Countless people want answers to this question: why do Goldendoodles sleep on their backs? A Goldendoodle enjoys its nap more on its back. Despite having other positions to sleep in, a doodle will always try to lie on its back first.
Why does it behave this way? Here is a detailed guide with all the answers you need. Keep reading it to discover why a Goldendoodle likes to sleep on its back.
Why do Goldendoodles Sleep on Their Backs? – 5 Reasons For This Behavior
Goldendoodles boast the oddest sleeping position. Goldendoodles sleep on their backs because of these five reasons:
1. Comfort and Safety
Most dog breeds prefer the curled-up fox or the side sleeper position. However, Goldendoodles choose the belly-up sleeper position. Why do Goldendoodles sleep on their backs rather than curl up or lie on their sides? Do they love to expose their bellies in their sleep, or is there a valid scientific reason behind this behavior?
Goldendoodles feel more comfortable and safer in the belly-up nap position. This position automatically exposes their tummies and keeps their paws up in the air. Doodles appear to achieve deep and distraction-free sleep only in this position.
Some scientific studies back the fact that doodles feel comfortable and safe sleeping on their backs. According to them, doodles choose this position because they feel secure in their environment.
They feel sure that no interruptions from intruders will happen during the nap session. If you want to verify this point of view, observe the places where your doodle sleeps on its back. It is probably indoors or an outdoor space that feels comfortable and secure.
The belly-up position exposes the most vulnerable body parts: the throat and stomach. If a doodle sleeps on its back, it does not feel unprotected.
2. Cool Down their Body Temperatures
Another reason is temperature regulation. Dogs, including doodles, have sweat glands on their paws. Additionally, dogs have barely any fur on their tummies. Paws and tummies make perfect cooling pads for your Goldendoodle.
Once it lies on its back, it exposes its tummy and keeps the paws up. This nap position helps the dog feels cooler in the hot summer months. Goldendoodles will regularly choose this sleeping position in summer mainly because panting may not be enough to regulate heat.
3. Connecting with You Emotionally
Goldendoodles have smart and intelligent brains. Thus, some researchers suggest that sleeping on their backs is a non-verbal way of seeking your attention. These dogs want you to come closer and give them a sweet belly rub.
Exposing its belly indicates the doodle feels happy to have you around and craves your attention. Goldendoodles are some of the friendliest dogs around. They express their love to their dog parents physically and emotionally.
One way they connect emotionally with their owners is to nap in their most vulnerable sleeping position. They want you to know that the environment you offer feels safe and comfortable.
4. Favorable Environmental Factors
Does it have anything to do with their surroundings? According to some researchers, the environment you create for your dog affects its choice of napping position. Like you, dogs sleep relaxingly if they sense no danger in their surroundings.
If you make a few negative changes, you may notice that your doodle no longer wants to sleep on its back. For instance, if you or another person harasses the dog, it will no longer want to sleep deeply. It will probably sleep on its side because the position is less vulnerable.
Another environmental factor is room temperature. If the room temperature is warm, your doodle will sleep on its back to cool down faster. If the room temperature is cold, the same dog will most likely curl up to feel warmer. Lighting and noise levels affect your dog’s choice of the most preferred sleeping position.
For example, the doodle will nap on its back in a serene and dimly-lit room because the lighting and calmness cause no sleep distractions. Lastly, the dog bed your pet uses affects the positions it sleeps in. If the bed feels cozy and soft, the pet might choose the belly-up sleeping position to attract even more comfort.
5. Discomfort and Pain from a Health Condition
Do you have an old dog? If so, you may be asking yourself this: why do Goldendoodles sleep on their backs? Older doodles are prone to health conditions like arthritis, breathing problems, etc. If your older dog prefers to sleep on its back even if its surroundings are unsafe, the odds of being sick are high.
Perhaps lying on the back is a way to avoid exerting pressure on hip and leg joints. Doodles are prone to hip dysplasia, a painful condition that might affect their choice of napping positions. Another reason doodles choose belly-up naps is breathing difficulty.
If your dog has untreated respiratory issues, it may be sleeping on its back to improve its breathing. You should not ignore taking your doodle for a health checkup if you feel that lying on its back is a new behavior. Let your veterinarian examine the pet and say if it is sick or healthy.
FAQ
How much do Goldendoodles sleep?
Medium and large-sized doodles should sleep for twelve to fourteen hours every day. That’s because they are more energetic and active than miniature doodles.
Do Goldendoodles sleep a lot?
We can say that Goldendoodles sleep a lot if compared to other dog breeds. When other dog breeds sleep for 8 to 10 hours a day, doodles nap for 12 to 14 hours. Puppies can sleep for up to 18 hours.
How long do Goldendoodles sleep at night?
If the environment is safe and cozy, a doodle will sleep for an average of nine hours a night. Most dogs sleep for about three hours during the day.
Do Goldendoodles like to sleep with you?
Since Goldendoodles are social and friendly, they love to be around people. That includes coming to your bed if you invite them.
Conclusion
This guide answers one of the most popular questions about Goldendoodles: why do Goldendoodles sleep on their backs? Apart from feeling more comfortable and safe in this condition, doodles want to cool down their bodies. Some doodles want to sleep this way to hint that they want a belly rub or have a health complication.
Others use the belly-up position as they enjoy their cozy bed and room temperature. Observe the consistency of this sleeping position to know if you need to take your pet for a thorough medical checkup.
