> What Do You Really Know About Your Dog's Sleeping Behaviors?
> There is something about watching your dog sleep that is comforting and
sometimes even comical. Do you know, several of your dog's sleep
> behaviors
> are similar
> to ours and others are inherent?
The average dog sleeps 12 - 13 hours per day. It may not seem that way,
> but
> puppies snooze even longer! That is almost half their life! Dogs are
> skillful
> at catching a few winks whenever they can. That form of napping is
> similar
> to Stage 1 sleep, where they are sleeping, but just barely.
Sleep is a vital part of the health, physical and emotional well-being
> of
> your dog's life. It is during sleep that puppies grow, wounds heal and
> energy
> is conserved and stored for what lies ahead.
> Companion dogs kept indoors, sleep longer and deeper than dogs kept
> outdoors
> and working dogs. Dogs kept outdoors and working dogs try to slip in an
extra
> nap here or there, but rarely relax enough to reach a healthy, deep,
> restful
> sleep.
> Do Dogs Dream?
> It appears dogs follow similar stages of sleep as humans. Stage 1, is
> barely
> sleeping. This is where most outdoor dogs, wild dogs and working dogs
> sleep.
> At Stage 2, the animal's blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and
> body
> temperatures gradually lower. Stage 3 is a transitional state between
> light
> and
> deep sleep. Stage 4 is the slow wave stage where usually the dog is now
> oblivious to their surroundings. If awakened suddenly, they often
> appear
> confused.
> Stag 5 is where the fun begins! This is the REM (Rapid Eye Movement)
> phase
of sleep. Here, their body relaxes, but their brain remains active. At
> this
stage, your dog's eyes roll under the lids and they slowly ease into
> those
dreams we find so amusing. They whimper, growl, make lapping and eating
> sounds
> and motions, whine, bark, and/or appear to be chasing something!
> Most indoor dogs spend up to 12% of their sleeping time in REM. Puppies
> spend a greater percentage of time in REM. During this stage, it is
> thought
> puppies
> process and merge what they are learning every day, into behaviors they
> will
> follow.
> Interestingly, smaller dogs tend to dream more than their larger
> cousins.
> Shaking during sleep can be perfectly normal for the average dog. Dogs
> that
> have suffered trauma and puppies removed from their mom too soon, may
> also
> shake
> in their sleep. Shaking could also be an indicator of health problems
> in
> dogs, such as hypothyroidism, pain, chills, and gastrointestinal
> discomfort.
> If your dog is shaking while sleeping, calmly call their name and
> gently pet
> or touch them, to reassure them that everything is OK. Do not shake
> them
> awake!
> It is not known, if dogs have nightmares, but given the fact many
> rescues
> and dogs that have suffered severe physical and emotional trauma shake
in
their
sleep, a little assurance goes a long way.
> Favored Positions of a Sleeping Dog
> The sleeping position of your dog tells you a lot about him or her.
> Some
> like to sleep on their stomachs, almost like in a "down" position. This
> allows
> them to jump up at the slightest perceived threat or fact they may be
> missing out on what you are doing.
> Others prefer sleeping on their side. This is a restful position. Your
> dog
> is comfortable with their surroundings.
> Then we have the "Superdog" sleeper. They choose sleeping stretched
> out, on
> their stomachs. They look like they are flying. They are in a restful
> sleep,
> but ready to go as soon as they hear you move!
> The most inherent position for sleeping is curling up. You will see
> this as
> a favorite sleeping position of dogs kept outdoors. You will find them
> curled
> up into a ball, with their paws under their body and their tail wrapped
around their face. It is the least vulnerable and least restful
position for
sleep.
They are conserving body heat, they protecting limbs, face, throat and
vital
organs. This position gives them the advantage to be on their feet
immediately.
The dog's muscles are tense and ready to spring into action, if need
be.
Dogs that sleep in this position rarely relax enough to drift into the
REM
stage.
Curling is the normal sleeping position for wild dogs and wolves
packing
together. It offers a sleeping position for awareness upon awakening as
their senses
are heightened to movements, sounds and scents. They conserve space in
the
den; protect their offspring and share body heat. You will notice even
most
domesticated puppies inherently curl up together or around their
mother.
> Finally, we have what looks the "dead roach" position. There are dogs
that
favor sleeping on their backs; with their legs in the air...looking
just
like
a dead cockroach! This is the position found only in a very secure and
confident indoor pet. Sleeping on their back is the most vulnerable
position
for
a dog to sleep. It is thought to be the most comfortable and most
restful
position. Plus, it's your dog's way of cooling down quickly. Indoor
dogs
that
> have expended lots of energy and/or are over-heated will sleep on their
backs.
The sleeping on their back position has not been observed as behavior
exhibited by dogs or wolves in the wild. Dogs kept outdoors will not
sleep
> in this
position either. This position sends a message of vulnerability and
submission.
It should be noted; dogs sleeping on their backs with their paws
"protecting" their chest are indicating they prefer not to be bothered.
Use
caution when
suddenly awakening any dog sleeping in this position!
Now that you know more about what goes on when your dog sleeps, you
will
have some insight about their confidence and sense of well being. In
addition,
it will give you a clue of why your dog behaves the way it does, when
they
are awake.
Bottom line: Comfort equals healthier, more and deeper sleep. Whatever
sleeping position your dog prefers, make sure their sleeping
accommodations
are safe
and comfortable. A dog that is well rested is generally healthier and
happier.
