6 Dog Sleep Positions and Their Meanings

If you have a dog, you might have seen him sleeping in many different and interesting positions. But did you know that there is a meaning behind almost every dog’s sleeping position? How they sleep can indicate their current mood and health status as well.

In this blog, you will see 6 common dog sleeping positions and their actual meaning behind them. So let us get started.

• Sleeping on its Side

One of the few sleeping positions humans also enjoy the most, a dog loves sleeping on their side. You can often see them sleeping on their side with their limbs extended and their bellies partly exposed. As their bellies are a vulnerable part, this sleeping position indicates that they feel safe and relaxed in their current environment. When your dog is sleeping on its side, it is probably a deep sleep and you might even see paw twitches, which happens during dreaming.

Dogs who sleep on their side can drop down just anywhere, although a cosy dog bed will be highly relaxing for them.

• Upside Down Sleeper

This position is also called as a “dying cockroach” as they look quite similar. From small-breed dogs to giant ones, almost all dogs can sleep in this position. In this position, they sleep on their backs with their bellies fully exposed and legs in the air. They are generally playful and also a sign that they are healthy, as this position is often uncomfortable to sleep on.

As your dogs age, they will slowly shun this position.

• Curled up in a Circle Position

This position is also called the doughnut position, where they curl up in a tight ball with their limbs tucked close to their bodies, and their nose near the tail. The dogs who sleep in this position are sweet and caring, although they tend to be shy around strangers or are slowly adapting to their new house. This posture also allows to trap heat, so a dog curled up in this position may be feeling cold as well.

If your dog is sleeping in this position unusually, they can be unwell and you should contact the vet without any delay.

• Lion-like Position

Also known as Sphinx Pose, dogs sit in a lion-like position when they want to doze off, yet would like to remain alert. In this position, they sit with their belly down and their head resting on their front paws.

Dogs who relax in a lion-like position are loyal, alert and caring towards their families. For instance, if you have a newborn baby at your house, you shouldn’t be surprised if the dogs assume this position at the foot of your bed.

• Snuggle Enthusiast

Dogs who love to snuggle while they sleep are highly affectionate and have a strong bond with the person or the dog who they are cuddling with. This position means that they are comfortable with the ones they are with and trust their surroundings as well. The dogs who often sleep in this position love everyone they meet and are highly sociable as well.

• The Superman

Just like how Superman flies through the sky, your dogs will have their front legs stretched forward and back legs stretched behind. You might see this sleeping position in energetic puppies more often than not. Dogs who sleep in this position are generally tired but are ready to play at any moment. A lot of puppies take a quick nap between their playing sessions in this position.

In Short,

You have just seen the 6 most common sleeping positions of dogs and also the hidden meaning behind all of those. It will surely help you to tune into the clues your furry friend is telling you through the way they sleep. This will also boost your bond with them and improve your dog’s well-being as well.