This article was co-authored by Sophie Amphlett and by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Sophie Amphlett is a Professional Dog Trainer and Service Dog Coach with over five years of experience. Sophie graduated from CATCH Canine Trainers Academy’s Master Course with Distinction in 2016. She is also a Certified Trick Dog Instructor (CTDI) and a Certified Fun Scent Games Instructor (DN-FSG1). Sophie serves as a volunteer adoption counselor and dog walker for Adopt-A-Pet as well.
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You’re likely to find your dog in a lot of funny positions, but there’s nothing more endearing than finding your pup snoozing on their back, head smushed into their bed with their legs dangling in the air. As you take a picture and marvel at your dog’s cuteness, you might be left wondering why dogs like to sleep on their back in the first place! It turns out that this is a normal and safe sleeping position that cools your dog off and means they’re extremely relaxed around you. Read on to learn all about why dogs sleep on their backs.
Things You Should Know
- Dogs sleep on their backs because they feel relaxed or want to cool down.
- Your dog might sleep on its back if it has sore joints, or to appear non-threatening.
- It is completely safe and normal for your dog to sleep on their back.
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Expert Q&A
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Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dog behavior, check out our in-depth interview with Sophie Amphlett.
References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
- ↑ https://wagwalking.com/behavior/why-do-dogs-sleep-with-their-legs-open
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/why-does-my-dog-sleep-on-his-back/