Why Do Shelties Sleep on Their Backs?
Why do Shelties sleep on their backs with all four paws in the air? A lot of dog breeds do this—and there are psychological reasons behind this very vulnerable posture.
Howard and Piper cosy up on their backs.
Shelties have an amusing trait of sleeping on their backs, legs akimbo. It's not a unique trait to the breed (plenty of dogs do it) but they do look extra hilarious with all the fur sticking up. Recently I asked Sheltie Planet readers to submit their Shelties sleeping on their backs and looking oh-so-relaxed.
Shameless Kodi loves sleeping on his back from Barb Vaughan via Facebook
Bella and Amy snuggle up together from Tina Towers via Facebook
Why Do Shelties Sleep on Their Backs?
Shelties sleep in all different positions—on their sides, on their bellies, curled up with their nose in their tail and sometimes on their backs with all four paws sticking up in the air. So, why do they do it?
Typical Tilly from Robyn Anderson via Facebook
Sleepy puppy from Anke Vermulst via Facebook
Lying sprawled out on their backs shows they are super relaxed and have their guard down. In animal psychology, this position is submissive. It shows they are feeling safe and secure by allowing their vulnerable body parts (chest, throat, stomach) open to attack. This is still an important instinct for dogs who, although domesticated, still maintain many of their wild instincts at the gut level.
Sleepy Sheltie from Aurora Tyttebaer via Facebook
Furball alert from Matt Spindler via Facebook
Let sleeping dogs lie from Esther Linssen via Facebook
Crashed out from Jackie Powell via Facebook
Another reason Shelties sleep on their backs is to cool down. Unlike humans who sweat through their skin, dogs can only sweat through their paw pads. They also pant with their tongues out to cool down. Since the belly has very little undercoat, sleeping belly-up exposes their skin to the air so the heat can dissipate. Learn more about how Shelties keep cool in my article Should You Shave a Sheltie?
Belly up from Eugenie Lam via Facebook
Cuteness from Chrysti Hydeck-Nethercutt via Facebook
If your dog is fast asleep on his back, it's best to adhere to the old saying "let sleeping dogs lie" lest you disturb his blissful slumber. However, if your Sheltie is awake and playing, rolling on his back is often a request for a belly rub.
Not at all awkward from Jaelyn Hardy via Facebook
Riley from Cindy Konkol Strittmatter via Facebook
|
To learn more about the wonderful world of Shetland Sheepdogs, download my 160-page PDF ebook, Shelties: The Complete Pet Owner's Guide, now in its fifth edition. The guide features hands-on advice on raising a Sheltie illustrated with 100+ photos from Sheltie owners around the world. It's much loved by those who followed the adventures of Howard and Piper Woofington Moon, the inspiration behind Sheltie Planet. |
|
20 Things a Puppy Needs
You're getting a new puppy! Praise Wibblesniff! Here's all the essential stuff you need for your new best friend.
The Best Brushes for Shelties
The Sheltie's double coat demands specialized dog brushes, ideally a deep de-shedding comb, a fine-toothed comb, and a slicker brush.
How To Photograph Your Dog
Discover the essentials of good dog photography, including tips on setting, angle, light, subjects, and choosing your moment.
101 Sheltie Names
You'll be hollering your Sheltie's name at the dog park for years to come, so rule out Mister Bigglesworth right off the bat.
Clicker Train Your Sheltie
Clicker training is a gentle approach to dog training that uses classical conditioning, making it ideal for Shelties learning obedience.
6 Warning Signs of a Puppy Mill
Puppy mills are large-scale breeding operations; farms that produce traumatize and unhealthy dogs solely for the pet trade.
The Pros and Cons of Neutering
Neutering a male dog stops him from roaming to impregnate females and reduces the risk of reproductive diseases.
The Best Sheltie Leashes
The best leash for a Sheltie is a standard five-foot nylon leash, with halter attachments becoming increasingly popular.