Most people love being around animals and in particular, dogs. Dogs are friendly, smart, helpful and adorable animals and they are ranked as one of the most popular choices for pets. If you enjoy being around dogs and have ever considered becoming a dog trainer, there are only a few simple steps you need to follow in order to learn how to become a dog trainer.
The first step you should take is to actually make sure this is something you want to do for the rest of your life. You may enjoy being around your own dog and playing with him at the park or taking him out for a walk, but you really have to think hard about whether or not you could see yourself teaching dogs commands and working with them one on one as a career. That is a major step and you do not want to pay to put yourself through school and go to all that work only to find out you maybe are not as interested in it as you thought you were.
Try going into a local shelter or otherwise adopt a dog or try to work with a friend's dog for a few weeks, and see how well you handle it. If you truly enjoy it and do not tire of it, learning how to become a dog trainer may actually not be that bad an idea.
The next step in learning how to become a dog trainer, if you decide to go through with it, is to determine which dog training school to attend. There are more of these schools available now than ever before, as the dog training profession has become quite a popular one over the past few years.
This is not surprising, considering trainers have been featured on major television networks and there are even shows comprised solely around people who train dogs. It is quickly becoming more of a mainstream profession, especially with the vast number of celebrities who parade around with their dogs and their dogs are pretty much as famous as they are.
It is advised by the American Dog Trainers Network that anyone wanting to become a professional trainer should attend at least a dozen seminars over the course of their training and also sign up for different workshops -- or else take an accredited course online -- or purchase a dog training course by e-textbooks. The more you learn the better, and it is only going to help you improve as a trainer and heighten your chances of finding a good job. Anyone can become a successful dog trainer if they follow the proper steps and work hard.
How to Become a Dog Whisperer
From the movie directed by Robert Redford, "The Horse Whisperer:" A horse whisperer is a horse trainer who adopts a sympathetic view of the motives, needs and desires of the horse, based on modern equine psychology.
The term goes back to the early 19th century when an Irish horseman, Daniel Sullivan, made a name for himself in England by rehabilitating horses that had become vicious and intractable due to abuse or accidental trauma.
Since the movie "The Horse Whisperer," the term Dog Whisperer has been developed and used by some dog trainers. The most popular trainer that calls himself the Dog Whisperer is Cesar Milan, but he is not the only trainer who uses that term. Paul Owen, who wrote the book "The Dog Whisperer," calls himself the Original Dog Whisperer and uses a much different approach to dog training than Cesar Milan.
In this article I am going to discuss becoming a dog whisperer by using the explanation described above: A horse whisperer is a horse trainer who adopts a sympathetic view of the motives, needs, and desires of the horse, based on modern equine psychology. A dog whisperer is a dog trainer who adopts a sympathetic view of the motives, needs and desires of the dog, based on modern canine psychology.
Adopt a sympathetic view of your dog's motives. Your dog's motives, needs and desires are simple. Every dog has social needs, the desire to interact and play. Your dog needs to have food and water and your dog needs a sleeping area.
With a clear understanding of your dog's needs and desires, you are able to use them to communicate to your dog and also set up boundaries to help your dog overcome any behavior problems and to live in a domestic situation.
Dogs are extremely social animals. We want to control the social interactions between us and our dogs. Depending on your dog's behavior problems we can use your dog's social needs to deal with any behavior problems.
For instance, some dogs are very demanding and slap their paws at the owner. The owner in turn pays attention and pets their dog. The dog learns that by pawing at the owner, the dog gets the owner's attention. To control social contact we can have the dog perform a quick obedience command. This puts the owner in control.
Playing is also very important to dogs. When you play you need to control the game. Many dogs love to play by their rules. I have seen a large number of dogs that love to steal socks or underwear or any object that they can get.
The dog walks into the room, sees the laundry basket and grabs the socks. The family members see the dog stealing the socks and take off after the dog. The dog loves this and runs around the couch, under the table and behind the chairs. If you look at it from the dog's point of view, the dog is training everyone to play by his rules. The dog is leading, the humans are following. We always want to be the leaders, not the followers.
Have your dog do sit stay for meals. Controlling your dog's food is a great way to communicate to your dog. Controlling the feeding times and by having your dog perform a command like "stay" for her meals is a great way to let your dog know who the leader is.
The stronger you are as the leader, the easier it is for the dog to live with us. Food is a great way to train and motivate your dog. By controlling your dog's food, you can control your dog's behavior. Your dog should always have access to water. Never use water to train your dog.
Your dog needs to understand that you are in charge of sleeping areas. Your dog should understand that you are in charge of the furniture and beds. It is okay to allow your dog up on the furniture--as long as they understand that it is your space and not theirs. Many dogs become very defensive of their sleeping areas.
If you allow your dog on the furniture make sure he understands that it is your. When your dog is young, keep a leash on your dog in the house. When your dog jumps up on the couch, walk over to him and say "Good dog, off." Then pick up the leash and gently pull your dog off the couch. In time your dog will learn the command and get off when you say so.
Those are the basic steps to becoming a dog whisperer. Learning about dog behavior is a lifelong study. After 18 years of training dogs I still attend seminars, workshops, read, view DVDs and work with other trainers.
If you are really serious about becoming a dog trainer a great place to start is the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. It is a great resource for dog trainers and anyone interested in becoming a dog trainer.
Dog-Related Jobs - How to Become a Professional Dog Trainer
If you love working with dogs you might want to become a professional dog trainer. Jobs training dogs are becoming more popular than ever due to the influx of so many celebrity dog training shows on TV. These shows are bringing more awareness to viewers how important having a well trained dog can be to having a well behaved and enjoyable pet dog. To get started with a dog training job, you will first need to acquire the knowledge and experience required to become a dog trainer.
To learn more about jobs training dogs and what it entails to become a professional dog trainer, check out the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Their organization is a wonderful place to find out more about dog training jobs. You can network with the members of the APDT, and find out about all the various aspects of the dog training business. They have a Forum, provide Seminars and Newsletters, and can educate you about what it means to have a dog training business.
There are dog trainer training academies teaching future dog trainers the basics of the business. In addition to the actual training, you will need to learn about the many other aspects of running your own business before you get started. A good educational program will include courses to teach about these subjects:
History of Dog Training - The history course teaches you about the background of training for dogs, beginning in the 19th Century, and up to date with modern dog training techniques, and compare the various types of training methods being used.
Animal Learning - In this section you will learn how animals understand and learn things, and the various methods that are used to train the dogs, such as: positive and negative reinforcement; desensitization; motivations; conditioning emotional responses, habituation and more. You will learn behavior modification techniques and the most effective training methods.
Dog Behavior - During the lessons in this course you learn all about how dogs develop socially, development at various life stages, characteristics of certain types of breeds, dog body language, social interaction, and hormonal influences, among others.
Designing Your Classes - This information is intended to teach you how to set up your school's curriculum and also about how to work with other people in your business (employees or associates) and, very importantly, with your clients.
Business Management - This part of your training should include teaching you the basics of opening and running your dog training business successfully.
You can get a national certification if you qualify from the Certification Council for Pet Dog Trainers.
If you want to run your own dog training business you must also learn about how to make money with your business. You will need to learn how to attract customers and set up the training classes. You need to know how to make the classes fun and interesting for the dogs and their masters. You can get started once you are qualified by working with a mentor at another dog training academy. This will give you hands on experience in working with the dogs and their owners (sometimes more challenging than the dogs themselves) and learning how the business is run on a day by day basis. Experience like this can be very valuable prior to trying to open your own dog training business
After gaining experience you can then try to promote your own business. You can network with Community Groups, Veterinarians, Pet Stores and Animal shelters to get leads for customers. You can get a lot of customers later on through good word of mouth referrals, so this is where your ability to work well with people, as well as train dogs, is important. So, if you are someone who loves working with dogs, get started with a new career by checking out the information provided by the Associate of Pet Dog Trainers to see if a job training dogs is the right thing for you.
Dog-Related Jobs - How to Become a Professional Dog Groomer
The Online Pet Grooming Course is filled with practical tips that will help you avoid the common mistakes beginning groomers often make - saving you valuable time and money and allowing you to discover the absolute surest path to BIG profits.
In fact, after completing The Online Pet Grooming Course you will know exactly how to operate your dream pet grooming business - and since this course is available online you will be able to begin benefiting from the expert advice and information it contains immediately!
Let's quickly take a closer look at just what dog grooming is - It's the act of ensuring a dog's skin and coat are in a clean and balanced state.
Many dogs simply need a good bath, nails clipped and their hair brushed - while others may need a more complicated coat clipping and style performed.
If the dog is a show animal, the owner may also have other requirements in the grooming of their dog.
As a groomer, it will be your job to ensure that no matter what the requirements are, the dog comes out of your shop looking its best.
The Online Pet Grooming Course will ensure you have the training needed to do that.
After completing this course, you'll know instinctively how to best groom a dog based on its breed and coat type while also taking into account its owner's preferences.
You'll also know how to recognize common health problems that you can pass along to the dogs' owners to help ensure their pets stay in optimal health.
In other words, you'll know exactly what you need to do to be a successful dog groomer from before the dog hits the bathtub to the moment the smiling owner takes him or her out the door!
To learn all about becoming a professional Dog Groomer, CLICK HERE!!
Dog training courses offer the necessary education to individuals who love pets. Before you decide to follow the courses in order to turn out to be a dog instructor, you can get a pet. Dog training courses stand to reason the necessity for controlled dog behavior. Dog proprietors give special care to their pets, but from time to time something is missing.
A dog' s behavior could develop with qualified training supplied by specific training programs. Everyone will benefit from these courses: both pets and their proprietors. To be certain that you succeed in your attempt to become a professional instructor, you have to go to special training courses. They are short term courses but offer intensive education due to both theoretical and practical approaches. Here are some things you need to know if you are considering a career in this field:
• Decrease aggressiveness
Dogs may sometimes be aggressive. This one varies according to some aspects such as breeds, environment, dog-master rapport. If you' ll deal with such difficulties, certainly, dog training courses teach the needed strategies to reduce any dog aggressiveness.
• Improve submission commands
A trained dog will at all times listen to your commands. These time as well, there are particular strategies and methods that turn unmastered puppies into beautiful submissive animals. This matter is definitely based on dog psychology. Any of these days certified dog training courses explain how you will achieve this phase in puppy training.
• Eating issues and anxiety can be treated
Not all dogs are aggressive, on the contrary, there are dogs experiencing nervousness. This problem might produce adaptation impediments. Courses that you follow will help you resolve this problem with high efficiency. Puppies may occasionally suffer from digestive disorders. Puppy training courses have proved to be extremely helpful for this subject, too.
• Solve adaptation problems
Other pets may come across adaptation issues after a kitten or puppy are new members in his "family". Dog training courses provide options to assist your dog to better integrate.
• Rescue and guide dog trainings
This theme makes proof of the value puppies have in our lives. They might change dramatically other people' s destinies. Dog training courses provide the essential information for the identification and training of dogs in order to help certain disabled persons.
Dog training courses were initiated in order to provide all the required support to the people who aspire to be able to control their puppies behavior and who assume that qualified help is too expensive. Both dog and owner will benefit from the positive effects of these specialized courses.
If you' re attracted in a profession as a dog instructor, have the necessary information about these days dog training courses, pick the most suitable, cost-effective and competent one. They are extremely helpful for those who consider this niche a profitable business chance. In order to work you should get a certification.. Soon you will be able to enjoy your passion for pets and also you may earn cash. You CAN do it - you can become a canine trainer.
Becoming a Certified Dog Trainer
Television can bring to light many different types of careers. One of these is being a certified dog trainer. This is an ideal career is a person loves to work around animals.
It may not be a traditional job in an office but it is a career in which someone is doing what they love. The trainer is instrumental in teaching both the pet and owner how to bond and interact with each other. It is very satisfying to know that your knowledge and skill is being passed on to other animal lovers.
Becoming a certified dog trainer begins with a love of animals. It requires patience and a desire to interact with the animal. Dog obedience training takes knowledge and a compassionate nature in order for there to be success.
Most people do not turn to a certified dog trainer until there is an obvious sign of dog aggression and then the battle begins. Training starts when the animal first comes home and continues throughout the life-time of the canine.
Most training programs begin with the basics. The basics understand pet aggression, knowing animal physiology and psychology as well as learning how to communicate with the dog.
Puppy training is where most people come into contact with their first problems. A certified trainer takes classes on how to deal with a puppy just as a school teacher would a child.
Once the basics of dog behavior are down, then begin the specialized coursework designed to train a pet through a variety of methods. The instruction will teach how to use a variety of instruction in order to train the pet such as through a clicker or through positive reinforcement.
Other steps include teaching safety to the owners as well as the dog. It is also important to learn how to deal with dogs that are more difficult to deal with due to a past history of violence or pet fighting.
Once the coursework is complete, the certified dog trainer is ready to begin. There are a variety of places to work such as pet supply stores, kennels or even opening up a business.
One great example of a certified trainer is Cesar Millan who works with troubled dogs and their owners on his hit television show 'The Dog Whisperer' airing on cable.
A freelance trainer will not punch a clock or find them working day-in and day-out within the confines of an office building. There is the freedom of working outdoors and getting to play while being paid.
If you decide to work for a company such as Pets Mart then you can get benefits as well. You may never be famous but you will be important to the people you help.
SAR: Training Search-and-Rescue Dogs
We've all seen the search-and-rescue dogs on TV and in the movies. And we have all been impressed, as we should be, because search-and-rescue (SAR) dogs are amazing and they are very, very well-trained working animals.
Most search-and-rescue dogs are the larger breeds of dogs, although size is not a requirement. German shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, giant Schnauzers, and Labradors are some of the breeds found on SAR unit rosters. Formal training for a dog to be certified as a search and rescue dog usually takes about a year of twice weekly training. Candidates to become SAR certified must demonstrate trainability, agility, endurance, and the ability to get along with other dogs and people.
A search-and-rescue dog is only half of a two-part team. The dog owner/handler is the other half, and there are requirements for handlers as well as for the dogs. Search-and-rescue dog handlers must really enjoy working with their dogs, and they must enjoy being in the outdoors in all kinds of weather - not just beautiful, cloudless, warm days. Handlers must be physically fit, and they must be able to respond to emergencies. Handlers must also have the intelligence to become proficient in land navigation, map and compass, radio communications, wilderness survival, and first aid. Most search-and-rescue units require advanced first aid training, including CPR.
Search and rescue is strictly voluntary. Search-and-rescue dogs and their handlers do not get paid for their services. They are not making a nice fat paycheck for going out into the rain, the snow, the freezing cold or burning hot weather to find a lost person. So why do they do it? There are several reasons they give, but the most important one is that handlers and their SAR dogs are heroes.
Do Our Family Dogs Really Behave Like Wolves? Wolf Pack Theory Explained in Relation to Dog Training
The Wolf Pack Theory can be described as using the behaviour of wild wolves to explain the behaviour of domestic dogs in a family setting. Wolves in the wild live in packs, where each individual fits into the social hierarchy, constantly trying to advance in social status. The Dominant wolves become the alpha males and females, and challenging their position is what causes fighting and aggression within the pack (Van Kerkhove, 2004).
Wild wolves are competing to advance up the social hierarchy for a number of reasons including food resources and breeding opportunities. It makes sense that the bravest of the pack will have access to the best food and mates, ensuring their survival over the more passive wolves. This article will compare the feeding and breeding patterns of domestic dogs and wild wolf packs, hoping to highlight that the vast genetic and environmental differences between the two. Ultimately I want to show that a heavy reliance on the Wolf Pack Theory in dog behaviour can be detrimental to dog training in the Modern family home.
Wolf Pack enthusiasts like Cesar Milan maintain domestic dogs are trying to challenge their owners to the position of pack leader, when the display certain 'dominant' behaviours. If the basic instincts of domestic dogs are to be likened to that of wolves, we can presume what is considered dominant canine behaviour, is a result of the instinct to feed and breed. Most modern day dog owners decide to get their dogs neutered/spayed, unless they are used for breeding purposes. In this case the dogs will have ample access to mates, without having to compete amongst their peers for the opportunity.
Additionally, owners usually feed their dogs at regular intervals, meaning the instinct to hunt and compete for food is somewhat diminished. Of course dogs will be dogs, and they will beg for tasty tit bits from the table, but can this be described as normal Wild Wolf Pack behaviour? Studies have shown that both wild wolf packs and those in captivity show different pack mentalities. Also that captive wolves and feral dogs show different behaviour in their groups (Mech, 1999). Therefore, we should assume that domestic dogs can show further deviations in behaviour to their wild ancestors. Just because a dog seems very interested in filling his belly, does not mean he is seeking household domination.
It cannot be denied that domestic dogs could be perceived as displaying wolf-like behaviour. Dogs who have received little obedience training will appear to become bossy and can sometimes control the way their owners behave. Then again, certain dog breeds are known for being naturally more boisterous than others. A Staffordshire Bull Terrier is going to be more prone to jumping up than a Pug for example. This in itself throws another light on how domestic dogs will automatically differ from wild wolves: thousands of years of selective breeding has created many complex variations in wolf and dog genetics. Does this mean that certain dog breeds are more prone to behave in stereotypical wolf like ways, or is it more likely that humans have selected these characteristics to make them more successful in their breed categories?
In simple terms, just because a blood hound may have excellent nose skills, does not mean this is directly related to the nose skills a wolf uses to hunt prey. A blood hound will also be bred to work to his handler's command, a characteristic which is alien to a wild wolf. Equally, other blood hounds may be simple family pets, and never used in a hunting setting. This illustrates how environment creates vast differences between domestic dogs and wolves. A dog that lives in a warm, cosy house cannot be compared to a wolf in the wild, constantly on guard from outside predators. Animals, as with humans are products of their environment and genes. It seems that the vast differences in these two things alone, show that wolves and domestic dogs could never be described as instinctively the same.
Despite the clear differences between wild wolf packs, and domestic dogs within a family home, the Wolf Pack Theory is continued to be endorsed by traditional dog trainers. Perhaps this is partly because it is easier to teach a handler to assert their authority over a dog, than it is to train a dog to perform a behaviour of their own accord. The Dog Whisperer programmes appear to achieve results fast, without little knowledge other than a dog learns best when the human is in charge.
It also removes responsibility from the trainers and owners as they cannot be fully blamed for the behaviour of a dog with pre-determined wolf like tendencies. Ultimately it provides a 'sexy sell' for dog trainers who are looking for fast results and a high turnover. Nevertheless, the dog will gradually learn escape and avoidance techniques to avoid your tugs on his lead. You even run the risk of reinforcing learned behaviour patterns, i.e. Rover learns that if he growls when you yank his lead, you will hesitate before doing it again. I believe when handlers become rigid and transfixed with remaining the pack leader, they become unattractive to their dog, and training becomes a negative experience. Common sense tells us that all beings, dog and human alike, learn better through positive experiences.
Modern dog trainers like myself, believe that domestic dog breeds are too selectively bred, too dependent on human interaction and too far removed from nature, for the Wolf Pack Theory to uphold much relevance to effective training. Jane Killon (2007) explains how even the most wolf like dog breeds can be trained using Classical and Operant Conditioning, relying on constant positive reinforcers and negative punishments to establish desired behaviours.
Therefore it is not the human asserting their authority, but the dog associating certain environments and behaviours with a reward that teaches the dog. In order to make training even more memorable, each little step your dog takes in the right direction should be marked and rewarded. This is key to conditioning, and a much more effective way of making your dog eager to learn. Whilst these methods can be more time consuming than simply exerting some kind of force over your dog, they will be best at improving the dog/owner bond as they are more enjoyable for all parties. They also allow each dog trainer to be flexible to each individual dogs characteristics and needs. As a dog trainer myself I always adopt this modern approach in my group classes and 1-2-1 sessions.
Why Do Some Dogs Eat Grass And Throw Up?
If there is one behavior which may come as a surprise to dog owners, especially the first-timers, it would be the question "Why does my dog eat grass and then throw up after?" This is a question which veterinarians often get asked and yet, the answer remains to be a mystery to all of them. Indeed, fiber is not a common thing for dogs and grass definitely does not go well with their digestive tract. Yet, this continues to be a habit for most dogs such as your beloved Fido.
Tummyache
One very common answer when asked about this question is gastric problems. Many believe that eating grass is one way in which dogs get to relieve themselves from gastric problems as this helps them vomit. Vomiting thus helps them get relieved of any toxic substance or irritant which they may have ingested. However, as one vet has put it, is the vomiting induced by the grass or does the grass induce the vomit
Roughage
One other possible reason why dogs feel the need to eat grass is the need for roughage which dog food and meats cannot normally provide. Even in the wild, dog relatives such as wolves and foxes normally get to ingest the roughage which their prey have induced. As this scenario is not possible in a normal household, your loyal little pet may therefore hunt for the source somewhere else-that somewhere being your lawn.
Checking out their territory
It's a known fact that dogs do have the habit of marking their territory. In the same manner, some say that dogs eat grass in order to check out their territory for any signs of invasion. As gross as this may seem, dogs do like owning their own spot and they do mind an invasion of territorial space.
Worms
This reason seems pretty similar to "dogs eating grass because of a tummy ache." However, this time, worms seem to be the culprit. This could be true except that there are still some pets which get worms despite their grass-eating habit. Other than that, dogs do need to get de-wormed on a regular basis so this reason ends up to be quite questionable.
A matter of taste
While all these reasons seem to be quite scientific, we also have to be consider the fact that dogs do have their personal tastes. That's the reason why dog food comes in different flavors, right So maybe they should come out with grass-flavored dog food as grass-eating is a habit developed by your doggy's palate Maybe some dogs were meant to be vegetarian
Whatever plausible excuse or reason one can come up with, there are indeed some dogs who just like to eat grass for no apparent reason. While there is no immediate danger or threat to this behavior, it would be safe to make sure that the grass which he eats is free from any fertilizer or pesticide which he may ingest. With your dog eating grass from your lawn, at least you won't have to worry so much about mowing it.
Dog First Aid! Canine First Aid - Help Right Now - Choking Dog - Dog CPR Your dog deserves the best love and care from you as an owner. However many owners are stumped when it comes to emergencies that concerns their pets.
There is something about watching your dog sleep that is comforting and sometimes even comical. Do you know, several of your dog's sleep behaviors are similar to ours and others are inherent?
The average dog sleeps 12 - 13 hours per day. It may not seem that way, but puppies snooze even longer! That is almost half their life! Dogs are skillful at catching a few winks whenever they can. That form of napping is similar to Stage 1 sleep, where they are sleeping, but just barely.
Sleep is a vital part of the health, physical and emotional well-being of your dog's life. It is during sleep that puppies grow, wounds heal and energy is conserved and stored for what lies ahead.
Companion dogs kept indoors, sleep longer and deeper than dogs kept outdoors and working dogs. Dogs kept outdoors and working dogs try to slip in an extra nap here or there, but rarely relax enough to reach a healthy, deep, restful sleep.
Do Dogs Dream?
It appears dogs follow similar stages of sleep as humans. Stage 1, is barely sleeping. This is where most outdoor dogs, wild dogs and working dogs sleep. At Stage 2, the animal's blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and body temperatures gradually lower. Stage 3 is a transitional state between light and deep sleep. Stage 4 is the slow wave stage where usually the dog is now oblivious to their surroundings. If awakened suddenly, they often appear confused. Stag 5 is where the fun begins! This is the REM (Rapid Eye Movement) phase of sleep. Here, their body relaxes, but their brain remains active. At this stage, your dog's eyes roll under the lids and they slowly ease into those dreams we find so amusing. They whimper, growl, make lapping and eating sounds and motions, whine, bark, and/or appear to be chasing something!
Most indoor dogs spend up to 12% of their sleeping time in REM. Puppies spend a greater percentage of time in REM. During this stage, it is thought puppies process and merge what they are learning every day, into behaviors they will follow.
Interestingly, smaller dogs tend to dream more than their larger cousins.
Shaking during sleep can be perfectly normal for the average dog. Dogs that have suffered trauma and puppies removed from their mom too soon, may also shake in their sleep. Shaking could also be an indicator of health problems in dogs, such as hypothyroidism, pain, chills, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
If your dog is shaking while sleeping, calmly call their name and gently pet or touch them, to reassure them that everything is OK. Do not shake them awake! It is not known, if dogs have nightmares, but given the fact many rescues and dogs that have suffered severe physical and emotional trauma shake in their sleep, a little assurance goes a long way.
Favored Positions of a Sleeping Dog
The sleeping position of your dog tells you a lot about him or her. Some like to sleep on their stomachs, almost like in a "down" position. This allows them to jump up at the slightest perceived threat or fact they may be missing out on what you are doing.
Others prefer sleeping on their side. This is a restful position. Your dog is comfortable with their surroundings.
Then we have the "Superdog" sleeper. They choose sleeping stretched out, on their stomachs. They look like they are flying. They are in a restful sleep, but ready to go as soon as they hear you move!
The most inherent position for sleeping is curling up. You will see this as a favorite sleeping position of dogs kept outdoors. You will find them curled up into a ball, with their paws under their body and their tail wrapped around their face. It is the least vulnerable and least restful position for sleep. They are conserving body heat, they protecting limbs, face, throat and vital organs. This position gives them the advantage to be on their feet immediately. The dog's muscles are tense and ready to spring into action, if need be. Dogs that sleep in this position rarely relax enough to drift into the REM stage.
Curling is the normal sleeping position for wild dogs and wolves packing together. It offers a sleeping position for awareness upon awakening as their senses are heightened to movements, sounds and scents. They conserve space in the den; protect their offspring and share body heat. You will notice even most domesticated puppies inherently curl up together or around their mother.
Finally, we have what looks the "dead roach" position. There are dogs that favor sleeping on their backs; with their legs in the air...looking just like a dead cockroach! This is the position found only in a very secure and confident indoor pet. Sleeping on their back is the most vulnerable position for a dog to sleep. It is thought to be the most comfortable and most restful position. Plus, it's your dog's way of cooling down quickly. Indoor dogs that have expended lots of energy and/or are over-heated will sleep on their backs.
The sleeping on their back position has not been observed as behavior exhibited by dogs or wolves in the wild. Dogs kept outdoors will not sleep in this position either. This position sends a message of vulnerability and submission.
It should be noted; dogs sleeping on their backs with their paws "protecting" their chest are indicating they prefer not to be bothered. Use caution when suddenly awakening any dog sleeping in this position!
Now that you know more about what goes on when your dog sleeps, you will have some insight about their confidence and sense of well being. In addition, it will give you a clue of why your dog behaves the way it does, when they are awake.
Bottom line: Comfort equals healthier, more and deeper sleep. Whatever sleeping position your dog prefers, make sure their sleeping accommodations are safe and comfortable. A dog that is well rested is generally healthier and happier.
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