The Most Common Dog Sleeping Positions And What They Mean

Dogs’ sleeping positions can reveal a lot about their personality, health and how they are feeling. Here is what dog sleeping positions mean.

This guide breaks down the most common dog sleeping positions and explains the science behind why dogs sleep in certain ways.

 

The Donut or Curled-up

Does your dog like to tuck its paws beneath itself and curl up so that its head rests on its tail? Good, this is referred to as the Donut or Fuzzy Bagel position.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

This resting position means that your dog might be trying to conserve body heat and provide protection to the fundamental parts of its body.

It’s the most common sleeping position for animals in the wild, too, as it helps conserve warmth and protects the vital organs.

Dogs typically sleep in this position in winter or fall when they are cold. But don’t worry, many happy dogs sleep this way! It’s just an incredibly comfortable, warm way for them to sleep.

 

On the back or Crazy Legs

This is one of the most adorable and at the same time weird sleeping positions common to dogs which will leave you surprised at most times.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

If you spot your dog lying on its back and stretching out its leg at particular angles, this is an indication that it is confident and relaxed with its surroundings.

Exposing its belly will tell you that it is submissive and vulnerable. The legs stretched at a certain angle is a sign that your dog trusts you and sees your home as its own.

On the other hand, this position might show that the dog is feeling hot and they adopt this position to quickly cool down.

Dogs’ belly has thinner fur and the paws hold the sweat glands. So this sleeping position is the best way to beat the heat.

Dogs who prefer this kind of sleeping position are viewed as independent with a calm nature.

 

Back-to-Back or The Cuddle Bug

If your dog is cuddling up with you, or you notice him sleeping back-to-back with the other dogs in your house, there is a simple reason for that.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

The tendency that many dogs need to cuddle when they sleep is a holdover from when they were puppies.

This also has to do with the body heat, since puppies have difficulty regulating their body temperature.

As the dogs mature, sleeping back to back becomes a sort of habit from puppyhood.

If your dog is cuddling up with you, it is an instinctual way for a dog to show that you are like one of the other dogs and they trust you.

 

Superman

This is another funny sleeping position that will leave you perplexed and bring a warm smile to your face. In this position, the dog is seen to sleep on its stomach with its limb stretched out forward.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

What comes to your mind when you spot your dog in this position is the image of a superman. Pretty cool, huh?

However, this position does not come without meaning as it is quite easy for the dog to get up on its feet.

Therefore, you can only spot your dog in this position when it is taking a nap. You cannot see it sleeping like this at night.

Also, this position is an indication that your dog is in the mood to play and would give you a good time if you are willing to have a bit of fun.

You wouldn't want to deprive your dog of the fun in moments like this, right?

 

Side Sleeping

If your dog adopts this kind of sleeping position, it is an indication that it has no worries. It is relaxed and comfortable in the surrounding it occupies and no uncertainty about it.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

The kind of dogs that adopt a side sleeping position are the ones that are affectionate and share a close bond with their owners.

 

The Lion Pose

In this position, the muscles of the dog are tense and contracted and this actually prevents it from falling into a deep sleep.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

Therefore, this is a sleeping position adopted by a dog to relieve itself of stress and be comfortable.

They get into this position sometimes when they have a considerable amount of energy and they don't feel like sleeping.

They would prefer staying in a resting position where they can easily get up and play.

 

Laying on your clothes

If your dog sleeps on your clothes, it means it loves you. Your clothing has your scent on it and dogs always want to feel closer to you.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

 

Circling and Digging

It is usual for dogs to circle in the area where they sleep and even do a little digging before they eventually doze off.

Source: Jaw-Dropping Facts/Youtube

From the inception, dogs are known to trample down the grass in order to acquire optimal comfort as possible. They might also dig in order to keep themselves warm.

Do you want to share with us how your dog sleeps in a way different from the ones we have mentioned? Drop a comment below! …and SHARE this with your friends and family!

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Dog Seen Outside Of Store With A Sign Around His Neck:

Animal lovers have a lot to say about this story but regardless of what you may think, this is one SMART DOG!

Steve Moore rescued Jackson, a three-year-old Golden Retriever, from the shelter. Jackson needed a home and Moore stepped up to the plate. Moore took Jackson in and began working with him every day. In just a month, Moore had him trained to do something PHENOMENAL! His “trick” had every passerby that saw Jackson, wanting this dog for themselves… a dog NO ONE showed interest in just a month prior.

Moore took Jackson to high traffic, busy areas so he could work with him while getting used to the noises and distractions around him. He had Jackson sit and stay. Then he had him sit and stay for a longer period of time. Then, he had him sit and stay while he walked away from him. He did this repeatedly UNTIL Jackson could be left on his own long enough for Moore to go inside of a store and get his errands done. Since dogs are not allowed in most stores, this was a better alternative to leaving him in a car where he could overheat. Plus, he wouldn’t be tied up, so if an emergency should happen, Jackson could run to safety.

The final stage was to get him to sit and stay WHILE wearing a sign around his neck. “Dad told me to wait here. Me waiting.” And Jackson is really good at waiting! Even with commotion around him and people walking up to say “hi” and give him pets, Jackson waits, FAITHFULLY for his human to return. Now that’s a GOOD BOY!

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Lucky Elderly Man Is Greeted Every Day By A “Friend” Who Crawls Out Of The Ice:

We’ve all seen some unique and unlikely friendships over the years, but this one here may take the cake!

One day, a starving otter appeared at an elderly man’s door wanting some food. Ever since, Seppo Laamanen, 65, and Iivari the otter have been inseparable best friends.

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It all started when Seppo fed worms and fish to the small and malnourished otter who was clearly looking for food.

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There’s no way Seppo could’ve ever imagined it’d all lead to this. This adorably unique friendship is one for the ages, and it’s something you have to see to believe.

There’s nothing like the bond between two friends regardless of the species! 🙂

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10 Of The “Most Loyal” Dog Breeds On The Planet

Giving love and support to humans is something that some dogs do better than others.

While many dogs love everyone they meet and are willing to take treats or belly rubs from anyone, the pups we found are just the opposite.

These 10 dogs are some of the most loyal breeds on the planet. They are rock steady in their loyalty to their owner no matter what.

1) Akita

When the American Kennel Club (AKC) lists loyalty to describe the temperament of the Akita, you know they mean business. The beautiful double-coated working dog of Japanese ancestry is considered hardwired in protecting those she loves. They should be socialized with other dogs and people from the time they are puppies. Their silly, fun, but dignified personalities round out the loyal Akita.

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2) Boxer

This working dog is smart, full of energy, and oh so loyal to their family. They get along great with kids and have an innate instinct to protect their pack. He’s a watchdog with a heart of gold who oozes dedication to his owner.

Source: Pierre Pocs Photography/Flickr

3) Skye Terrier

Known as the “small dog with the big ears,” this adorable breed hails from the Scottish Isle of Skye, hence the name. Whether you live in the city or the country, this small dog with a big personality is steadfast in snuggling, playtime, and remaining loyal to his owners.

Source: WaketheSun/Flickr

4) Beagle

This merry hound is friendly, curious and incredibly loyal. While he doesn’t mind the occasional couch potato time, this spunky pooch is energetic and merry. A fun fact about this hound: the breed standard is for 13 inches and under and another in the 13-15 inch category. No matter how you size him, these adorable dogs just want to cling to you.

Source: Simon Hameau/Flickr

5) Shar-Pei

This wrinkly non-sporting breed is standoffish to strangers but very loyal to his owner. His ancient Chinese roots are part of the charm of the Shar-Pei. Regal, strong, and smart, if you want a BFF for life, this loose-skinned pooch may be the right choice for you.

Source: Alessandro Persano/Flickr

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