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.
A FREE phone consultation is available for all dogs.
We do appointments by scheduling only as we are not open to the public. No dog is permitted on our property without undergoing a complete behavior assessment and temperament test.
"Before finding Full Potential K9, I was incredibly stressed out about training my dog, Jameson. He would bark so much while I ate that I actually would dread dinner time. He would jump up on countertops, pull on the leash while on walks, and whine/ bark nonstop in the crate. Since I was about to start law school, I knew I had to resolve the continuous circle of stress I was going through with Jameson, as I would try and teach him and nothing would stick. After I reached out to Full Potential K9, Dillon was extremely professional and eager to begin working with Jamo. Right away he asked what problem areas Jameson had and we scheduled a consultation. I cannot stress enough how shocked my mom and I were within ten minutes of Dillon working with Jameson during the consultation. He was completely relaxed, not jumping, and actually just laid down because he was so mentally drained from just a few minutes of training- clearly I was doing it wrong before!! Dillon came and picked Jameson up and I felt entirely comfortable knowing that he was going to be well taken care of for the duration of his three week training program. I was able to see pictures and videos on Full Potential K9's Instagram, as well as text Dillon directly for updates, of which he sent plenty. Dillon provides a one-on-one lesson before pickup and patiently walks through everything he taught your dog. It was evident right away how well he did with Jameson. Jameson was in "place" and didn't move off even after seeing me for the first time in weeks! (I promise he loves me!) I walked around the backyard with Jameson on a leash to work through the "Let's go" command, practiced using the training collar, and got a full download of what I need to do in order to ensure Jameson's awesome behavior continues at home. After getting home, I did just as Dillon instructed and so far am enjoying my dog so much more than I was before. Dillon has also checked in multiple times to make sure the transition went smoothly. I'm able to sit with him outside and not worry about him pulling/jumping/barking. I actually moved into a new apartment building while he was at training and Jameson makes me proud every time we walk around! People have commented on how well behaved he is while we're on the elevator! All in all, I cannot recommend Full Potential K9 enough. 100% worth the investment for both you and your dog so that you can enjoy life together more!"
