What Your Dog’s Sleeping Position Really Means

Just like humans, dogs sleep in a variety of positions. From sleeping on their side to sleeping on their back with paws in the air, we can learn a lot about our furry friends through their chosen sleeping position and habits

That’s because dog sleeping positions can give clues and insight into how they are – both physically and mentally. To understand the true meaning behind each, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 most common dog sleeping positions and their meanings. Read on to learn more about what your dog’s chosen snooze shape really means, followed by some further insight into dog sleeping habits and what your dog’s yawn means.

3. All sprawled out

This position is when your dog lays sprawled out on the ground with their belly to the floor, their back legs behind them, and their front paws stretched forward. This is a common sleeping position among puppies and very playful dogs.

When your dog sleeps in this position it means they’re tired but ready to play if the opportunity arises, it can be common for high energy dogs to sleep in this position as it’s easy to spring back up. These dogs are playful and energetic, they’ll play until they can’t anymore and plop down on any surface.

6. The belly up

This position is one of the cutest – with your dog laying on their back with their belly up and paws in the air. As uncomfortable this position may look, this is a sign of true comfort and relaxation in dogs.

Dogs that sleep on their back do so for a few reasons, one of them to keep cool. Dogs sweat through their paws and their belly is a source of heat so by sleeping on their back it keeps them cool. As well, this is such a vulnerable position to be in, so when dogs sleep in this position it means they’re fully trusting you and their environment.

7. The burrower

Does your dog seek out pillows, clothes, or blankets to sleep under? If your dog is a burrower, they’re searching for comfort and security. They’re affectionate but can be needy, they often require lots of attention and affection to make them feel secure and fall asleep. Try adding blankets to their bed.

8. Back-to-back

Like cuddling, this position means they like to cuddle up and get as close as possible by placing their back next to you or another dog. In the simplest form, this position is a sign of love and comfort.

Sleeping back-to-back indicates a sense of intimacy, when a dog sleeps in this position they’re showing you affection and trust. Dogs may choose to sleep this way with one person in the home they feel safest with.

9. Head and neck raised

Some dogs seek out a sleeping position where their head and neck are raised. They’ll usually prop their head on a surface whether that be the side of their bed or a pillow.

If your dog likes to sleep where their head and neck are propped up, it could mean they have issues breathing properly – keep an eye out for worrying symptoms like faster breathing rate, noisy breathing, or a reduced ability to exercise. If you notice any of these, get in touch with your vet.

10. On a cold surface

Whether it’s laying face down on the kitchen floor or  the pavement, dogs tend to sleep on cold surfaces when they’re hot. This position can take the form of different poses. Whatever it is, your dog is likely to make sure their belly is touching the cold surface.

This position is directly related to temperature and if you notice your dog seeking out cold surfaces to sleep on, try your best to cool them down and give them some water.

• Dreaming:
  Yes, dogs can dream too! While it’s hard to know exactly what they dream about, we know the brain processes their events of the day during sleep. So, we can assume they’re dreaming about you or the events of the day – like a walk or playing.
• Twitching:
  Just like humans, dogs can twitch in their sleep, while dreaming, or moving between sleep stages. This is completely normal.
• Barking or squeaking:
  If your dog barks, or sometimes high squeaks, don’t panic. This is completely normal and may indicate that they’re reacting to something that’s happening in their dream.
• Running:
  This usually happens more when your dog is sleeping on their side and their paws start to move in unison. This is typically in response to a dream your dog may be having.
• Snoring:
  Some dogs snore just as much as humans, however not every dog will snore. Snoring is most common in dogs with breathing issues and short noses — such as pugs, bulldogs, and boxers. If your pup snores a lot, check out our post on why some dogs snore so badly.
• Circling and digging:
  Sometimes dogs will circle or dig before lying down to sleep. This behaviour just means they’re making their sleep area more comfortable and readjusting themselves before settling.

What your dog’s yawn really means

When we yawn, it’s typically a sign that we’re either tired or bored. But with dogs, it’s a little different. Depending on how, when, and in what situation your dog yawns, it could mean a few different things – some of which are important to pay attention to.

So, what exactly does your dog’s yawn mean? Read below to find out.

Your dog’s yawn means they love you

Yawns tend to be contagious; humans are more likely to yawn when they see someone else or think about someone yawning. And this is a real thing for dogs too. In other words, because humans are empathetic, they sense the yawn in their peers. We can’t measure a dog’s empathy; however, it’s likely that yawning symbolizes a bond to their human.

A study outlined in the New York Times found that dogs can ‘catch’ yawns from humans, which researchers believe may be a sign of bonding between canines and people. So, if you notice your dog yawning, it might just be because they’re taking a cue from you.

Your dog is yawning because they’re stressed

An occasional yawn is nothing to be concerned about – but if your dog is yawning excessively, it might be a sign of stress or anxiety.

Pay attention to when, where, and how often your dog is yawning. A stray yawn before bed or during a walk is fine, as sometimes dogs yawn in anticipation of something enjoyable and is a way of controlling their enthusiasm.

But if you notice your dog is yawning in rapid succession in situations that might be anxiety-inducing – like waiting in the vet’s office – chances are, those yawns are a signal your pet is feeling overwhelmed and is a way of dealing with nervousness.

If you sense your dog is yawning because of stress, do what you can to remove them from the stressful situation and help them calm down. Once your dog is feeling calmer, the excessive yawning should taper off.

Your dog is yawning to avoid conflict

In the language of dogs, the yawn is often used as a calming signal and to avoid conflict. It’s a way of saying: “I’ve had enough, and my patience is running out.” For example in a training session your dog may yawn to deal with frustration and give himself a mental break.

Yawns may also be a sign of passivity; so, if your dog yawns in response to an altercation with a larger or more aggressive dog, it could just be their way of saying: “I don’t want any trouble.” And yawning is designed to tell other dogs to just chill out.

Your dog may just be tired

Finally, and most obviously: yawning can mean sleepiness. One of the most common reasons a dog might be yawning is also one of the most common reasons a human might be yawning. And that’s because they’re tired.

Your dog’s yawn may just mean that they’ve had a long day and are ready to go to sleep. If your dog has a reason to be tired – like spending the afternoon at the dog park or running circles around your home – or if they let out a big yawn right as they curl up to call it a night, chances are, the yawn is just a signal they’re feeling sleepy.

So, now we’ve explored what your dog’s sleeping habits and yawns mean, why not check out what your own sleeping position means! Or, go and explore the effects that can arise from letting your dog sleep in your bed.