There are many guestimates on how long the average dog sleeps per day, it varies from age to size to breed to activity levels and so on. What I do know is that dogs love a good sleep especially after an energetic walk and a bowl full of supper, a bit like us. But I thought you may find it interesting to understand a little bit more about the way your dog sleeps.
A bit like us, your dog will have a favoured sleeping place, one that makes them feel secure, safe and cosy and it may not be where their bed is. You may already have picked up on the positions they sleep in when they are in a deep sleep, in comparison to when they are just bored or snoozing or waiting for you to hurry up and finish the emails so they can go on a walk!
All dogs are very different but there are some common positions that most will share, I've tried to find photos of clients dogs to highlight these to you as its easier to see it than to describe it.
The Snoozer - this is the dog that is quite happily having a nap, its not in a deep sleep but is quite content snoozing some hours away. This is the type of sleeping position where your dog is still listening to whats going on around them but not actively participating unless it sounds really good fun!
The Curly Whirly - many puppies sleep like this as it keeps them warm and snug but you also find many of the shorter haired breeds like to curl up. It keeps all the body heat in and this is a position that a tired dog will get into. Its definitely a clear sign that a dog does not want to be interacted with, they are closing themselves up to get some rest.
The let it all hang out sleeper - this is a position that only a very relaxed, calm dog will sleep in. It isn't a common sleeping position for a dog in say rescue kennels where they can feel very stressed, unsure and exposed. A dog that does this feels happy to splay themselves out and just relax! I've had to put two pics in for this as I love both of these
And then there is side sleeper - again this is usually reserved for deep sleeping. You often find after a long, exhausting walk that your dog begins by snoozing and then when its time for the quality sleep, they roll over. Most dogs will try to have their back against something like your leg if on the sofa, the back of their bed or a wall as again it makes them feel secure whilst resting. My dog who is deaf will only do this in certain places where she feels totally safe and that nothing can come at her to scare her. Which makes sense because she can't hear approaching people. In this photo you can see she is asleep with her head resting against my leg and the cat is against her back.
As is the case with all sleeping dogs, try not to have to disturb them and never let children do this. A tired and sleeping dog can react with aggression if scared or shocked when fast asleep. Just as a human would if fast asleep and you started prodding them. Try to make some noise away from them or if you have a deaf dog, very often the vibrations of people walking around will rouse them. And make sure your dog has somewhere to take themselves to for sleeping that isn't in a busy hallway, doorway or where they are subjected to lots of traffic in the house. Sleeping should be a time for rest, recuperation and to feel safe.
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