The Lion Pose
If you see your dog sleeping with his head on top of his paws, chances are he’s just resting, says Dr. Stanley Coren, professor emeritus in the Psychology Department at the University of British Columbia and author of numerous books, including “Do Dogs Dream?”
“If you see a dog in a lion pose—with his paws stretched forward and head resting on his paws like the statues of reclining lions in front of some government buildings—the dog is apt to be simply dozing and not in a deep sleep state,” he says.
The Side Sleeper
“The most common posture that dogs use to sleep is lying on their sides with their legs extended,” says Dr. Coren.
This means that a dog is relaxed and comfortable and shows a level of trust with his surroundings.
Dr. Coren explains that a dog will often start to dose in lion pose and then slump onto his side once he falls into a deeper sleep. “As soon as the dog starts to dream, his muscles will relax and he will roll out of the lion pose into the normal sleeping position,” says Dr. Coren.
Dogs that sleep on their sides need space to stretch out. Look for a large dog bed, such as the American Kennel Club memory foam sofa extra-large dog bed for comfort and plenty of room.
If a dog were in the wild, then they would curl into a ball to keep themselves warm and protected. They are also protecting their organs from potential harm because when an animal is asleep, they are vulnerable to predators. In a curled-up ball, dogs are able to protect their organs and try to prevent harm to their bodies.
Looking for the next best pet product to sell in your store? Learn more about selling our products by contacting Advantek Pet to get started.
One of the best ways dogs can stay warm on cold nights is by curling up into a ball. As a ball of fur, they can create a lot of warmth for themselves. Some dogs put their tail over their nose for more warmth and others sleep in tighter balls depending on comfort and size of the animal.
Are you interested in ordering a PET GAZEBO® for your pet to keep them feeling safe and cozy? Visit petgazebo.com to purchase yours today.
How many times have you watched your dog take a nap or cozy up in their bed for the night in an odd position? Do they lay stretched out on the floor, with their paws up in the air, or curl up in a tight ball? Advantek Pet lists the reasons why your pup could be curling up when they snooze to help you better understand these unusual positions.