{"id":9221,"date":"2023-09-25T14:33:00","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T13:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/?p=9221"},"modified":"2023-09-28T19:16:30","modified_gmt":"2023-09-28T18:16:30","slug":"dog-sleeping-positions-do-they-mean-anything","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tails.com\/blog\/dog-sleeping-positions-do-they-mean-anything\/","title":{"rendered":"Dog sleeping positions: do they mean anything?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Our dogs\u2019 quirky behaviour can provide endless amusement. And, in our opinion, there\u2019s nothing quite as funny as dog sleeping positions! The tails.com office dogs are often found in strange positions while they catch forty winks\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But here\u2019s the thing: all those curious sleeping positions have different meanings. In this post, we\u2019ll tell you all about them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why do dogs have such funny sleeping positions?<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s perfectly normal for dogs to shift and change sleeping positions often, just like us. Factors like temperature, comfort, personal preference, connection with other pets and people, and feeling secure can all impact why \u2014 or how often \u2014 they move, and the positions they choose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A-Z of dog sleeping positions<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The lion<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

An all-time classic, this pose (which looks like sphinx pose in yoga) allows your dog to rest and be ready to move if needed. You may see your dog do this in a new environment or somewhere that\u2019s less familiar to them, like a pub or cafe.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Norwegian<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The side flop<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Another popular choice! This is where your dog lies on their side, almost like a seal. This pose shows your dog feels safe and relaxed \u2014 they\u2019re leaving their belly exposed, which would be a risk for wild animals.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Rescue<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The superhero <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

While this could mean your dog is preparing to don their cape and clean up Gotham City, it\u2019s usually not the case. Otherwise known as \u201cthe sploot\u201d, it\u2019s actually a common pose in puppies, who like to have their front and back legs stretched out. This shows they\u2019re tired, but ready to play once they\u2019ve recharged.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Jack<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
The croissant <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes known as the doughnut pose \u2014 or by the name of any circular sweet treat \u2014 this cosy, curled up position has a couple of different meanings. If your dog\u2019s in a familiar place, it probably means that they\u2019re looking to snuggle up and get warm and cosy. But it\u2019s also a pose that\u2019s common in stray dogs or those in new surroundings, where it can mean they\u2019re curling up to protect themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Dachshund<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Belly down<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

This iconic pose is a big hit with dogs looking to stay cool in the summer months, particularly on tiled floors or a patch of cool concrete. It does what it says on the tin, belly flat, sometimes head flat too. For bonus points, some dogs combine it with legs splooted for the ultimate chillout position.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"White<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Cosy club<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

If your dog\u2019s burrowing under things \u2014 blankets, cushions, rugs \u2014 they\u2019re probably feeling a little cold. However, they might also be looking for comfort or protection. This is common in some breeds, like dachshunds, so you may want to give them a reassuring cuddle.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Miniature<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Belly to the sky<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Floppy paws and a belly up – ripe for the rubbing. This pose has it all. It also shows your dog\u2019s in a comfortable, familiar place where they feel safe to expose themselves, and enjoy optimal air flow to all their body parts.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Rescue<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
Close contact<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Cuddling up with another dog, cat or person \u2014 whether it\u2019s on top of them or back to back \u2014 is a sign of affection and bonding. It shows that your dog\u2019s totally comfortable with their buddy and looking to spread some love.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other funny things dogs do in their sleep<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Snoring<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s true \u2014 dogs snore, just like us. Snoring is more common in breeds with known breathing issues, like brachycephalic dogs such as pugs and bulldogs. Overweight dogs are also more likely to snore. So, although it may be distracting, it\u2019s not something to be concerned about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your dog\u2019s snoring seems excessive, or they only seem to fall asleep properly when their head and neck are raised, it\u2019s a good idea to speak with your vet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twitching<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Again, this is totally normal behaviour. You might not be aware of it, but you\u2019re probably a bit twitchy in your sleep, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dreaming<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Yep, dogs are big dreamers. If you\u2019re curious to learn more, check out our blog: Do dogs dream?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Barking, growling and other noises <\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Just like humans that talk in their sleep, dogs are known to have a night-time natter. If only we could know what they\u2019re talking about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lips getting stuck on teeth<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Ah, the old toothy grin. This is a particularly amusing trait of sleeping dogs and is nothing to worry about, unless they seem to be in pain. We recommend snapping a quick pic and enjoying the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More blogs you might enjoy:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n