January 5, 2012
Posted in Pet Health, Pet Supplies

You may notice that your dog curls up in a ball when it goes to sleep, or perhaps it walks around in a circle several times and then lies down. Other dogs may prefer to sleep flat on their backs with their bellies up. The latter is not the most common way for dogs to sleep, but if yours does prefer this position, it is not alone. About 5 to 10 percent of dogs sleep with their bellies up on a somewhat regular basis.

It likely comes as no surprise that belly-up sleeping is not common among wild dogs, who are more preoccupied with protecting themselves or keeping warm. It simply isn't in a predator's best interest, the news source reports. Domestic dogs, however, may feel perfectly comfortable baring their most vulnerable spots in the most defenseless of positions.

Owners may feel that a dog that sleeps belly-up is closer to its human companions, which is partially true. Your dog is still a dog through and through, but its vulnerable position certainly shows how comfortable it is around you and how much it trusts you. Generally, more relaxed, easy-going dogs sleep on their backs in this way. The news source reports that in a very informal survey of dog owners, you would likely find that belly-up sleepers are breeds that are the most temperamentally distanced from their wild canine relatives.

If your pooch likes to sprawl out on its back to sleep, you can enjoy how adorable and silly it looks. However, you may also want to take this preference into consideration when choosing pet supplies. If you are going to crate train your dog, make sure you choose a crate or kennel that will offer plenty of room for it to lounge. While a large iCrate may do the trick, an Indoor Pet Pen may provide even more space.

Dogs with these sleeping habits may also prefer a flat bed over one with a bolster around it. You may want to opt for a bed like the Plush Memory Sleeper or the Deluxe Orthopedic Dog Bed.

If your dog does not assume such a spread-out sleeping position, it doesn't mean that it is umcomfortable around you. While dogs that sleep on their backs tend to be well-socialized with feelings of great security, you are not doing anything wrong if your pooch likes to sleep in a ball or nuzzled into a corner. These preferences can also have to do with the breed's natural instincts, or simply individual personalities. 

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4. Does Your Pet Need a Dog Orthopedic Bed?
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