Why Does My Dog Lie On My Clothes
Pet owners often encounter this scenario: the clothes you just took off quickly become your dog’s "cushion." Even though there’s a comfortable dog bed, why do they prefer human clothes? The answer lies in three core needs—and even the dog sweaters and dog clothes we prepare for them align with these needs.
A Dog Wearing Velvet Fleece Dog Sweaters Playing at Home
1.Comfort & Safety: Clothes as a Natural "Safe Zone"
For dogs, comfort means more than softness—it’s about security. Textured fabrics (knit, fleece) mimic the rough feel of wild hay beds, triggering their instinct to relax and feel grounded. That’s why dogs often curl up on their sweaters even after you take them off!
Thicker pieces (like fleece-lined jackets) add gentle pressure to calm muscles. Plus, clothes with your leftover body heat act as a portable warm nest—boosting their sense of safety instantly.
2. Comfort from Scent: Your Scent Is a "Calming Pill"
A dog’s sense of smell is 1,200 times stronger than a human’s. The oils, sweat, and even the scent of laundry detergent on your clothes serve as "safety signals" for them. Just like a baby relies on their mother’s scent, your scent soothes their anxiety. Even the faint scent on an old sweater can help a dog feel at ease in an unfamiliar environment.
Dogs also have a scent preference for dog clothes—a sweater they’ve worn for a long time will blend your scent with their own, creating a "double reassuring scent." Many dogs will drag such sweaters into their beds to keep as a companion.
A Cute Puppy Wearing Striped Pajamas
3. Coping with Separation Anxiety: Clothes Are a "Substitute for You"
When owners leave home, dogs tend to feel anxious for fear of being abandoned. Clothes with your scent can act as a "temporary substitute," allowing them to continuously sense your presence. Studies show this can reduce a dog’s stress hormones by 20% and decrease barking.
If your dog has obvious separation anxiety, you can dress them in a dog sweater that shares the same scent as your clothes, or tuck an old sock into the pocket of their clothing (if it has one). This combination of texture and scent provides double the comfort.
4. Simple Tips to Meet Their Needs
- Prepare Special "Comfort Clothes": Keep 2-3 old thick pieces of clothing (preferably dark-colored and lint-resistant). Wash them with unscented laundry detergent, and in winter, you can layer them with your dog’s old sweater.
- Guide Them to Rest in a Fixed Spot: Move the clothes to your dog’s bed, add a toy, and use treats to encourage them to form the habit of resting there.
- Choose "Scent-Friendly" Dog Clothes: Prioritize cotton or knit styles. Before dressing your dog in new clothes, leave the clothes with your old garments for a few days to let them absorb your scent.
A Dog Wearing a Cute Little Yellow Duck Pajamas
Dogs have simple needs—an old piece of clothing with your scent is their source of security. Next time you see your dog curled up on your clothes, don’t rush to move them away—it’s their way of saying, "With your scent, I have nothing to fear." And items like dog sweaters will become warm bonds between you and your furry friend.