Dog Sleeping Positions

There are many different positions dogs sleep in and they can be classified by how much of their body is on the ground. This article will look at the six most common sleeping positions for dogs: right side, back, left side, curled up (tucked), stretched out (laid out), head raised and front paws raised. 

Some animals like to curl up with their heads tucked under a paw or two while others like to stretch themselves out as far as possible. 

Sleeping Position Of Dogs

Like humans, all dogs sleep in various patterns. From sleeping on their stomach to sleeping beside you on your bed, dogs can learn far more about canine companionship through their sleeping patterns and positions. Many dog sleeping positions can also be used as therapeutic means. Dog sleep positions can be used to diagnose sore necks or other body ailments, as well as to help a dog get a restful night’s sleep. Sleep studies have proven that dogs who sleep in the same position as humans (on their side) develop less cortisol and fewer signs of anxiety or depression throughout the day. Here are some weird dog sleeping position.

 Dog Sleeping Positions

Face-Rated Position – This is a perfect position for dogs that sleep with their faces facing you, because it provides maximum contact with you, and allows your dog to relax and look into your eyes. To use this position properly, place one arm behind your dog on a sturdy part of the furniture, like a kitchen table or dresser, and your dog’s other arm at your side. Your dog should be able to look right into your eyes while you are sitting on the edge of this great new position.

Benton City Pillow –  This sleeping position is best for elderly dogs, but even younger dogs can get a good night’s rest in this position. The Benton City Pillow is easily cleaned, and the pillow can be taken off when your dog gets too warm or too cold.

Classic Sleeping Dog Position – It is known as the doggy tummy. When your dog sleeps in this position, his or her belly touches the bed. It’s a comfortable spot for him or her, and it helps prevent unwanted scratches from beds and furniture. This is one of the cute meanings behind common dog sleeping positions.

Doggy Bed – It may sound silly to some people but it’s actually a description of how most dogs sleep. Dogs like to sleep on nice soft beds. You just need to tell them to lie down and they’ll do it. If you want them to stretch their legs, just tell them to move their legs and they’ll do it. It’s not like teaching them to do a special trick or anything.

The Donut – The donut position of dog sleep is the most common way for dogs to take a nap. Dogs love to curl up in this position because it provides them with maximum comfort and security. 

The Upside-Down Cuddler Position – It is a naturally desired and comfortable way to sleep. Dogs will often, while awake, focus on the quantity and quality of their naps by sleeping vertically to resist gravity and put pressure on joints. It is very difficult to machine wash a dog bed. If they find themselves in places like your bed or under your covers, they might take up this cuddler dog sleeping position because it’s not something that takes effort for them but instead happens naturally.

Dog Sleeping Patterns and Behaviors.

There are many common sleeping behaviors and postures of dogs and puppies that can be frustrating for owners. Some dogs sleep on their sides, some on their back, and somehow they will even sleep on the ground. It’s about understanding the possible reasons why he does what he does and then figuring out how you can correct or alter those patterns and behaviors so that your dog learns how to get the best sleep at all times, no matter what time of day or night it is.

  • Let’s start by examining why your dog sleeps on his stomach. The explanation has to do with gravity. Dogs who sleep on their backs, or who have underslung stomachs, will often wake up with a sickening feeling in their stomachs the next morning. Because their backs and stomachs are higher than their chest, gravity is working against them and they end up having to roll over onto their stomachs to sleep. 

 

  • One more reason that dogs may sleep on their stomachs is that a cold surface is all they want to lay on. As you may know, dogs love to lie on cold surfaces. This is especially true if the temperature outside is very cold. To a dog, a cold surface is a place where they feel safe and warm. They may even make a special cozy bed for themselves. Just as cats need a cold surface to snuggle up in and enjoy sleep, so do dogs.

 

  • You will also notice that dogs sleep on their sides, not just on their stomachs. This is because they like to have their legs lifted a bit and to see some of their body. 

 

  • Looking back at your dog’s sleeping habits, you will probably also notice that they sleep with their eyes closed, or they may just close their eyes all the way. This has a very important meaning to them and has to do with how their brain processes visual information. As your dog sleeps, his brain is running on autopilot. It doesn’t matter what you are doing, your dog is watching everything around him and processing it instinctively.

Conclusion

The best position for your dog is to use a comfortable bed with pillows, blankets and cushions. Consider the shape of their head when deciding on what type of pillow they need. You can also use towels or even an old t-shirt that has been cut into strips to create a comfy place for your pup to rest their paws while sleeping in any position.