What Does It Mean When Dogs Snuggle With You?

Dogs show their love in many ways, but a cuddly pooch that prefers to nestle right up to you on the sofa or in bed is particularly satisfying. Does your dog even rest his head on the pillow and paw at your hand until you put the blanket over him? If so, he probably feels bonded to you and finds your presence comforting. Not only that, but your body provides a source of warmth that dogs crave especially during cold weather. Keep in mind that while most dogs do love to cuddle, hugs can be stressful. Being near you, pressing up against you, or even sitting on your lap are all snuggly ways your dog shows you he cares.

It's just that simple. You've been away at the office for 10 hours straight — that's a lifetime in doggie hours. Unfortunately, your busy day doesn't stop just because you're home. You have bills to pay, dinner to make, kids to pick up, laundry to do. Even though you're home, your pooch still isn't getting the attention he craves. Your dog adores you and snuggles with you to spend quality one-on-one time with you for as long as possible before you head out the door again.

You know how giddy you get when someone you love walks in the door? Your canine companion gets the same way. You make him happy and he wants to spend time with you. His happiness is all in his tail. A 2007 study conducted by Italian researchers at the University of Trieste looked into how to read a dog's tail wag. Researchers observed that dogs who wag their tails more to the right side are feeling upbeat about their current situation and the person nearby, which is you. Watch your dog's tail the next time he snuggles up with you. He'll jump up on the bed, crawl towards you and probably flap his tail to the right. You make him exceptionally happy.

When your dog's bed is downstairs in the family room, he may find his way into yours. It's great when the whole family is home and the fire is crackling. He stays cozy. But at night his favorite sleeping spot is lonely and drafty. You may not realize it, but you're like one big heater in his eyes. Just as you like to snuggle up next to your other half on a cold winter's night, your dog likes to do the same thing with you to stay warm. Not only does he get the perk of being right next to you, but he also gets to drift off into dreamland while staying perfectly toasty.

Some dogs are just naturally cuddly. It's in their DNA to be glued to you at all times. Although he surely loves you, he's genetically prone to be a little clingy. If you look forward to spending your nights curled up with your canine, adopt a dog with cuddle genes. Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Lhasa apsos, Maltese pups, Pomeranians, shih tzus, poodles and pugs are just a few of the breeds that tend to be clingier than others.