Do Dogs Dream?

Discover what’s happening while your precious pup slumbers 

We’ve all been there. We’re watching our cute pup nap on a dog bed or on the couch next to us, and all of the sudden their paws start moving. You can see movement behind their eyelids or perhaps a few sleep sounds escape from their doggo mouths. What are they dreaming about? Do dogs even dream at all? Yes they do! Much like humans, dogs have a REM sleep cycle and display behaviors similar to humans while asleep.

Dogs spend roughly 12 to 14 hours a day sleeping, so it’s no surprise that their owners catch them dreaming from time to time. Studies have confirmed that dogs are actually dreaming, including one study conducted by Harvard University. Researchers discovered that specific can not only confirm that dogs are dreaming, but allude to what they’re dreaming about. One of their test subject’s owner had reported that their dog did not like bath time, and when it was time to for a bath the dog would run between the legs of the nearest human. This was the only time the dog would behave this way.

The study went to share that one day when the dog was sleeping, the owner observed movement in their pet. The dog then bolted out of its sleep and ran straight between his legs, indicating that the dog had been dreaming about bath time!

This is only one example of what pet owners have been suspecting for years. We often see our pets twitching and moving in their sleep, and assumed this was dreamtime. The assumption is correct, and additional studies have shown dogs dream more actively in their youth and when then they’re older.

If you see your pet dreaming, it’s best to “let sleeping dogs lie.” Much like humans, they need their sleep and rest time should be respected. Dreaming is yet another trait that humans and dogs share, and here’s wishing our pets many wonderful dreams to come.

Credit for study facts goes to American Kennel Club. For more information on dogs or to schedule a free training consultation visit www.ItsADogsWorld.biz.