Canine Sleeping Positions: Lava's Top Five

Hi, I’m Dr. Maja! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my two crossbreed dogs, Lava and Hela.

Since she was a puppy, Lava has had a few favorite sleeping positions that she kept over the years, with some new ones popping up as our four-legged family increased in size. Looking back, her absolute favorite must have been sleeping on her back, with all four legs in the air. She is such an intuitive dog, and even the way she sleeps makes me think she is plotting her next mischief while trying to look her cutest.

All Paws In the Air

One of Lava’s absolute favorites and most comfy sleeping poses involves her lying on her back, with all four paws in the air. This is one of her first poses from puppyhood, and she has found ways to improve upon it with time. The most recent alternation is to eventually end up lying on her back, but outstretched and pushing with her legs against whatever or whoever is next to her. It’s everything but comfortable when an 80-lb dog pushes against your back with her paws and slowly but surely tries to squeeze you out of the bed.

She does the same to her doggie sister Hela, and even the cat Miki, both of whom do not seem to appreciate the effort as much. Hela may tolerate it for a little while, but the cat will get up and find himself a better position instead.

Sprawled Out

When not lying on her back with all four paws in the air, Lava has a real talent for occupying more space than is actually physically possible. She will end up with legs and paws everywhere, taking up the whole of a bed, not leaving me or the rest of the gang any real space. And we can’t even think of trying to move her. At any attempt, she will hold her ground and may even growl to tell us that this bed is hers and no one else’s.

Head Hanging Off the Edge

Another one of Lava’s hidden talents is being a real drama queen. She knows how to make an entrance and look very dramatic, even while sleeping. Recently she slept on her raised dog mattress bed, which is large enough to fit her comfortably, but still, her head was hanging off it and was drooping on the floor. She often does the same when she sleeps on the bed or any raised area, and drops her head as if she is having the absolute worst day of her life. Lava has a gift and she knows how to use it.

Next to Someone

Sleeping next to another warm body is always reassuring, but Lava does not think so. To her, the other dog Hela and the cats are just taking up precious space on the bed, and she will often do everything in her power to get rid of them by slowly stretching and sprawling everywhere. She hates sharing.

But, just very occasionally, usually when I’m not paying attention and accidentally look back at her after a few hours, there she is, cuddled next to one of the cats or Hela as if she couldn’t imagine sleeping without them at her side. It’s actually very sweet but often short-lived.

Looking Cute

Realistically, whichever sleeping pose Lava takes, she just looks adorable. Sometimes she will curl up as if she is too cold, with her head resting on her front paws or even tucking her head in. And if I accidentally, or even purposefully, put a blanket or a sheet over her head, she may stay like that for several minutes at a time, not making any attempts to move.

Why Even Buy Dog Beds?

Despite having several soft beds and a dog mattress, with blankets, my bed seems to be everyone’s favorite sleeping spot. Our usual setup involves Lava sleeping on top of my legs, literally, more or less making it impossible for me to move. Not even an inch. And then Hela often takes my side, getting as close as she possibly can in order to be next to me, while the cats have no respect for personal space whatsoever. My little kitten Minnie sleeps on my neck, using it as a pillow, barely letting me breathe properly, and sometimes even on the side of my head. All the blankets and beds are within reach, but cuddling next to me seems to be their favorite. And mine as well.