Pups usually have silly sleeping positions. Some positions can make your canine friend look hilarious. But each sleeping style has a hidden meaning. A golden retriever with a back sleeping style is not a personal preference. These sleeping positions usually reveal the personality and health status of your canine friend. So, why does my golden retriever sleep on his back?
The main reason your golden sleeps on its back is to cool down when it is hot. The heat normally makes the dog feel uncomfortable, and laying on their back is a great way to cool down faster. Keep in mind that all domestic dogs have the behavior of sleeping on their back. But golden retrievers tend to display the behavior more often than other breeds.
However, there are other possible reasons for this sleeping style apart from trying to cool down themselves. Continue reading to find out more in this article.
We have also compiled a comprehensive guide describing various dog golden retriever sleeping positions. Take the time to read through this article and get to know the meaning of each position.
Table of Contents
Reasons Why Golden Retriever Sleeps on Its Back
Below are the possible reasons why your golden retriever prefers to sleep on its back. These reasons include:
Trying to Cool Down
Golden retrievers have a lot of hair. The excess fur makes their body generate and hold more heat in the summer season. The heat usually makes your canine friend feel uncomfortable. But the underside of its belly has less fur. Sleeping on its back helps to air the belly region and eradicate excessive heat accumulation in the body.
If you notice your canine friend sleeping on its back when it is hot, it is a clear indicator that he is trying to cool down. There is no need to worry back sleeping is perfectly normal with a golden retriever. It would be best to provide adequate water to your canine friend. Besides that, groom your dog and lower the indoor air conditioning temperature.
Another crucial thing to consider is taking the dog outside under the shade. The cool breeze will help to cool down your pup to combat this funny sleeping style.
Feeling Safe
If your golden retriever pup prefers to sleep on its back, it is a good sign of feeling safe. Wild dogs rarely sleep on their back since they are highly susceptible to threats.
Research shows that dogs usually take longer to react to threats while sleeping on their back. It is another possible reason why wild dogs hate sleeping on their backs.
If you notice your golden retriever sleeping on its back, it indicates that the dog feels safe and protected. It is even not concerned about something happening.
Submission
Dog sleeping on its back is a sign of submission. When your golden retriever got challenged by another dog, it will sleep on its back to show the other dog that it is in control.
If you also notice your golden retriever dog sleeping on its back near you, then it could be implying that it submits to you.
If your dog is acting in a submission manner, it’s not a cause for concern; sometimes, dogs behavior like this with their owner or other dogs.
More Comfortable Feeling
Golden retrievers sleep on its back when it feels more comfortable. It helps to make the muscles more relaxed and ready to sprint into action anytime.
The relaxing and comforting state is attained when the thick fur touches the floor. The cold floor is usually refreshing and comforting to some extent.
Fear
Dogs that sleep on their back in presence of others happen to be a sign of fear. The body language informs the other dogs that they are in control.
But constant and repeated rolling over the back is a sign of phobia. It would be best to consult an animal behaviorist to help figure out the cause.
Not Wanting to Be Touched
Dogs prone to phobia prefer sleeping on their back. It is a sign of fear since it does not want to be touched by a stranger. The best option is to avoid touching him and walk away.
Understanding the cause of the stimulus would be the best option. We recommend taking the dog to a trainer or behaviorist to resolve the issue.
Other Golden Retriever Sleeping Positions with Hidden Meanings
Golden retriever pups have unique sleeping positions and styles. Most of these sleeping positions make your canine friend look funny.
We have compiled seven popular golden retriever sleeping positions and their hidden meaning. Take the time to read through to avoid tossing your mind whenever your Fido opts for the sleeping style.
The Side Position
The sleeping style makes your furry friend expose its belly and other organs. It implies that your dog feels safe and comfortable.
Research shows that dogs opting for this position are calm, easy-going, and care-free. Besides that, these dogs usually have a strong connection with their owners and feel more relaxed.
Keep in mind that your canine friend will change the sleeping position in presence of strangers or unfamiliar places.
The Wild Legs
It is a situation where the canine sleeps on its back and every leg in the air is displayed in a different direction. It usually implies vulnerability in personality and a sign of surrender.
Exposing the belly and other organs makes it difficult for the dog to get up on its feet. Sometimes the sleeping style displaces a sign of independence and comfort in their space.
The sleeping position also helps to allow access of air to the less insulated body part. It helps to cool down the dog during hot summer.
Dog owners need to control the sleeping position of their canine friend by providing more shades and lowering air conditioning temperature to keep him cool.
The Belly Curl
Golden retrievers sleeping on their belly and front paws usually look spectacular. The sleeping position shows that the dogs have high energy and adventure.
The sleeping style does not allow the muscles of the canine to relax. These dogs do not have a good and deep sleep in most cases. It could also demonstrate that your pup is shy and gentle.
Back-to-Back Position
The golden retriever is a gentle dog breed. It prefers to sleep back-to-back with other pets and even their owners in the house.
The sleeping position implies that the furry friend has trust and a strong bond with their owners or other pets. The dog usually feels comfortable, loved, and shows affection in return while napping.
Stray dogs prefer sleeping in this position in the wild for warmth, protection, and comfort. If your golden retriever is trying to sleep behind you, make him feel welcomed and loved.
The Furball Position
It is a position where the dog curls up like a furball. It can be difficult to spot either the tail or head when the dog is sleeping.
The dog normally sleeps in this position to generate warmth or when in a new environment. The position makes the dog feel comfortable and secured.
Keep in mind that the sleeping style is ideal for dogs vulnerable to fear. The position helps the canine to protect the belly and organs while in new places.
The Back Sleeper Position
The sleeping style is characterized by front paws resting on the chest and hind legs stretching in the air. It is an ideal position for golden retrievers looking to cool down their body temperature.
Research shows that the dog’s belly and paws contain more sweat glands than their back. If you notice your canine sleeping on its back when it is hot, the dog is trying to cool down.
Sometimes that sleeping position implies that your canine friend is in a deep sleep. Bothering such dogs is not advisable since it might result in an unpredictable reaction.
The Belly Sleeper Position (Superman)
The sleeping style occurs when the golden retriever sleeps on the belly and front paws stretched forward. The hind legs also stretch backward in this sleeping position.
Superman’s position indicates that your pup is energetic and loves everything about life. These playful dogs usually find fun in such positions.
The superman sleeping style is common among pups. The position enables the pups to get up quickly and continue playing.
In Conclusion
Golden retrievers need to sleep and live inside the house. Keeping this dog breed outside for long would make them stressed, anxious, and even frightened.
These indoor dog breeds tend to have unique sleeping styles. Each sleeping position has a hidden meaning. But most of them are a sign of comfort and relaxation.
So, why does my golden retriever sleep on his back? It is a sign of submission, trying to cool down, comfort and safety. Sometimes it could be a sign of not wanting to be touched or being vulnerable to fear.
Always seek the assistance of an animal behaviorist in case your canine friend consistently and repeatedly rolls over his back for no reason. These experts might help to figure out the underlying cause.
More Sources and References
· Barbara Ruben. Dog Laying on Its Back. Cuteness.
· Stephanie Gibeault. How to Read Dog Body Language? American Kennel Club.
· Alex Potemkin. Dog Sleeping Position. PetMD.