• It is a stance of dominance
• It is an attempt to manipulate you to move or go where they want
• It is natural behavior of a pack animal leads them to feel safety by proximity
• It is nothing more than bad behavior to get negative attention
• It’s a sign of insecurity or shyness and need for protection

Like people, all dogs are unique so before you make a decision about the meaning of the leaning we’ve created a little checklist to consider. Thinking through these for your pet will help you know when you should discipline and when you should just pile on the affection.

• DOES YOUR DOG NEED MORE AFFECTION?

Dogs are very affectionate animals. Big and small – they love to cuddle. Leaning can simply be a way of getting much needed attention.

• IS YOUR DOG LOOKING TO DOMINATE?

Cesar Millan, celebrated dog trainer, is adamant that dogs lean to show dominance over their owners. He believes you can train your dog to stop this. But the question should be taken in a larger context. Does your dog also lean on other animals? If so, they could feel threatened by another dog and training this behavior out of them may be tantamount to taking away their ability to communicate this to you.

• IS YOUR DOG CONCERNED ABOUT SAFETY?

Sometimes a dog leans only when threatened or when they feel their owner is being threatened. By not evaluating the situation clearly you may try to discipline a behavior out of your dog in which they are trying to protect themselves or you. If the dog is leaning on other dogs they could feel threatened and you may consider removing them from the company of those who are causing this behavior. If the dog is leaning on you only in certain situations, you may consider that your dog truly is trying to be your best friend and is attempting to get in between you and the perceived danger.

• IS YOUR DOG SHY OR UNDER STRESS?

Dogs have their own personalities and not all of them love to be around strangers regardless of the breed. No matter how much discipline, some dogs may always have a harder time not engaging in this behavior when they are stressed about social settings. If you walk with a friend and the behavior only happens and not when you are alone with your dog this may indicate a shy or stressed pet! Do you notice your dog leans on you more when others are around? Do they lick excessively, yawn or avoid eye contact in these same situations. This may be indicators that your pet is simply not comfortable in its surroundings. It may not be possible to eliminate these situations all together, but making sure your dog knows you care can involve you minimizing the stress whenever possible.