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Play
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Dogs that sit on other dogs are usually playing. A large dog may end a wrestling match with a smaller dog by sitting on him when the larger dog is tired of playing. Breeds known for their comical personalities and puppy-like demeanor are most likely to sit on other dogs during play. Boxers are particularly frequent "dog sitters."
If both dogs display relaxed body language, one dog sitting on another is a playful behavior and nothing to be concerned about. Relaxed jaws and ears with tongues lolling out of the dogs' mouths indicate playful behavior. Watch for aggressive body language like raised hackles or staring. This might be a sign that play is about to turn into a fight.
Dominance
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Some dogs sit on other dogs to express dominance. This is usually seen in households with one older, dominant dog and a younger, playful dog. The younger dog continually pesters the older dog for play. Eventually, the older dog sits on the younger dog to stop it from nipping and jumping. This is usually done with very relaxed body language from the older dog, almost as if he doesn't even notice that he's sitting on another dog.
If your dog reacts in this way to annoying puppies trying to initiate play, count your blessings. There are few things better for the social development of puppies than a patient older dog willing to calmly correct them.
Concerns
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This behavior is undesirable only if it happens in situations where it might endanger a dog. For example, a Great Dane should be discouraged from sitting on his Chihuahua housemate. Dogs that sit on strange dogs without warning are endangering themselves. A reactive dog isn't likely to respond to this behavior in a friendly way.
Training
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If you're concerned about this behavior, your dog can be trained to interact differently with other dogs, at least when you are watching to manage the behavior and reward different types of interaction. Use clicker training to reward your dog for walking away when she is tired of playing, rather than sitting on the playmate. When she does sit on another dog, calmly end the play session and separate the dogs. If a dog learns that the result of sitting on other dogs is being isolated from the group for a few minutes, she's likely to find other ways to play.
Similar Behaviors
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Many play behaviors are similar in function to sitting on other dogs. Dogs may also lie on each other or hold smaller dogs down with their paws. A similar behavior that is more worrisome is mounting, which is a dominant behavior and may start a fight.
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Why Does My Dog Sit on Other Dogs?
A common and humorous social behavior seen in dogs is sitting on other dogs. Sometimes dogs sit on each other during wrestling games. Dogs may also sit on other dogs to assert dominance when the two dogs are not actively playing together. This is generally a harmless behavior and a normal part of social interaction for dogs.