There was a large empty space on the sofa, and the dog squeezed between its owner’s legs – it was really weird.

Does your dog do this too? Even though there’s plenty of space on the sofa, it insists on curling up between your legs to sleep? Many people might think, “Does it feel safe and secure?” A Japanese veterinarian explains that besides a sense of security, there are other reasons behind it!

According to a report in the Japanese pet magazine Inu no Kimochi, veterinarian Shuntaro Hara stated that the space between a human’s legs is relatively enveloping. Dogs can snuggle close to their owners here, clearly sensing body temperature and scent. For these reasons, dogs use this space as a resting place. Besides the sense of security, he also mentioned that dogs might like the feel of your blankets or the sofa, or the position might provide support, which is why they often curl up there. Furthermore, dogs that are affectionate, afraid of being alone, or sensitive to cold are more likely to curl up between their owner’s legs to rest, and may even use their owner’s legs as a pillow.