Ever noticed that your dog loves to sleep in the strangest, most uncomfortable and funny looking positions? Since dogs cannot communicate with us verbally, their sleep position can tell you quite a bit about their mood and personality.
Like humans, dogs’ sleeping positions vary from the practical and comfortable to the strange and hilarious. Whether they’re lying spatchcocked in the sun or curled up in a tight little ball, understanding your dog’s chosen sleeping position can provide you with some helpful insight into their overall well-being.
Dogs who sleep on their side are comfortable with their surroundings since they are leaving their vital systems exposed and are unable to get up quickly like they can when sleeping in other positions.
This position could also mean that your dog is in a deep slumber and should not be disturbed, as they are likely to reach the REM stage of sleep which is restorative.
The number one reason dogs face their bums towards their owners when they’re sleeping is that they love and trust you. This sleeping position also makes your pup feel safe because he knows you’ve got his back (literally). Moreover, some dogs will do this because they are trying to mark you with their scent.
In the ” curl up” position, the dog rolls up. It’s a safe pose because it covers all internal organs and strategic points like paws or tail. Most likely, your dog is sleeping in the curled up, nose-to-tail snowball position when the temperatures start dipping. Indeed, this sleeping position is the best way to conserve heat.
Dogs lying down with their arms spread out in front of them and their legs kicked out flat behind their butts prefer to sleep in the “Superman” position. Typically, energetic dogs and puppies will take power naps like this so they’re ready to spring into action as soon as they’ve recharged. And on a hot day, lying belly down on a cool surface like tile or hardwood can help them cool off.
Dogs who sleep on their backs with their legs up in the air don’t have a care in the world. Sleeping this way helps your furry friends cool off in the summer or after extensive exercise, since they are exposing their belly where the fur is thinner as well as the sweat glands on their paws.
This position is a sign of comfort as all the muscles are relaxed. You'll likely see your dog sleep in this position mostly when he's indoors in his safe haven and around people he trusts.
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I have been a dog owner for most of my life and have had a few breeds, from Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Tibetan terrier , long haired Dachshund to Brussels Griffons; all mellow, cuddly lap dogs. After losing my "heart dog" during the holidays I decided that it was time to have a French Bull Dog puppy. To me, they are the cutest, most adorable, funny looking dogs out there today. I found my perfect puppy to take home, to love and to shower with attention. Within the first few days of having my most adorable 8 week, 4 lb. puppy, she started showing some signs of aggression that I have never seen before! She had a voice that was telling me that she was the one in charge! Being completely baffled and shocked that my adorable puppy didn't want to sit with me on the couch and cuddle, but rather lunge at me and tell me she was not interested and that she was not a Golden Retriever, but a French bull dog, a breed that I had no idea how to handle and what I got myself into, I consulted with my veterinarian who suggested I get ahold of the situation as soon as possible and gave me a few recommendations to explore. After doing my research, I decided to go with Full Potential K9. The owner Dillon was accessible to me immediately and made an appointment to come to see me, wearing a mask of course, to evaluate my new puppy Fiona, or should I say the Tasmanian Devil! Dillion suggested that he take her for 3 weeks of training. Of course I was hesitant to give my new puppy away and especially for 3 long weeks, but I needed to do everything I could to make this work Dillion kept me apprised of her progress every couple of days which included videos and pictures so that I could see her in action. We also followed him om Instagram @fullpotentialk9 where we could see Fiona at work. This was very comforting since we truly did miss her. He was on top of her health issues from the very beginning and gave her all her daily medications that she needed and even picked up medication at the veterinarian when we needed a refill. Dillon was available 24/7 for my questions, concerns and answered my texts immediately. He bathed her, cut her nails and put her in real life situations so that she could be acclimated and feel comfortable with in the "real world" when she returned home to us. We came for several one on one training lessons where we learned the skills that they used during their training sessions and Dillon made sure he was available to us for training until we felt completely comfortable. After three longs weeks it was time to take Fiona back home. Once she came home, she was a new dog ! Dillon and his team worked their magic on Fiona. Dillon is a skilled professional with an abundance of patience and understanding and because of his experience and commitment to training animals he is an expert in his field. Fiona now walks by our side on a leash, heals wherever we go, she sits and comes and knows how to get on "place". This is amazing for a three month old puppy. We are so delighted with Fiona's new skill set. The training was worth every penny and we are excited to continue with follow-up training with Dillion...after all it does come down to the owner and their commitment to their dog, which we all have.. I highly recommend FULL POTENTIAL K9 for all of your dogs' needs! I know you and your dog will be thrilled.
