Sleeping with another person can be cozy, but being able to snuggle up with your dog is great.
Like people, dogs have all kinds of sleeping habits. In fact, the way your dog sleeps can say a lot about who they are, other than just being a good boy.
Interestingly, dogs generally require a lot more sleep than humans do: according to Petful, they need anywhere between 12 and 14 hours a day. While they sleep longer, they don't sleep quite as deeply as humans do.
Of course, their light sleeping doesn't stop them from enjoying a few Zzz's with us when given the chance. On the same note, the way your dog sleeps with you can say a lot about the type of relationship you share.
Does he sleep next to you, or on you? Under the bed or on the bed? Learn what their habits could mean by reading below.
Photos: Laura Caseley for LittleThings; Flickr / Wonderlane
1. On The End Of The Bed
Does your dog like to sleep at the end of the bed?
This tends to be a popular position for dogs. One obvious reason is that there is usually more room down there.
If your dog tends to sleep like this, it might mean he wants to be close to you, but also respects your space and recognizes you as the alpha.
2. On Top Of You
Does your dog like to sleep right on top of you? Like a weighted blanket, this can be comfortable for both parties.
If this is the way your dog sleeps, then it's pretty clear he doesn't like to be apart from you at all.
It's also possible your dog is so dependent on you that he can't imagine there being any distance, even if you're sleeping.
Chances are, you and your dog spend a lot of time together in your waking hours, too.
3. Next To Your Bed
Not everyone lets their dogs into their beds. Plus, some dogs simply can't make the jump up onto the elevated surface.
If your dog sleeps next to you on the floor right by your bed, it is likely a demonstration of their devotion to you.
It could also be an indication that they know the difference between your space and their space, but still want to be close.
4. Spooning
Most of us are familiar with spooning with people, but do you spoon with your dog?
Unless your dog is huge and extremely dexterous, he's probably the little spoon.
The fact that he lets you cuddle him so closely when he's sleeping is indicative of the fact that he trusts you and feels protected by your close presence.
5. On Your Face
If your pet tries to sleep on your face, it's probably just because they are trying to be as close to you as possible.
However, they can be a little too close for comfort, and having to pry them off isn't fun for either of you.
If this is the case, try to establish some boundaries in the bedroom for you and your dog by asserting your dominance in the waking hours.
6. In The Middle Of The Bed
Your dog may be a fraction of your size, but that doesn't stop him from trying to take up the whole bed sometimes.
If you sleep with another human in your bed, then your dog is probably just trying to find any open space to be close to his pet parents.
However, if he sleeps in the middle of an otherwise mostly open bed, it can mean that he's not very space conscious, and thinks his needs are more important than yours.
7. Under The Bed
Under the bed may not seem like a very comfortable place for a human, but for dogs, it's another story.
Experts at Tufts University explain that dogs like tight spaces because their wild ancestors would sleep in dens.
If you and your dog sleep like this, it means that he's still in touch with his ancient roots. Moreover, it can also mean that he's happy enough with you and your relationship to do what he finds most comfortable.
8. Under The Covers
Does your dog sleep like a lump under the covers?
If so, this can also be traced back to domestic dogs' ancestor's affinity for tight spaces.
Unlike the spot under your bed, this one is extremely close to you, which can mean that you and your dog share a very special bond despite him being in touch with his wild side.
9. In His Own Bed
Some dogs couldn't care less about their own beds, but the ones who do are the types who appreciate having their own territory.
Dogs like this tend to be confident in their relationships with their masters and are extremely loyal.
You don't necessarily need to share a bed to have a special bond with your pup.
10. Next To You
Does your dog sleep next to you on the bed in a similar fashion to a human?
If so, your dog likes the finer things, like the comfort of a bed, but doesn't feel the need to smother you while you're sleeping.
You are your dog have a secure attachment, and you don't need to be together all the time for either of you to know that you love each other.
With that said, you still want to be around your dog as much as possible, and the same can be said for him!
Be sure to SHARE this story with anyone you know who sleeps with their dog!
