Curled in a ball, sprawled on their back, lying flat on their belly: your dog has favourite positions. They mostly tell you whether your dog is hot or cold, whether they feel safe and how deeply they are sleeping. Here is how to read them with care, and what they teach you about the bed that suits your dog.
A reading to make with care
A sleeping position does not reveal a dog's personality. It depends on the room temperature, their tiredness, the surface and their habits. What is telling is what comes up often, and above all what changes.
The most common positions
Curled in a ball
The dog curls up, nose near the tail. They keep their warmth and protect their belly. You often see this position when it is cool, in a new place, or in dogs that like to have support around them. Many dogs also sleep this way simply out of habit.
On their side, legs stretched out
This is the position of a relaxed dog, who feels safe at home. It often goes with deeper sleep. This is where you will see them dream: paws pedalling, lips twitching.
On their back, belly up
The belly is their most vulnerable area. If they expose it, they are at ease. This position also helps them cool down, because the belly is less covered in hair.
Flat on their belly, legs stretched
Lying on the belly, front legs forward and back legs stretched out behind. Many puppies and energetic dogs sleep this way, often on a cool floor. They are ready to leap up in a second.
The sphinx
Lying on the belly, head resting on the front paws. This is often a position of light rest: the dog dozes, but keeps an eye on what is going on.
Pressed against you
Back against your leg or against the back of the sofa. The dog is seeking contact, warmth and support. This is normal social behaviour in an animal that lives in a group.
Movements during sleep
Pedalling, twitching, whimpering softly: this is common during deep sleep. Let them sleep, without shaking them awake.
Some signs are different and mean you should call the vet: a stiff body or one shaken by violent movements, a dog that does not respond when you call them, that drools heavily, loses urine or seems lost on waking. If this happens, note the time and how long it lasts, and film it if you can. The video will help the vet.
When a change should alert you
A dog has their habits. If they change for no clear reason, talk to your vet, especially if your dog:
- no longer lies on their side, or circles for a long time before managing to settle;
- sleeps sitting up or with their head raised, as if struggling to breathe;
- often gets up at night, or whimpers when changing position;
- avoids lying on one side, or sulks about their usual bed.
These signs can point to pain, especially in the joints, or to difficulty breathing.
Matching the bed to their favourite position
Watching how your dog sleeps is the best way to choose their bed.
- They sleep curled up or pressed against a support: a bed with raised edges gives them an edge to wedge against. The Nino bed comes from XS to L, in memory foam.
- They sprawl on their side or flat on their belly: a flat bed, with no edge, gives them all the room. The Carré XL mattress measures 130 × 85 × 18 cm, enough for a large dog stretched out.
- They often change position: go up a size, so that they can move from curled to stretched without spilling over.
- They look for coolness: in summer, give them access to a cool floor near their bed. The foam keeps in body heat, and they will choose for themselves.
To compare the shapes in detail, read our guide to dog sofa, bed or mattress. And to find out how long they should spend sleeping, see how many hours a dog sleeps.
In short
- A position depends first on temperature, tiredness and habit.
- On their side or on their back: a relaxed dog, who feels safe.
- Pedalling while asleep is normal; a stiff body and a dog that no longer responds are not.
- A change in bedtime habits can signal pain: talk to your vet.
- Curled up: a bed with raised edges. Sprawled: a flat mattress.