It's important to understand your dog's sleeping habits and how they influence its behavior, particularly when your dog gets disturbed.
You see, Dogs will usually sleep for around 13 hours every day. Although this can vary between different breeds, this still means your dog is going to be asleep for almost half it's life!
Dream time.
Your dog will tend to circle before lying down to sleep As he would do in the wild, where he would trample down vegetation to create a bed, typically in longer grass where his presence will be concealed.
Temperature also influences the way in which a dog sleeps. If it's cold, your dog will curl up in a ball to conserve body heat. (just as puppies do by sleeping together instead of stretching out).
It's not unusual for an adult dog to lie on his side while he's sleeping, and start moving his legs as if he were running. The eyelids and whiskers may twitch too at this stage, which is usually a sign of what we humans call 'deep sleep'. Dogs generally spend most of their time sleeping lightly.
Sleeping habits.
Seeing as dogs are descended from opportunistic hunters, dogs instinctively wake when there is an increased amount of activity around them.
However, if a dog is deliberately woken, particularly if it is disturbed by a child, he may react aggressively and bite without warning.
The phrase 'let sleeping dogs lie' should give you a clue! Also, your dog may be a little unwilling to settle down again if woken at an unusual hour.
This means it's important to establish a set routine for a new dog from the outset. This includes things like exercising, feeding and sleeping times.
A new puppy is likely to be distressed on its first few nights in a new home, as this will be the first time that he will have been separated from its littermates.
Within a pack, there is no visible hierarchy in the order in which the dogs sleep, although they will instinctively sleep close to their fellow members. (Although the alpha dog will usually sleep apart).
If your new pup has been allowed to spend the night in the bedroom, it can become problematic to expect it to sleep elsewhere.
Its instincts suggest that it has been driven away from the pack.
By being firm right from the start and establishing that your dog sleeps on his own, you can ensure that he doesn't experience this 'rejection' once he gets a little older. Dogs can get restless during the night if they're not exercised regularly. Although he may also nap continually if there isn't much happening.
While you are out, your dog may find its way to your bed, just to be near your smell. An old item of clothing, which will carry your scent, will comfort your dog when you are not there. Sleeping postures.
Puppies often appreciate contact with littermates when sleeping, just in the same way that many dogs prefer to lie against a wall or next to their owner's feet. This probably gives them a sense of security.
Amy Howells is the owner of a website dedicated to teaching you the short-cuts to dog training.
You can also sign up to a free e-course and discover the astonishing short-cut secrets to dog obedience training
As dogs grow older, their senses become less sharp and... Read More
One of the most common causes of Feline Urinary Tract... Read More
I know there are differing opinions on the subject of... Read More
You know what it's like. You see a cute curly... Read More
You spoil your pooch as close to rotten as you... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
Arthritis refers to inflammation or swelling in a joint. The... Read More
The trick of "sitting up" is easily taught to small... Read More
All dogs bark, it's their way to communicate a message.... Read More
1) Why should I crate train my dog? ... Read More
Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More
Many people are searching for different means to have pets.... Read More
Of all the parasites a dog can catch, worms take... Read More
The American Kennel Club recognizes 150 different dog breeds. There... Read More
A poorly trained dog can embarrass its owner and offend... Read More
The cat backs up to the door, lifts the tail... Read More
A Healthy Skin and Coat for Your Dog ...Does your... Read More
Preparing yourself and your household before, during, and after your... Read More
One of the most difficult hurdles that any new puppy... Read More
The greatest fear of most pet owners is that there... Read More
Have you ever thought about what you need to do... Read More
We've all heard the phrase, "Free as a bird." In... Read More
It is hard to get an early diagnosis of lyme... Read More
The city I live in just increased its fees for... Read More
As many of you know America is serious about our... Read More
So you're bringing home that cute little puppy from the... Read More
Puppy TrainingPuppy training can be a trying time. The key... Read More
Did you know that your goldfish can live for over... Read More
Is your bird a seed only eater? Did you know... Read More
You need a strategy for using or disposing of your... Read More
Many different skin problems can arise in the aquarium. thankfully,... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
1. Using tranquilizers.This is illegal in many states but other... Read More
IntroductionA long time ago, before evolution turned the primate into... Read More
Teaching your dog to heel is one of the most... Read More
First pet stores began selling clothes for pets. Then kennels... Read More
Oscar is kind of a funny name and it fit... Read More
Thunder storms affected pets differently. Some hardly notice them, others... Read More
Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More
Puppy training can and should begin the day you bring... Read More
Interacting with a pet bird outside of it's cage is... Read More
Buying a purebred dog is not something that should be... Read More
If you are keen on breeding Goldfish, you should know... Read More
Dogs have been known as man's best friend for decades.... Read More
More and more folks are looking to the Internet to... Read More
Dog's come in all shapes and sizes ? out of... Read More
Nervous cats hide from people, they do not readily present... Read More
Are there so many great dog breeds out there that... Read More
Standing and walking on the hind legs are tricks that... Read More
Buying a new dog is more than simply finding the... Read More
Dog Travel SuppliesThe shopping part along for dog travel supplies... Read More
What should you feed your cat to make sure he... Read More
Buy or Adopt - That is the question.If you intend... Read More
Humming birds are wonderful birds that are smart, playful, and... Read More
Pets are family members and should be treated as such.... Read More
Sometimes puppies are born that can't suckle properly, and it's... Read More
Mistake #7 ? Assuming You Can Get On Any Horse... Read More
Making our lives better includes protecting our families, and also... Read More
Betta fish, also called Siamese fighting fish are one of... Read More
The best thing to do is to start training your... Read More
You've picked out the perfect puppy. You spent hours on... Read More
Any person, whether a minor or adult, having been bitten... Read More
When looking to purchase a purebred dog, you need to... Read More
Did you know that there are key health benefits that... Read More
As we love to have a comfortable place to sleep... Read More
Pet |