What Your Dog's Sleeping Position Says About Its Personality, According to a Vet
Dog sleeping in bed
When it comes to understanding people, tools like the Human Design Personality Typing System and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator empower us to explore personalities with breadth and depth. No such tests exist to help us unlock the mystery of the dog, but we have a hunch it's possible to make heads or tails (see what we did there) of a dog's personality by studying its sleeping positions.
Dr. Mike McClenahan, DVM, agrees, and shares what we can learn about our pups and their personalities through their various sleeping positions and locations.
Related: How To Speak Your Dog's Love Language
Does a dog's sleeping position mean anything?
"Dogs, like people, just want to feel safe and comfortable when they sleep," Dr. McClenahan says. "So when we look at where and how they sleep, it may say as much about the environment and us as it does about them. For example, when it’s cold, my cattle dog, Ben, wants to be under the covers with us, but my little terrier doesn’t want to be on the bed while we’re sleeping no matter the weather. I think I just move around too much for his comfort. I try not to take it personally."
Are there times when your dogs sleep in a way that tells you something meaningful about them?
"Ben has anxiety. He'll often curl up in a tight little ball unless he’s on the couch with us or one of the cats," Dr. McClenahan continues. "Then, he’s draped over us like a wet noodle. When we’re all together, he’s at his most comfortable and will show his stomach and relax."
So his sleeping position changes based on how at ease he is? That makes sense—and that is quite the sleepytime transformation!
Related: 10 Sweet Signs Your Dog Thinks of You as Their Mom and Dad
What these 6 sleeping positions say about a dog's personality
"I will preface my comments on sleeping positions by saying that there are no scientific studies correlating sleeping position with personality," Dr. McClenahan explains. "These are just my thoughts [with] 25 years of experience in veterinary medicine."
1. Supine (on its back)
"This dog is a goofball and loves its life," Dr. McClenahan says. "It couldn't be in a better place!"
2. On its side
"This dog is a bit lazy," says Dr. McClenahan. "While it's up for whatever you want to do, it's also up for ... continuing to lay there."
3. On its belly
"This one's loyal and ready to go," Dr. McClenahan shares. "It's prepared for a ride in the car or a throw of the ball."
4. Back-to-back with another dog
"This is a wary dog that's ready for anything," Dr. McClenahan explains.
5. Curled up in a ball
"This dog is on an even keel—equally comfortable at home, on a car seat or at the local pub," Dr. McClenahan jokes. "Anywhere it fits, it sleeps."
6. Sprawled out
"This dog feels like it owns the place," Dr. McClenahan explains. "You're lucky to be allowed in its life."
Does a dog's preferred sleeping location have special meaning?
Many pooches have a favorite place to sleep, whether it's a dog bed or your bed. But why do they choose to sleep where they do? What do their chosen sleeping locations mean?
"Dogs are just looking for the most comfortable spot for them," Dr. McClenahan explains. "If they're sleeping on the floor instead of in your bed, it may mean you snore too loudly or kick too much. Don’t take it personally. I make sure my dogs have multiple options for sleeping locations."
Related: The Real Reason Why Dogs Like To Sleep in Their Owners’ Beds
Are there sleeping positions that might reveal a potential health problem in your dog?
"We all change as we get older," Dr. McClenahan says. "When I was younger, I could sleep on the couch all night, get up and feel amazing. Now, if I sit too long, I need to stretch for five minutes to be able to tie my shoes. Medically speaking, this is important to think about when it comes to dogs."
So, what should dog owners look for when it comes to sleeping positions as their animals age?
"Mostly, you’re looking for a change in sleeping patterns," Dr. McClenahan continues. "That usually means being awake at unusual times, but it also could mean sleeping in strange positions or places. For example, a dog with knee pain may sit or sleep with one leg extended. A dog with back pain might sleep on its stomach like a tight log instead of in its usual curled-up position. It may not have overt limping, but can still show subtle signs of pain. Check with your veterinarian if you see changes that are noticeable and persistent."
Follow Dr. Mike McClanahan on Instagram and check out his podcast, The Vets Unleashed, the next time you need a humorous listen for your morning commute.
