Dog Sleeps Facing Away from Me – Top 3 Reasons Why

Has your dog always slept with his face away from you or has made a change in his sleeping position just recently? Some dog owners may interpret this as sign as that there’s something up with their dog but it may end up just being a case of over-thinking from the owner’s part.

1. It’s Just Comfortable for the Dog

Ultimately, your dog might just have his back towards you while he sleeps because it’s more comfortable to sleep that way. Previous studies suggest that dogs that sleep on their side are relaxed and comfortable. Even though your dog is facing away from you, you can take it a positive sign because it could indicate that your dog trusts his surroundings.

2. Dog Likes to Sleep in the Path of Danger

There’s no official source on this but one common theory that gets passed around is based on a dog’s protectiveness. Your dog is sleeping in a position that allows him to react quickly in the face of danger. By facing away from you, there’s always a possibility that a dog may feel he will be able to better handle an incoming threat.

3. Dogs Aren’t Used to Ventral Contact

In general, dogs don’t like ventral contact (such as chest-to-chest and face-to-face) like us humans do. We like to hug but that isn’t necessarily the same between dogs. Your dog might like to have his butt against your face while he sleeps because of this natural instinct. They may not want to disrespect you or display a threatening pose by sleeping in your direction. Looking away is just more calming.

As we suggested earlier, you might be reading too much into a dog’s sleeping behavior if you are worried by the fact that he is facing away from you while he sleeps or naps. We think it will only become a concern if you start to notice strange or concerning symptoms while he sleeps. Otherwise, let your dog be and let him sleep the way he feels most comfortable.