Dogs sleep a lot – the average dog sleeps for 12 to 14 hours per day! With so much time spent sleeping, it’s no wonder that dogs can be particular about their sleeping spots. A dog’s sleeping location can provide insights into their comfort, personality, and pack mentality. This article will explore the factors that influence a dog’s sleeping decisions and explain their preferences.
Do dogs have preferred sleeping locations?
Yes, most dogs do have preferred places to sleep, whether it’s a dog bed, piece of furniture, or spot on the floor. A dog’s sleeping location preferences can be based on a few key factors:
Safety
Dogs are pack animals and vulnerable when sleeping, so they often seek out areas that feel safe and secure. This may mean sleeping in smaller enclosed spaces like crates, under tables, or in corners. Sleeping with their owner, such as on the human’s bed, also provides a sense of safety and companionship.
Comfort
Dogs like sleeping surfaces that are soft, cushioned, and warm. Orthopedic dog beds, plush blankets, and carpeted areas often top the list for comfort. Hard floors or tile can be too cold or hard on their joints.
Familiarity
Once dogs get used to a sleeping area, they will often return to it repeatedly. The familiarity of a regular sleeping spot provides assurance. An older dog may continue to sleep in the same spot they used as a puppy.
Accessibility
Dogs want to be able to easily get in and out of a sleeping area and have enough room to comfortably change positions. They prefer open spaces rather than being wedged into tight areas. Easy accessibility also allows them to respond quickly to any perceived threats.
Temperature
Dogs will often seek out cooler tile or hardwood floors during hot weather. In the winter, they may sleep nearer heat vents or curled up in blankets. Dogs want a comfortable temperature, not too hot or cold.
Why do dogs sleep in different spots at different times?
Dogs can be quite particular about where they sleep, but their preferences may shift based on factors like:
Weather
As mentioned, in hot weather dogs often prefer to sleep on cooler surfaces like tile or wood floors. When it’s colder, they may sleep on or under soft blankets and bedding for warmth.
Health
An aging dog with arthritis may begin to sleep in softer, warmer areas to reduce joint pain. Pregnant or nursing dogs also require soft, warm sleeping areas.
Mood
When dogs don’t feel well, they tend to isolate themselves and sleep in unusual spots, away from the rest of the household. Their location can provide clues about their mood or energy level.
Familiar People/Animals
Most dogs sleep near the people and animals they are most bonded with. When a family member is gone or a companion pet passes away, dogs may change their sleeping location preferences.
Life Stage
Puppies have different sleeping needs than senior dogs. An older dog may no longer be able to get on the couch or jump onto the bed as easily. Puppies also start off in small enclosed areas before having full roam of sleeping areas.
Disruptions/Disturbances
Loud noises, bright lights, construction, visitors, a new baby, or other disturbances can disrupt a dog’s regular sleeping spot. They may temporarily shift locations until conditions improve.
Do dogs have a particular side they prefer to sleep on?
Some dogs do seem to prefer sleeping on a certain side, often curling up on the same side each night. However, there is little scientific data to confirm that dogs favor a particular side. Some theories on side preferences include:
Legs
Since most dogs sleep curled up, they may simply prefer lying on the side that doesn’t have as much contact with the ground. Putting less pressure on their limbs may allow for a more comfortable sleep position.
Limbs
Dogs use their front limbs much more actively than their back legs. Sleeping with their front legs tucked in while their back legs are extended may feel most natural.
Bodily Comfort
Dogs are asymmetrical animals and certain sides of their bodies may simply be more comfortable for them to sleep on. They may favor a side that doesn’t put pressure on sensitive areas.
Habit
Once a dog learns a preferred sleeping position, they likely repeat it out of habit and comfort. It becomes their routine.
Personal Preference
There’s likely no scientific reason why some dogs consistently sleep on one side – they simply prefer it. It may relate to personality, temperament, or randomness.
Do dogs ever sleep in “den” environments?
Yes, dogs often enjoy sleeping in den-like environments because it taps into their primal instincts to seek out small, enclosed, and secure spaces. Reasons dogs may sleep in dens include:
Safety
The confined space of a den feels safe and provides security. Dogs are protected on three sides while still allowing them to see the entrance.
Warmth
A den helps trap a dog’s body heat and provides insulation from cold temperatures. Wild dogs and wolves would take shelter from the elements in small dens or caves.
Comfort
The close quarters and insulation of a den provide soothing comfort and warmth. They offer a tight space for dogs to snuggle into.
Familiarity
Puppies are often first introduced to sleeping in a crate or kennel that mimics a den-like space. The familiarity provides continuity.
Privacy
A den or enclosed area gives dogs privacy from other pets or household activities/noise. It’s a peaceful respite.
Instinct
The desire to seek out dens is ingrained in a dog’s genetic history. Wild canids have an instinct to find or create small nesting areas.
Examples of dens include enclosed beds, small spaces between furniture, covered crates, and kennels with blankets over them to create a cave-like environment.
Why do dogs like sleeping touching their owners?
Most dogs seem to enjoy sleeping with physical contact to their human owners. Reasons dogs may sleep touching their people include:
Pack Mentality
By sleeping touching their humans, dogs maintain physical contact and bonding with the members of their pack. It provides closeness.
Security
The presence of their human nearby helps dogs feel safe and guarded while sleeping. It also allows them to respond quickly to any perceived threat.
Warmth
Humans give off a lot of body heat, so sleeping next to or against an owner helps a dog stay warm and cozy.
Affection
Dogs often sleep touching their favorite people as a sign of affection, bonding, trust, and comfort with that person.
Alertness
Maintaining physical contact allows dogs to more easily notice movements from their owner. They can be alerted to any changes.
Routine
If owners allow dogs to sleep on their bed or furniture, that habit and access can reinforce the behavior of sleeping close by.
Calming
The soothing presence and touch of their human can have a calming effect and help lower dogs’ stress levels while sleeping.
Attention
Some dogs may sleep touching their person in hopes of receiving attention, petting, or even sneakily stealing more room on a shared sleeping space.
Why do dogs turn around in circles before lying down?
The instinct to turn in tight, repetitive circles before settling in for a nap or sleep is built into a dog’s natural behavior. Reasons they circle include:
Flattening
Turning helps dogs flatten down the grass, leaves, dirt, or other surface debris in their desired sleeping spot. Circling packs things down into a comfortable nest.
Warmth
The motion helps dogs gather insulating material and warmth to surround their bodies for a cozy sleep surface.
Safety Check
Circling allows dogs to visually scout the area around their bed to check for dangers or intruders. They are securing the perimeter.
Scent Marking
As dogs circle, they spread their scent which marks the territory as theirs. This disguises their smell to prey and warns away predators.
Muscle Memory
The inherited instinct of their ancestors leads dogs to perform this ritualized motion before lying down. The pattern is embedded in their muscles.
Comfort
Dogs dig and circle to create the perfect sleeping indentation and get comfortable. The motions help them get settled and relaxed.
Routine
Like any habitual behavior, circling becomes embedded as a regular precursor to sleep. The pattern provides a sense of order and consistency.
How can owners provide the ideal sleeping environment for their dogs?
Here are some tips to create safe, comfortable sleeping areas for dogs:
– Place beds in quiet areas away from high traffic to minimize disturbances. Dogs prefer sleeping undisturbed.
– Try different types of beds and blankets to determine preferences. Senior dogs may need orthopedic beds for joint support.
– Wash all bedding frequently to keep it clean, appealing, and free of parasites. Keep extras to allow for washing rotations.
– Avoid drafts, direct sun, and temperature extremes which can make dogs too hot or cold.
– Include a variety of sleeping surfaces like cool tile, rugs, dog beds, and furniture access. This caters to weather changes or mood shifts.
– Include den-like enclosed beds or shelters if dogs prefer sleeping in “cave” environments.
– Allow access to human sleeping areas like bedrooms or furniture if dogs prefer sleeping near their people.
– In crates or kennels, include soft blankets and chew toys to aid comfort and security.
– Maintain a consistent daily schedule and sleep routine to support a dog’s natural circadian rhythms.
What are signs that a dog is ready for sleep?
Dogs give both behavioral and physical clues that they are preparing to sleep. Signs include:
Yawning
Yawning is a natural precursor to sleep. As bedtime nears, dogs may yawn frequently.
Pacing & Circling
Dogs pace or circle while seeking the ideal sleeping spot. This motion helps flatten and prepare the area.
Digging & Scratching
Light digging and scratching near their bed is an instinct to shape the area into a comfortable depression.
Sniffing
Nose to the ground, dogs sniff their sleep area to check for intruders and find the best site.
Turning In Circles
Tight, repetitive turns in one spot flattens the surface and prepares dogs for sleep.
Getting Cozy
Dogs paw towels or blankets to create fluffy nests and then cuddle or burrow into them when ready for sleep.
Chewing
Gentle chews or licks of paws or beds signal comfort and contentment leading up to sleep.
Eyes Getting Heavy
Relaxed facial muscles and drooping eyelids display sleepiness. Eyes may only open partially.
Settling In
With a deep sigh, dogs finally settle into their curled up or outstretched sleeping posture as sleep overtakes them.
Conclusion
A dog’s sleeping habits provide great insight into their health, personality, and instincts. By understanding the factors that determine dogs’ sleep location preferences, owners can create safe and soothing spaces that align with their natural behaviors. Respecting dogs’ cues leading up to sleep and their desired amount of rest enables them to get the deep, restoring sleep they require.