What Your Dog’s Sleeping Position Says About Their Mood & Health

PDF download Download Article
Pro dog trainers explain canine sleeping habits
PDF download Download Article

There’s nothing cuter than watching your dog take a nap! But did you know that the position they sleep in can actually tell you a lot about their mood and personality? In this article, we’ll explain what 11 of the most common dog sleeping positions mean. Plus, we interviewed dog trainers and behaviorists to teach you about other dog sleeping habits , how much dogs sleep, and how to help your pup sleep comfortably.

What does my dog’s sleeping position mean?

The way a dog sleeps can say a lot about how they’re feeling. When dogs feel comfortable, they often sleep on their side. They may sleep with their head on their paws if they’re feeling protective and alert. If they cuddle with you or another animal, they likely feel safe and affectionate.

Section 1 of 6:

Dog Sleeping Position Meanings

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    The Side Sleeper Dogs often sleep on their side with their legs extended. This is usually a comfortable position for dogs, so it typically means your pup is feeling relaxed and safe. Dogs are also likely in a deep sleep when in this position, so don’t be surprised if you notice some signs of dreaming, like twitching or sleep running. [1]
    • Personality: Dogs who sleep on their side are often trusting and loyal. They’ll sleep practically anywhere but usually prefer their own bed.
  2. 2
    The Lion Pose Also known as “the Sphinx,” this position is when your dog sleeps with their head on top of their paws. When dogs sleep in this position, they are resting but not sleeping deeply. Dogs often drift off in this position if they feel like they’ll need to jump up quickly. In some cases, it could mean your pup is feeling anxious. [2]
    • Personality: Dogs who sleep in the lion pose are protective and devoted. They typically sleep by your feet or at the door to protect you and/or your family. Some dogs even sleep in this position to guard newborns!
    Advertisement
  3. 3
    The Superman The Superman position resembles the way Superman flies; your dog is lying on their belly with their legs stretched out in front and behind them. When your dog falls asleep in this position, it usually means they’re tired but ready to play if the opportunity presents itself. This is a common sleeping position for high-energy dogs during the day. [3]
    • Personality: Pups who sleep in the Superman position are usually playful and energetic. They likely played so hard that they wore themselves out and plopped down wherever they were.
  4. 4
    The Belly-Up The belly-up position is often considered one of the cutest dog sleeping positions. In this position, your dog is lying on their back with their belly up and their paws in the air. When dogs are lying in this position, they are completely comfortable and relaxed, and they fully trust you and their environment. They may also be trying to cool off. [4]
    • Personality: Belly-up sleepers are trusting and loving. They may also be feeling playful, especially if they’re still a puppy.
    • Dogs may not sleep on their backs as much as they get older. This doesn’t mean they’ve stopped trusting you; it’s just not as comfortable for them anymore.
  5. 5
    The Donut The donut position is when a dog curls up into a tight ball with their limbs tucked close to their body, keeping all their vital organs hidden. When a dog sleeps in this position, they’re trying to protect themselves and/or preserve body heat. They may also be feeling anxious about a new environment. [5]
    • Personality: Dogs who curl up in the donut are often caring but anxious. This position is common for dogs getting used to a new home, strays, or dogs who are sick.
  6. 6
    The Cuddler The cuddler position is exactly what it sounds like; your dog sleeps cuddled up next to (or on top of) you or another animal. This position is a sign of affection and bonding, as your dog wants to get as close to you or their companion as possible. This habit likely carried over from their puppy days, when they cuddled with their littermates for warmth. [6]
    • Personality: Cuddlers are known to be affectionate and loving. They’re very friendly and will do anything to snuggle up next to their favorite person or animal companion!
    • Not everyone wants their dog sleeping in their bed or cuddling up with them at night. To prevent this , professional dog trainer Ty Brown provides a few tips: “You could crate train your dog during the night. Crate training is a humane way of having the dog be in a place that’s safe and comfortable. Second to that is just providing a really nice bed that the dog wants to sleep in. Or, train the dog to go to their bed on command.”
  7. 7
    The Burrower Some dogs like to burrow under blankets, pillows, or clothes when they sleep. When your dog sleeps this way, it usually means they’re looking for comfort and security or they’re trying to calm themselves down. It could also be your dog’s way of taking a cozy break and blocking out distractions while they nap. [7]
    • Personality: Burrowers are often affectionate but needy. They may also be feeling stressed or anxious and are trying to self-soothe.
  8. 8
    Back-to-Back Sometimes, dogs may sleep with their back against your back or the back of another animal. When your dog sleeps in this position, they’re showing you trust and affection. Dogs often sleep in this position with the person they feel safest with. [8]
    • Personality: Dogs who sleep in this position are often loving, trusting, and affectionate. Any dog may sleep in this position if they trust you enough.
  9. 9
    On a cold surface Dogs often fall asleep on cool surfaces, like the kitchen floor, a shady area of pavement, or in front of the air conditioner. Usually, they sleep in the lion or Superman pose, as having their belly against the floor helps cool them off. [9]
    • Personality: All dogs may sleep on a cold surface, as this is a way to help them cool off.
  10. 10
    Head and neck raised Some dogs prefer to sleep with their head and neck raised, like on a pillow, a couch cushion, or the side of their dog bed. This can just be a comfort thing, but often dogs sleep like this if they’re having trouble breathing. If you notice your dog breathing at a faster rate, breathing loudly, or having a reduced ability to exercise, take them to the vet to check for health problems. [10]
    • Personality: In general, this sleeping position has nothing to do with personality and is instead associated with breathing problems.
  11. 11
    On the stomach This position is similar to the Superman, as your dog is lying flat on their stomach. However, their legs may be sprawled out instead of extended directly in front of or behind them. When dogs sleep in this position, it usually means they’re hot and are trying to use the cool floor to reduce their temperature. [11]
    • Personality: All dogs may sleep in this position regardless of personality, as it is mainly used to help them cool off.
    12. Advertisement
Section 2 of 6:

Dog Sleeping Patterns & Behaviors

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Twitching Dogs can twitch in their sleep just like people! This is usually completely normal and nothing to be concerned about. Dogs often twitch when they’re dreaming or when they’re moving between sleep stages. [12]
  2. 2
    Dreaming Studies have shown that dogs dream, but we still don’t really know what they dream about . Based on what we know about how humans dream, the brain processes the events of the day during sleep. Therefore, your dog could be dreaming about what they did that day, like chasing squirrels! [13]
    EXPERT TIP

    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC

    Canine Behavior Consultant
    Colleen Demling-Riley (CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC) is a Canine Behavior Consultant and the Founder of Pawtopia Dog Training. With more than 20 years of experience, she specializes in creating and customizing dog management programs for dog owners. She is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Behavior Consultant Canine-Knowledge Assessed, Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, and American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. Colleen is a member of the International Association of Canine Professionals and has been a featured expert in national media including the New York Times, Woman’s Day, Readers Digest, Cosmopolitan, and Yahoo.com.
    Colleen Demling-Riley, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, CDBC
    Canine Behavior Consultant

    Don’t try to touch a dreaming dog. If you need to wake up your dog, call their name first and make a sound that will wake them up. If you try to touch your dog when they’re sleeping, they could be startled awake and possibly nip you.

  3. 3
    Sleep running Your dog won’t physically get up and run while they’re asleep, but they may mimic the leg movements when they’re asleep on their side. This is usually a response to a dream they’re having and nothing to be concerned about. [14]
  4. 4
    Barking or squeaking You may hear your dog bark, squeak, or make other vocalizations while they sleep. As usual, this is nothing to worry about. It’s essentially their version of sleep-talking! Your dog is likely responding to something happening in their dream. [15]
  5. 5
    Digging or circling Many dogs walk in circles around their bed or dig at it with their paws before lying down. This is normal dog behavior and is their way of trying to make their sleeping spot more comfortable. This behavior may come from dogs’ wolf ancestry. Wolves often dig at their sleeping spots to remove leaves, dirt, and snow. [16]
  6. 6
    Snoring Snoring is more common in some dog breeds than others. Brachycephalic breeds, or breeds with short noses and broad skulls, are more likely to snore than others. These breeds include pugs, bulldogs, and boxers. If you’re concerned about your dog’s snoring habits, take them to a vet. [17]
    7. Advertisement
Section 3 of 6:

Puppy Sleeping Habits

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Puppies sleep more than adult dogs during the day. On average, puppies sleep 18-20 hours a day, while adult dogs sleep for 12-14. Puppies sleep more to help them mature, grow, and process the information they’ve learned. They usually nap several times a day and may even sleep for a while every hour. These naps often come out of the blue, and it’s not unheard of for puppies to fall asleep during play or training sessions! [18]
  2. 2
    Puppies may be restless at night. Puppies may sleep a lot during the day, but this isn’t always the case at night. When you first bring your puppy home, they may be very restless at night and have difficulties sleeping because they aren’t used to being away from their mother and littermates. [19] They often get up to go to the bathroom, eat, or drink water. This behavior usually stops after a few months, as they begin to sleep for a full 10 hours or so.
    • To train your puppy to sleep through the night, dog trainer Elisabeth Weiss says, “Sleeping in the same room as the human helps the puppy get used to their sleep cycle. Make sure the puppy does not get water for a certain time, maybe three hours or so, before you go to sleep… You can put a little bed on the floor so you can reach down and tether the puppy so he can’t run off and pee in some corner.”
    3. Advertisement
Section 4 of 6:

How long do dogs sleep?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Adult dogs typically sleep 12-14 hours a day. Adult dogs can sleep anywhere from 8 to 14 hours a day, with an average of 12-14 hours. Just like humans, this can vary depending on the dog’s age, activity level, and personality. Usually, adult dogs sleep the most between 9 pm and 6 am, though they often have afternoon naps. [20]
    • Puppies and senior dogs need more sleep than adult dogs, usually between 18 and 20 hours per day. Puppies need the extra sleep for growth and development, while senior dogs often have less energy and simply sleep more during the day.
    • Adult dogs should be able to sleep through the night on your schedule. Dog trainer Beverly Ulbrich explains, “The only reason they should wake you up is if they’re sick, like they’re throwing up or they have diarrhea and need help getting out. But if they’re healthy, they should be able to sleep through the night, no problem.”
    • If you notice your dog is sleeping or staying awake more than usual, take them to a vet to check for any underlying issues.
Section 5 of 6:

Helping Your Dog Sleep Well

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    Keep an eye on your dog’s sleeping habits. Pay attention to how often your dog sleeps and what position they sleep in, as this can clue you in as to how they’re feeling mentally and physically. If your dog is sleeping more or less than usual, is sleeping in new positions or locations, or seems restless, they may be sick or injured. Take them to a vet if you notice a change in their behavior. [21]
  2. 2
    Ensure their sleeping environment is comfortable. Just like people, dogs have different preferences for their sleeping environment. Some dogs may prefer to sleep somewhere cool, while others prefer somewhere warm. Some prefer soft beds, while others prefer something firmer. Keep your dog comfortable by buying them a bed they’ll love, filling their sleeping area with their favorite toys, and keeping fresh water nearby. [22]
    • When choosing bedding for your dog, canine behaviorist Colleen Demling-Riley explains that you should observe your dog’s personal preferences: “See how your dog sleeps for at least two weeks. If your dog likes to stretch out and prefers hard surfaces, maybe just a blanket is good for them. If they like softer surfaces, a big, fluffy dog bed with rails on the outside to support them might be a better choice.”
    3. Advertisement
Section 6 of 6:

Sleeping Dog FAQs

PDF download Download Article
  1. 1
    What is a dog’s most comfortable sleeping position? Every dog has their own sleep preferences, so the most comfortable sleeping position will vary from dog to dog. In general, though, one of the most common sleeping positions for dogs is lying on their side. This position usually means they feel safe and relaxed. [23]
  2. 2
    How do dogs sleep when they’re sick? Often, dogs sleep in their normal position even when they’re sick. Some dogs may curl up in a tight ball to preserve body heat and soothe themselves. Observe your dog’s other behaviors, like sleeping more than usual, a decrease in energy, whimpering, or a loss of appetite, to determine if they’re sick or in pain. [24]
  3. 3
    Why do dogs like to sleep with you? If your dog sleeps with you, they likely feel safe and comfortable around you. Puppies cuddle with their littermates for warmth and comfort, so dogs often carry this behavior into their adulthood. When dogs sleep cuddled up next to you, it’s usually a sign of affection. [25]
  4. 4
    Why does my dog move from spot to spot? Dogs often move around at night. They may dig at or circle their bed to make it more comfortable, or they might move around to find a warmer or cooler spot. [26] This is usually normal behavior, but if your dog is restless, pacing, and/or not sleeping through the night, they may be in pain or having anxiety issues. It might be a good idea to take them to the vet.
    5. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • Your dog will likely sleep in different positions depending on their mood and what’s comfortable to them. Pay attention to their other behaviors if you’re worried they’re sick or in pain.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed
      6 Reasons Your Dog Might Be Sleeping under Your Bed (And How to Get Them to Stop)

      References

      1. ↑ https://theanimalrescuesite.com/blogs/news/dog-sleeping-positions
      2. ↑ https://theanimalrescuesite.com/blogs/news/dog-sleeping-positions
      3. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-sleeping-positions
      4. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-sleeping-positions
      5. ↑ https://theanimalrescuesite.com/blogs/news/dog-sleeping-positions
      6. ↑ https://theanimalrescuesite.com/blogs/news/dog-sleeping-positions
      7. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-sleeping-positions
      8. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-sleeping-positions
      9. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-sleeping-positions
      1. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-sleeping-positions
      2. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/dog-sleeping-positions
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/do-dogs-dream/
      4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/do-dogs-dream/
      5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/what-do-dogs-dream-about/
      6. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/do-dogs-dream/
      7. ↑ https://be.chewy.com/is-this-normal-why-do-dogs-dig-in-their-bed/
      8. ↑ https://www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/pets/brachycephalic
      9. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/how-much-do-puppies-sleep/
      10. ↑ https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/behaviour-and-training/how-to-get-your-puppy-to-sleep-through-the-night
      11. ↑ https://www.sleepfoundation.org/animals-and-sleep/how-much-do-dogs-sleep
      12. ↑ https://www.akcreunite.org/dogs-sleeping-patterns/?srsltid=AfmBOooeFwoN5Dn1SP6Ky3uPjavsH6OCDDbOkrEyaB4O9pI2Ln1XIvNL
      13. ↑ https://www.pdsa.org.uk/what-we-do/blog/dogs-and-sleep-our-top-tips-for-your-furry-friend
      14. ↑ https://theanimalrescuesite.com/blogs/news/dog-sleeping-positions
      15. ↑ https://be.chewy.com/puppy-is-sick/
      16. ↑ https://www.dogster.com/lifestyle/do-dogs-like-sleeping-with-their-owners
      17. ↑ https://be.chewy.com/is-this-normal-why-do-dogs-dig-in-their-bed/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 20 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement