Dogs love to sit in weird positions. There’s nothing more hilarious (yet slightly disconcerting) than seeing a Pug sitting like a human.
But why do Pugs seem to enjoy sitting like people and is it actually good for them?
If you’re not sure whether to laugh or cry when your pet Pug sits in this… unique manner, then this is the article for you.
Why Do Pugs Sit Like Humans?
There are many factors that could be causing your Pug to sit in this human-like manner. Some behavioral. Some physical. Let’s take a look.
1. Anatomical preference
Your Pug might just be more comfortable sitting this way. Some dogs (usually long-legged breeds but Pugs are also known for it) simply love sitting this way, that way, and every way in-between. For Pugs, it is their top-heavy frame that makes this sitting position popular.
2. They learn from us
If you’re a Pug owner already, you probably know that these pooches love copying their humans. After all, they were born to please. Pugs crave a lot of human company, so it’s hardly surprising that they’d try to be just like you.
Don’t think they haven’t been watching you sitting on the couch. Plus, if every time your pooch sits like this you laugh and show excitement, why on earth would they want to stop? Positive reinforcement is the Pug’s love language after all.
3. Physical comfort
Sitting upright on their bottoms might not look particularly comfortable but it might just be the perfect position for your pet’s achy joints.
Some people believe that the human sitting position offers dogs relief from hip and back pain by providing lumbar support and centering their chest and body weight.
But be careful, if your Pug is using this position to remedy pain, it’s important that you get to the root of the problem. Many dogs prone to hip dysplasia (like Pugs) use this position as a remedy.
If you suspect this is the case for your dog, visit your vet as soon as possible. Your pooch might need treatment.
4. Asserting dominance
The human sitting position is sometimes a sign of dominance or assertiveness. Sitting in this way helps dogs position themselves higher off the ground.
Pugs aren’t known for their dominant personalities but if you notice them acting in a territorial manner, scanning the room, or being more possessive than normal, you might need to get back to some training and remind them that you’re the ruler of this roost.
5. Health Issues
It’s important to note that, sometimes, when a Pug sits in a different way than normal, it could be an indication of an emerging health concern.
Abnormal sitting postures can be an indication of numerous health conditions, including back pain, knee pain, hip problems, or even issues with your Pug’s anal glands.
- Back pain – caused by problems related to those joints involved in sitting
- Knee pain – often caused by injury to a ligament
- Hip problems – such as hip dysplasia or arthritis
- Anal gland discomfort – caused by impacted anal glands or anal gland disease
When Might It Be Something to Worry About?
Sitting in this way is sometimes a sign that your Pug is in pain or developing hip or joint problems.
Strange sitting positions are your dog’s way of alleviating its aches and pains. Your Pug may need surgery, physio, or hydrotherapy to get better.
The following are all signs and symptoms that you should visit your vet:
- Your Pug is constantly shifting positions – this is a sign of discomfort
- Your Pug has difficulty getting up – this is a sign of hip dysplasia
- Your Pug staggers when they walk – this is a sign of hip stress
images from Pinterest
What Can You Do When Pugs Sit Like Humans?
So. Your Pug has started sitting like a human.
After the initial amusement, it’s time to consider whether this behavior is something to be concerned about.
But, don’t worry, there are lots of things you can do to monitor your Pug’s behavior and keep them in tip-top health.
Here are our top tips.
1. Watch the Pug run
Watching your Pug run is a great way to assess their mobility. If your dog runs well – with no signs of pain or discomfort- then they are probably doing just fine physically.
However, if your Pug starts to run with a limp or you notice any abnormalities it’s best to get them checked up by a veterinary professional. An X-ray will show whether your Pug has any issues.
2. Nutrition
You might not think it, but nutrition actually has a great bearing on a dog’s bone development.
Nutrition is one of the best steps you can take to prevent joint and bone issues from developing in your Pug’s later life.
So start early with a healthy nutrition plan to help your pet grow up to be fit and strong. Look for natural kibble without processed ingredients or try making your own fresh doggie meals full of lots of healthy vitamins and minerals.
3. Train
Though Pugs sitting like humans won’t be an issue at most times, you should train your Pugs to avoid puppy sitting as it might cause them injury in the long run.
The best thing you can do is to start some positive reinforcement training. What you can do?
- Start reinforcing the sit command
- Tell your pup to sit
- Hold treats on your hands, and lower these treats to the lower ground,
- If you see them following you to the ground, give them some treats as a reward.
- Repeat those steps unless they get rid of puppy sitting
Besides, If you do not want your Pug to sit like a human then do not reward this behavior.
4. Take them to a vet
Finally, if you are in any doubt about your Pug’s welfare, the best thing you can do is to take them to your local vet.
Your vet will be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of any underlying health or behavioral conditions and advise you on your next steps.
Is Puppy Sitting Safe for Pugs and Should I Encourage It?
In most cases when your Pug mimics the human seated position it’s nothing to worry about. But you should help them avoid straight sitting as much as possible.
When dogs don’t sit symmetrically, they are actually using the muscle groups on one side of the body more than the other.
If your Pug is sitting in a seated position regularly they might reinforce a problematic muscle imbalance which, over time, could result in injury or pain. Moderation is key.
I don’t encourage Sid to sit like this, alternatively, I train him to sit straight to avoid the imbalance issue.
Last Words
When Pugs sit like people it’s, quite frankly, hilarious.
But sometimes it’s important to put entertainment aside and think about what’s really causing this behavior.
Most often, Pugs sitting like humans are nothing to worry about.
But if your Pug sits like this often, or suddenly develops the habit, it could be a sign that they are experiencing physical discomfort or pain.
In which case, it’s time to go to the vet.