand dog” with a difficult past, they may have had traumatic experiences.
It takes him longer to trust you. You should accept that and not push your dog too close. Otherwise you will confirm his suspicions.
A canine psychologist can help you and your dog manage mental health issues.
4. Age
It is quite normal for older dogs to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They need more rest than before and therefore like to lie alone in their place.
Of course, it is also possible that grandma or grandpa’s dog is no longer agile enough to jump on the sofa.
Have the senior dog checked by the vet for age-related diseases.
If these can be ruled out, offer your senior dog a cozy place that is good for his old bones.
If he visits him, he is left alone by all pack members.
Feel-good signs in the dog
Some dogs are very cuddly, other dogs don’t like to cuddle – every dog has its own character.
To find out what your dog likes, look for signs of well-being. Your dog expresses that he is doing well in many ways:
- he voluntarily lies down near you
- he leans on you
- he rolls
- the rod swings back and forth relaxed halfway up
- he turns on his back and offers you his belly to scratch
- if you stop petting, he’ll stay there and maybe even nudge you to keep you going
- Smacking, sniffling, and sighing are also signs that your dog is relaxing next to you
Solutions
If your dog keeps lying away from you, start by examining your own behavior.
Don’t you let him rest when he’s lying next to you – by constantly touching him?
Do you do things that unintentionally intimidate him – do you bend over him, do you hug him?
If you feel caught, try to push your dog less from now on.
Don’t hold him, pet him with smooth movements and scratch his neck or chest. Find out how long and on which body parts your dog likes to be touched.
If your dog still keeps his distance, consult a veterinarian or canine psychologist.
Tip:
If your dog doesn’t like snuggling, show him your love in other ways—play together, go on adventures, or let him chew a chew bone next to you. If he participates enthusiastically, you can also take that as a show of affection from him to you.
Conclusion
If your dog always lies away from you, he may not find the relaxation he needs next to you.
This can be due to the increased need for rest in old age or to a high stress level due to noise or constant attention.
Depression and trauma as well as physical pain can also cause your dog to distance itself.
Try to accept your dog’s character and look for feel-good signs. This way you can find out when your dog is getting too busy and needs his rest.
If your dog suddenly no longer wants to cuddle with you or shows other abnormalities such as loss of appetite, aggression or pain symptoms, you should seek advice from a veterinarian.