Why Does My Dog Get Excited When I Wake Up? (9 Common Reasons)

Most dog owners have experienced the following scenario: Every morning, you’re greeted by the same wagging tail and slobbery kisses. No matter how grumpy you might feel when you first wake up, your dog is always there to make you smile.

They jump up on the bed and nudge your hand until you start petting them. Then they’ll happily follow you around the house as you start your day. Whether you’ve had a good day or a bad day, your dog is always happy to see you.

But why does this happen? Why is it that dogs seem to get so excited when their humans wake up? There are actually a few reasons for this behavior.

Here are 9 common reasons why your dog might get excited when you wake up in the morning:

1. They’re Happy To See You

Your dog is overjoyed to see you in the morning because you are the source of their happiness.

Dogs are highly social creatures who enjoy spending time with their packs. In the wild, they live in close-knit packs and work together to find food and protect their young.

Dogs who don’t live with their packs won’t survive. Packs provide safety in numbers and help to protect members from predators and other dangers. They also work together to hunt and scavenge for food.

Without the support of a pack, dogs are vulnerable to attacks and are more likely to starve. Additionally, pack life helps to socialize members and teaches them important survival skills.

In domesticated life, dogs still crave companionship and will bond closely with their human families. When you wake up, your dog knows that it will get to spend time with you and experience all the joy that comes with being in your company.

From going for walks to playing fetch, your dog loves every minute it gets to spend with you.

2. They Need Your Warmth

Sudden weather changes can be tough on them, especially if they have a short coat or are small in size. After all, dogs are just as susceptible to the cold as we are.

When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than snuggling up with a warm furry friend. And it turns out, your dog feels the same way!

Here are a few things you can do to help your furry friend feels comfortable in the cold morning:

Get them a cozy Dog Bed

A warm and comfortable bed will help your dog feel snug and safe when the temperatures start to drop. Be sure to place the bed in a draft-free area to further insulate them from the cold.

There are a variety of beds on the market that are specifically designed to keep dogs warm. These beds usually have a padded bottom and sides with a soft, fleecy surface. Some even have a built-in heating element to provide extra warmth.

Wrap them in a Dog Blanket

Aside from a bed, a soft and cozy blanket is another great way to keep your dog warm. There are a variety of dog blankets on the market that come in different sizes, materials, and colors.

You can even find blankets that are specifically designed to help dogs retain body heat. These blankets usually have a quilted or padded design and are filled with insulating material like down or fiberfill.

Give them a Dog Sweater

A dog sweater is a great way to keep your furry friend warm during the colder months. Dog sweaters are available in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes.

When choosing a sweater for your dog, be sure to pick one that’s made from a soft and comfortable material. Wool or cotton sweaters are usually a good choice. You’ll also want to make sure the sweater is not too tight or constricting.

Use heating pads

If your dog is particularly sensitive to the cold, you may want to consider using a heating pad. Heating pads come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Some pads are designed to be placed inside your dog’s bed, while others can be placed underneath their blanket. Heating pads usually have a low, steady heat that helps to keep your dog warm without becoming overheated.

3. They Miss You

One of the best parts of waking up in the morning is being greeted by a wagging tail and a happy face. For many dog owners, their dog’s enthusiasm for the start of the day is one of the things that make them look forward to getting out of bed.

But what most people don’t realize is that their dog’s excitement may have more to do with them than with the prospect of a walk or a game of fetch.

A new study has shown that dogs react differently to the sound of their owner’s voice. This means that when your dog hears you wake up in the morning, they may start to get excited because they know that they’re about to see you.

Making sure that your dog misses you doesn’t lead to separation anxiety is important. Dogs that feel neglected or abandoned may start to experience separation anxiety.

Separation anxiety is a condition in which a dog becomes agitated and stressed when a dog misses their owner too much, and it can lead to destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, and pacing.

If you think your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety, there are a few things you can do to help ease their anxiety.

First, try to create a calm environment for them when you leave the house by avoiding making a big fuss when you say goodbye.

Second, provide them with plenty of toys and bones to keep them occupied while you’re gone, or consider getting them a dog sitter or dog daycare.

Finally, make sure to give them plenty of attention and affection when you return home. By following these simple steps, you can help your dog feel more secure and less anxious when you’re not around.

4. They Want Food

Just like humans, dogs wake up in the morning feeling hungry. After a long night’s sleep, your dog’s stomach is empty and they’re ready for breakfast.

If your dog is used to being fed early in the morning, they may start to get excited as soon as they hear you stir. They know that the sound of you getting out of bed means that breakfast is on the way.

Feeding your dog on a regular schedule is important for several reasons.

First of all, it helps to regulate their digestive system and prevents them from becoming constipated.

Secondly, it gives them a sense of structure and routine which can be calming, especially for rescue dogs who may have come from a chaotic background.

Thirdly, it means that you are less likely to forget to feed them, which can be easy to do if you have a busy lifestyle.

Finally, having a fixed feeding schedule makes it easier to monitor their food intake and ensure that they are getting the right amount of nutrition.

5. They Want To Play

One of the most endearing things about dogs is their boundless enthusiasm for life. Every morning, your dog greets you with tail wags and a smile, eager to start the day. And a big part of the reason why your dog is so excited is that they know it’s time to play.

When they play with their owners, they not only have the opportunity to burn off energy, but they also get to bond with the people they love.

This can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, and it can also lead to a deeper level of trust. In addition, playtime is a great opportunity for owners to teach their dogs new tricks and behaviors.

Here are some of my favorite games to play with my dog in the morning:

Tug of war: This game is a great way to burn off energy and it’s also a great way to bond with your dog.
Fetch: This classic game is a favorite among dogs and owners alike. Not only is it a great way to get some exercise, but it’s also a great way to teach your dog basic commands like “come” and “stay.”
Hide and seek: This game is a great way to get your dog’s brain working in the morning. It’s also a great way to bond with your dog and teach them basic obedience commands.

6. They Need To Go Outside

As any dog owner knows, one of the first things your pup needs in the morning is a good potty break. For many dogs, this means going outside to do their business.

And for some dogs, the excitement of knowing they’re going to get to go outside can be the reason they get so excited when you wake up in the morning.

After all, they’ve been holding it in all night and they really need to go! Going outside is also a great opportunity for your dog to stretch their legs, get some fresh air and explore.

Establishing a regular potty schedule is an important part of house-training your dog. By taking your dog out at the same time each day, you will help him to develop a strong eliminative reflex, making it less likely that he will have accidents indoors.

In addition, a potty schedule will give your dog a sense of predictability and routine, making the house training process less stressful for both of you.

Of course, it is equally important to be flexible and to adjust the schedule as needed, based on your dog’s age, breed, and individual potty habits.

7. They’re Jealous

Jealousy is a normal emotion that humans and dogs alike experience. When you first bring home a new pet or partner, your dog may become excited and vocal when you wake up in the morning.

This is because they want your attention and are jealous of the new addition to the family. While it may be cute at first, this behavior can quickly become annoying.

Jealousy in dogs can manifest itself in a number of ways, including barking, growling, lunging, and snapping. While it might be tempting to scold a dog for exhibiting jealous behavior, this will only serve to heighten the emotion and could make the problem worse.

Here are some tips for dealing with a jealous dog:

First, make sure that each dog has its own space and belongings. This way, they won’t have to compete for your attention or resources.
Second, give each dog equal amounts of time and attention. This will help them feel loved and secure.
Third, ignore jealous behavior and reward calm behavior. This will help them to understand that they will only receive attention when they are behaving in an appropriate manner.
Finally, if your dog is acting aggressively out of jealousy, consult a professional trainer or behaviorist for help.

8. They’re Attracted to Your Bed

Your bed is a comfortable and safe place for your dog. Your bed is full of your scent, and for a dog, that can be incredibly enticing. In addition, your bed is usually soft and cozy, making it the perfect place for a dog to take a nap.

For many dogs, getting on your bed in the morning is a way of showing you that they love and trust you. It’s also a way of claiming their territory.

While it may be tempting to let your dog sleep in your bed, it’s important to establish rules and boundaries from the beginning if you don’t want your dog to climb into bed with you every morning.

If you want your dog to sleep in their own bed, make sure to provide them with a comfortable bed of their own. Place the bed in a location that is quiet and away from foot traffic.

Encourage your dog to sleep in their bed by offering them treats and praise when they do. Over time, they will come to see their bed as a happy and safe place.

9. You’re Encouraging It

Dogs are smart creatures and they quickly learn what behaviors are rewarded. If you wake up in the morning and immediately start petting and cuddling your dog, they will quickly come to associate this behavior with getting attention from you.

As a result, they will be more likely to jump on your bed and start pawing at you in the morning, in hopes of getting some love and attention.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like starting the day with a cuddle from your furry best friend.

Not only is it a great way to show them some love, but research has shown that cuddling can have a number of benefits for both you and your dog. For one, it can help to reduce stress and anxiety levels, as well as promote bonding and trust.

What’s more, cuddling is also thought to boost levels of oxytocin, which is known as the “cuddle hormone” and is associated with happiness and relaxation.

So next time you’re feeling down or in need of some extra TLC in the morning, give your furry friend a big hug – it just might be exactly what you both need.