Sleeping Dachshunds
If you own a dachshund, you’ll know that they love a good sleep. They can happily spend up to 16 hours a day snoozing.
But did you know that their sleeping positions can tell us a great deal about their emotions and well-being? Even how they settle down to sleep can tell a story!!!
Does your dog walk round in circles before dropping to the ground?
This is a result of the dachshund’s deep-rooted history. As pack animals, they are marking their territory and ensuring the safety of their chosen spot. I bet after you have carefully arranged their blankets and bedding, they dig around and rearrange everything. Again, this is instinctive of their need for security and warmth.
So, what can we learn from their actual shape and position whilst asleep?
Your dachshund may curl up in a tight ball despite having a lovely large bed to lie in!! This goes back to feeling safe and having greater protection from predators in the wild. It is also a reflection of being a pack animal and snuggling up to other dogs for warmth.
If your dachshund sleeps in a sprawled-out position then they are probably a little warm and stretching out can help them to cool down.
Dogs can sometimes be very restless or fidgety whilst sleeping. They can be padding their paws or even growling. Unbelievably they are like humans and in the REM phase of sleep which means they are dreaming!!
You can only imagine what visions are going through their minds!!!
Try not to awaken them whilst this is happening as this can be unsettling and scare them!!
So, onto the question of our beloved dachshunds sleeping in our beds. People have different views but is there something positive to be learnt from this behaviour?
It is seen to reflect the strong bond established between you and your dachshund. Also, your dachshund is going back to its natural pack instinct and looking for warmth and security. Digging under the blankets and quilt is for the same reasons of finding heat and safety.
As you know dachshunds can be very needy. So next time you are curled up in the corner of your bed whilst your dachshund takes over all the space you understand why!!!
How cute is it when your little friend sleeps on their back with their paws in the air? This is the best way for them to regulate their body temperature. Their paws contain sweat glands so when exposed to the air heat can escape.
You will also be thrilled to know that sleeping in such a vulnerable position is a sign of their complete trust in you as their owner. If your dachshund is sleeping in this position the likelihood of snoring increases!! This is because the tongue can fall back and slightly obstruct the airways.
If you are lucky enough to have more than one beautiful dachshund you will know how lovely, it is to see them snuggled up together. This is as mentioned previously their pack instinct and need for feeling safe. When apart it is usually because they have become too warm and not the result of an argument!!
So next time you are watching your dachshund sleeping you may have a clearer understanding of how their positioning tells us about their welfare. Enjoy observing!!!
If you find yourself in the unfortunate situation of needing to rehome your dog, for whatever reason, feel free to reach out to your local Dachshund Rescue coordinator. We have a UK-wide team. You’ll find their contact details here
