6 Dog Sleeping Positions and Their Meaning

Most dog owners know about their pets’ habits and easily understand when their dog is happy, worried, surprised, or scared. But what do dogs’ sleeping positions mean? Like people, dogs also have their preferences, and they can tell us a lot.

1. The snowball

The snowball position is one of the most popular sleeping positions among dogs. This position allows the dog to get up from sleep and stand on its legs quickly in case of danger. Most of the time, dogs don’t sleep very deeply in this position, meaning they only nap, as this is a guarding position.

2. The pancake

In this sleeping position, on their side, folding their legs, dogs sleep and rest really well. Even if the day wasn’t very tiring, many dogs love sleeping this way. Also, if dogs sleep on their side, it means that they feel completely safe because they don’t feel the need to cover their vital organs while sleeping. When dogs feel comfortable and trust the people near them, they can allow themselves to sleep in this position. Dogs that prefer this sleeping position have a very strong connection to their owners and families.

3. The superman

Many puppies sleep in this position, but some breeds continue sleeping like this even as adult dogs. Puppies sleep like this because they are energetic and they can easily get up on their legs in case of danger. If you notice that your adult dog is sleeping like this often, it means that they’re full of energy and always ready to play.

4. Curled up in a ball

In this position, dogs try to protect their legs, throat, and vital organs. Or, as vets say, dogs try to keep themselves warm. It’s possible that something may be worrying your dog if it is sleeping like this, like, for example, a noise somewhere nearby, but some dogs sleep this way just because they really enjoy it!

5. On its back

Resting on the back is one of the most relaxed sleeping positions: the belly and the throat stay unprotected, and these are the most vulnerable parts of the body. If a dog sleeps on its back, it means that it fully trusts you and feels comfortable with you. But lying on the back may also mean that the dog is hot or it got really tired during the day. If your dog chooses the back position often, it means that it feels confident and adapts to different conditions easily.

6. Dead cockroach

This is a variation of the position on the back. Stretched-out legs look really funny! Just like the classic back position, this one means that your dog feels completely happy and safe. Also, dogs that sleep like this are usually independent and calm.

How does your dog sleep? Why do you think it is your pet’s favorite position? Tell us in the comments section below!