Watching your dog sleep can be heartwarming – especially are returning home from a long, stressful day to a happy and content pet.
But according to one pet lover, their sleeping position doesn’t only communicate their temperature and comfort level – but also ‘secrets’ about their personality.
In a TikTok video, user @buddysmartz claims your dog’s most common sleeping position can tell you everything you need to know about what’s running through their mind.
It starts: “The donut (curled into a ball) is the most common sleeping position for dogs. They’re trying to preserve their body heat and protect their vital organs.
“The whale position (stretched out with their belly up) means they trust you and have appropriated your home as theirs. It could also mean your dog is getting very hot and they need to ventilate themselves.”
Next, the dog lover describes the “leech position”, saying if your dog cuddles up to you in bed or sleeps right up to another dog then “they trust you and consider you one of their own”.
It adds: “The Superman position (laid down with all four legs out) is used to allow your dog to quickly get up and react to something.
“It means they’re half asleep or taking a quick nap or they’re in a playful mood and are ready to get up at any given time.”
Finally, if your dog sleeps on your clothes, it means they love you and want to be close to you, using their nose to smell the scents left behind on your garments.
Commenting on the video, one user said: “My dog is always laying in Superman and it’s the funniest thing ever because he tucks his front paws in so his back legs are just sticking out.”
Another user added: “One of mine is a whale all the time and the other is a leech sometimes they switch it up.”
A third user said: “My dog sometimes sleeps on its stuffed animal.”
One more user added: “Mine usually lay in their sides with their legs straight out.”
Another user said: “Mine lays in all of those positions even on my laptop or my phone. I like to think it’s his way of telling me no more technology pay attention to me.”
A final user added: “My dog sleeps on her tummy with one leg weirdly out. I call it the legged loaf.”
Exploring dogs’ sleeping positions further, a statement from Mud Daddy reads: “While these sleeping positions can give you clues about your dog’s personality, it’s also important to consider the context.
“Changes in sleeping habits or positions can signal shifts in your dog’s health or emotional state. For example, if your dog suddenly starts sleeping in a curled-up position more often when they used to sprawl out, it could be a sign they are feeling stressed, anxious, or unwell.
“Always pay attention to the broader picture—consider their behaviour during the day, any changes in diet or activity, and whether they are showing signs of discomfort. A veterinarian can also help assess any concerns related to sleep and health.
“Your dog’s sleeping position is not just a quirky trait; it’s a reflection of their personality, comfort level, and emotional state.
“By observing how your dog sleeps, you can learn more about their individual needs and preferences. Whether they sleep curled up in a ball or stretched out in a Superman pose, your dog’s sleep habits are a window into their inner world.
“By nurturing these habits and creating a safe, comforting environment for your furry friend, you’ll ensure they enjoy restful sleep and a happy, healthy life.”