What Do Dogs Dream About?
Ever watched your dog twitching, whimpering, or even "running" in their sleep and wondered what fantastical world they're exploring? You're not alone! Just like us, our canine companions experience a fascinating dream world, and science suggests it's often a replay of their daily adventures.
The Science of Dog Dreams
Researchers have delved into the sleeping patterns of dogs and found striking similarities to human sleep cycles. Dogs go through Rapid Eye Movement (REM) sleep, the stage where most vivid dreams occur. During REM, you might observe those tell-tale twitches, paw movements, or even soft barks, indicating their brains are actively processing experiences.
Studies, including those conducted on rats at MIT, suggest that animals dream about what they did during their waking hours. This holds true for our furry friends too!
What's On Their Mind?
So, what exactly are those "doggy things" they're dreaming about? While we can't get a direct answer, experts believe dogs likely dream about:
Everyday Experiences: Chasing squirrels, playing with their favorite toys, going for walks, or even interacting with you – their beloved human!
Breed-Specific Behaviors: Interestingly, some research suggests that a Pointer might dream of "pointing" at game, or a Springer Spaniel might "flush" an imaginary bird. Your Labrador, for instance, is probably dreaming of chasing tennis balls. I our case, with Rylee, our Corgi, I’m guessing all his “soft barking” in his sleep is him recalling barking at people and other dogs thru our fence all day long (insert eye roll here). ha
You! According to Harvard psychologist Deirdre Barrett, since dogs are deeply attached to their owners, it's highly probable they're dreaming about your face, your scent, and pleasing (or perhaps comically annoying) you.
Nightmares and Waking Them Up
Just like humans, dogs can experience nightmares, leading to whimpers or distressed movements. While it's tempting to wake them and offer comfort, it's generally best to "let sleeping dogs lie." Waking a dog suddenly from a deep sleep, especially a nightmare, can startle them and, in rare cases, lead to an involuntary snap or bite.
Observing Your Dreaming Dog
Want to catch your dog in dreamland? Stanley Coren, an AKC Family Dog columnist, suggests observing them about 10 to 20 minutes after they fall asleep. You'll likely notice the shallow, irregular breathing and muscle twitches associated with REM sleep. Interestingly, smaller dogs and puppies tend to dream more frequently than larger, middle-aged dogs.
So, the next time your dog is deep in slumber, remember they're likely reliving their best (and sometimes not-so-best) moments, making them even more endearing and relatable members of our families.
** For more insights into canine behavior and health, you can visit the American Kennel Club website.
