Understand Your Dogs Sleeping Positions

Watching your dog sleep can be comforting and sometimes comical, but the dog sleep position your pup uses also tells you a lot about him.

Several of your dog’s sleep behaviors are similar to ours, while others are inherent. And did you know the dog sleep position can influence how well your dog sleeps? And the dog sleep position also can give you insight into your dog’s personality.

The average dog sleeps 12-13 hours per day. It may not seem that way, but puppies snooze even longer!
curl dog sleep position

Curling up — most common dog sleep position — provides the greatest security. Dogs curl in a ball, with paws underneath and tail wrapped around face.

Dogs are skillful at catching a few winks whenever they can. That form of napping is similar to Stage 1 sleep, where they are sleeping, but just barely.

Companion dogs kept indoors, sleep longer and deeper than working dogs or dogs kept outdoors. Dogs kept outdoors and working dogs try to slip in an extra nap here or there, but rarely relax enough to reach a healthy, deep, restful sleep.
Do dogs dream?

It appears dogs follow similar stages of sleep as humans. Stage 1, is barely sleeping. This is where most outdoor dogs, wild dogs and working dogs sleep. And their dog sleep positions do not encourage deep rest.

At Stage 2, the animal’s blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and body temperatures gradually lower.

Stage 3 is a transitional state between light and deep sleep. Stage 4 is the slow wave stage where usually the dog is now oblivious to their surroundings. If awakened suddenly, they often appear confused.

Stage 5 is where the fun begins! This is the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep. Here, their body relaxes, but their brain remains active.

At this stage, your dog’s eyes roll under the lids and they slowly ease into those dreams we find so amusing. They whimper, growl, make lapping and eating sounds and motions, whine, bark, and/or appear to be chasing something!

Most indoor dogs spend up to 12% of their sleeping time in REM. Puppies spend a greater percentage of time in REM. During this stage, it is thought puppies process and merge what they are learning every day into behaviors they will follow.

Interestingly, smaller dogs tend to dream more than their larger cousins.

Shaking during sleep can be perfectly normal for the average dog. Dogs that have suffered trauma and puppies removed from their mom too soon, may also shake in their sleep. Shaking could also be an indicator of health problems in dogs, such as hypothyroidism, pain, chills and gastrointestinal discomfort.

If your dog is shaking while sleeping, calmly call their name and gently pet or touch them, to reassure them that everything is OK. Do not shake them awake! It is not known, if dogs have nightmares, but given the fact many rescues and dogs that have suffered severe physical and emotional trauma shake in their sleep, a little assurance goes a long way.
What dog sleep position means

Dog sleep positions reveal a lot about your dog. Some like to sleep on their stomachs, almost like in a “down” position. This allows them to jump up at the slightest perceived threat or fact they may be missing out on what you are doing.

Others prefer sleeping on their side. This is a restful dog sleep position. Your dog is comfortable with their surroundings.

Then we have the “super dog” sleeper, who chooses to sleep stretched out, on their stomachs. They look like they are flying. They are in a restful sleep, but ready to go as soon as they hear you move!
dog sleep positions

In the “super dog” sleep position, dogs look like they are flying.

The most inherent dog sleep position is curling up. You will see this as a favorite dog sleep position for dogs kept outdoors. You will find them curled up in a ball, with their paws under their body and their tails wrapped around their faces. It is the least vulnerable and least restful position for sleep.

They are conserving body heat and protecting limbs, face, throat and vital organs. This dog sleep position gives them the advantage to be on their feet immediately. The dog’s muscles are tense and ready to spring into action, if need be. Dogs that sleep in this position rarely relax enough to drift into the REM stage.

Curling is the normal sleeping position for wild dogs and wolves packing together. It offers a dog sleep position for awareness upon awakening as their senses are heightened to movements, sounds and scents. They conserve space in the den; protect their offspring and share body heat. You will notice even most domesticated puppies inherently curl up together or around their mother.
dog sleep position

Dogs that sleep with their legs in the air are confident and comfortable in their surroundings.

Finally, we have what looks the “dead roach” position. There are dogs that favor sleeping on their backs; with their legs in the air. This is the position found only in a very secure and confident indoor pet.

Sleeping on their back is the most vulnerable position for a dog. It is thought to be the most comfortable and most restful position.

Plus, it’s your dog’s way of cooling down quickly. Indoor dogs that have expended lots of energy and/or are over-heated will sleep on their backs.

Sleeping on the back has not been observed as behavior exhibited by dogs or wolves in the wild. Dogs kept outdoors will not sleep in this position either because it sends a message of vulnerability and submission.

Dogs that sleep on their backs with their paws “protecting” their chest are indicating they prefer not to be bothered. Use caution when suddenly awakening any dog sleeping in this position!

Bottom line: Comfort equals healthier, more and deeper sleep. Whatever dog sleeping positions your pup prefers, make sure their sleeping accommodations are safe and comfortable. A dog well rested dog is generally healthier and happier.

SHOP DOG FOOD

Source: dogs best life