Do you realise that a dog’s sleeping position is the door to their inner thoughts? It is one of their silent forms of communication that gives dog owners a sneak peek to what their pooch is feeling even when they are fast asleep. Take note of these five most common dog sleeping positions and what they mean.
Dog Sleeping Position #1. Sphinx
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The dog’s sphinx sleeping position is characterised by half-lying on his body with his hind legs on his side. It shows that your pooch is alert and on the lookout for something to happen.
His eyes may appear slightly closed that makes it look like they are snoozing, however, his mind is wide awake. Your pooch is closing his eyes because it allows him to clearly concentrate on listening to what is happening around him. The half-lying stance also gives him the opportunity to move swiftly if something catches his attention.
Dogs often sleep in this position when they are not accompanied by his trusty human companion. Since he is out in the open, he may feel unprotected. It is his way of maintaining a high degree of vigilance against everything around him.
If the dog’s owner is approaching, his tail would immediately perk up and wag. Then he will joyfully run to greet his human companion. On the other hand, if a stranger tries to approach the pooch, he might react the exact opposite because he feels threatened. The canine would stand up with ears sticking back and tail pricking up. He would emit a low growl, warning the stranger to back off.
Read: 5 Incredible Reasons Why You Should Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed
Dog Sleeping Position #2. Superpup
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Superpup position is undeniably one of the cutest and funniest dog sleeping positions. When your pooch is in the superpup sleeping position if he sleeps on his stomach whilst his four legs are stretched out.
Photo Credit: dushi
He may look totally carefree, but he is actually vigilant with what is happening around him. His body position allows him to immediately jump on his feet whenever the owner calls for him. Dogs would sometimes prefer using their front paws as pillows for their chins because it makes the superpup position more comfortable.
Photo Credit: pinterest
Generally, pooches that use this sleeping position are taking quick naps instead of having a deep sleep. Superpup is popular in puppies since it allows them to wake up and instantly go right back at playing. If your pooch loves to sleep in this position, then he must be one energetic pup that is always up for playing games.
Read: Best Toys for Puppies
Dog Sleeping Position #3. Side Sleeper
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A pooch that loves sleeping on his side means that he is utterly relaxed. Although this common dog sleeping position is usually used for napping, some dogs love sleeping like this for extended periods of time. Your furry companion would sometimes emit a low-pitched sound with his legs mildly twitching. But you don’t need to worry! It is only a sign that he is in deep sleep.
As stated by Dr Stanley Coren, a psychology professor at the University of British Columbia and the author of Do Dogs Dream?, the pooch would start to doze off in a Sphinx position. Later on, his body would sag to the side, hinting that he has already fallen into a deeper sleep. ‘As soon as the dog starts to dream, his muscles will relax and he will roll out of the lion pose into the normal sleeping position,’ says Dr Coren.
Side sleeping also indicates that the dog feels comfortable and relaxed. Moreover, it shows he has a level of trust in his surroundings. Side sleeping shows complete trust since the pooch’s tummy is exposed, which means he is fine showing his vulnerability. Pooches that love side sleeping are usually calm and carefree and have a solid bond with their human companions.
Dog Sleeping Position #4. Puppy Stack
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It is also known as the puppy pile. It features a big ball of fur that is actually comprised of adorable puppies huddling each other! Puppies usually stack each other whilst sleeping to keep themselves warm and toasty.
Pooches that sleep in a puppy stack position long for a sense of security. By snuggling with each other, it reminds them of the peaceful times they spent on their mother’s womb and they find it comforting.
Dog Sleeping Position #5. Crazy Legs
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Sleepiness ★★★
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Why does my dog sleep on his back with his legs in the air? If your pooch is sprawled up on the sofa with his tummy showing and his legs sticking up, you must beam with pride. The stomach is the most vulnerable part for a dog, and the crazy legs position shows a combination of vulnerability, obedience, and submission.
Photo Credit: panoramastock
In short, your pooch trusts you enough to let his guard down around you whilst sleeping. Additionally, crazy leg sleepers are usually relaxed, independent, and love the comfortable feeling of their space.
Dogs regard their human companions as family. In certain cases, some dogs would challenge the authority of the master. Therefore, he would show his rebellion by refusing to sleep on his back.
Take the meanings to heart
Your dog’s sleeping habits may be peculiar at times, but it just shows how their big and wonderful personalities shine through even whilst they are fast asleep.
Always keep in mind the dog sleeping positions’ meaning because it can be handy when it comes to understanding and establishing stronger ties with your beloved canine companion.
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