Dog Doesn’t Like Sitting at Desk (5 Possible Reasons)

Being a first time dog owner, it’s hard to know what’s “normal” and what isn’t when it comes to your pup.

One thing that you might be wondering about is why your dog doesn’t like sitting at your desk while you’re working.

After all, shouldn’t they want to be close to their favorite person?

Getting the Behavior: Training Mechanics

Dog Doesn’t Like Sitting at Desk  (5 Possible Reasons)

Here are five possible reasons why your dog may not be a fan of sitting at your desk:

1. They’re not used to it

If you just got your dog or they’re still young, they may not be used to spending long periods of time in one spot. They may be more comfortable roaming around and exploring their environment.

2. It’s too boring for them

Sitting at a desk all day can be pretty boring for humans, let alone dogs. Your dog may get antsy and bored after a while, especially if they’re used to being active.

3. They’re not feeling well

If your dog is sick or injured, they may not want to sit at your desk because it’s uncomfortable for them. These problems, often called osteoarthritis, can make it difficult for your dog to sit on hard surfaces like a desk.

4. They don’t like being restrained

Some dogs simply don’t like being restrained, whether it’s by a leash or by sitting in one spot. This can be especially true for high-energy breeds that need to burn off some extra energy.

5. It’s probably suffering from an anal gland issue

If your dog is repeatedly trying to scoot its butt on the floor or desk, it may have an anal gland issue. If your dog is having issues with their anal glands, such as swollen or inflamed anal glands, it will probably have difficulty sitting.

If you notice that your dog is not sitting on furniture like it used to, this could be why. This is a medical condition that needs to be treated by a veterinarian.

Why Does Your Dog Like Sitting Under My Desk?

There could be a few reasons why your dog likes sitting under your desk:

1. They feel safe and secure

Some dogs may feel safer and more secure when they’re in a smaller space, such as under a desk. This is especially true if they’re shy or anxious.

2. They’re trying to stay cool

If your office is particularly warm, your dog may be trying to stay cool by sitting under your desk.

3. They’re seeking attention

Dogs are social creatures and often crave attention from their humans. If you work at a desk all day, your dog may be trying to get your attention by sitting under your desk.

4. They smell something interesting

Dogs have a much better sense of smell than humans, so it’s possible that they’re smelling something interesting under your desk.

5. They’re following their instinct to hide

In the wild, dogs would often hide in dens or burrows to stay safe from predators. This instinct may carry over into domestic life, causing your dog to want to hide under your desk.

If your dog is sitting under your desk, it’s probably because they feel safe and secure in that space. However, if your dog is anxious or stressed, they may benefit from some behavior modification training to help them feel more comfortable in your office.

Why Does My Dog Not Like to Sit?

A lot of dogs have a hard time sitting or moving too slowly when cued because it hurts. It might be the act of getting into a position that’s painful or the pressure from actually sitting down. Their pain could come from injuries, obesity, arthritis, or other medical problem. If your dog is in pain or has an injury, don’t ask them to sit.

Check with your veterinarian to see if there’s a way to help your dog be more comfortable so it can learn to sit again. In the meantime, use positive reinforcement training to reward your dog for any movement that gets them closer to sitting. This could include standing up, taking a step forward, or even just lowering their butt to the ground.