Waking up a dog safely is essential to avoid triggering any aggressive reactions. Here are some guidelines to wake your dog without causing distress or aggression.
Puppy owners have often found joy in observing their dogs’ behaviors while they sleep. Little fur babies may exhibit amusing actions like twitching, yipping, and even engaging in full-leg movements while snoozing.
Typically, the furry companions alternate between periods of deep sleep and lighter sleep, easily awakening when they hear something intriguing, like the opening of a door or the crinkling of a food bag, before settling back into slumber once more.
If strange behavior while sleeping has been happening with your dog regularly and more violently, it could be a simple sleep startle or something more serious like a seizure. When unsure, schedule an appointment with the vet for a thorough health examination.
Simultaneously consider being equipped with pet insurance for dogs, so you have a medical financial backup to lean on during unexpected health situations and medical emergencies. Contemplate purchasing the best pet insurance so your furry friend is optimally covered with minor financial hassle.
Meanwhile, read this article to learn why puppies panic on suddenly waking them up.
- Disorientation: Waking up abruptly from a dream leaves the pup confused and unable to reorient itself.
- Fright: Experiencing a sudden startle response due to an unfamiliar or loud noise triggers a fight-or-flight reaction.
- Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired and having disrupted sleep patterns, particularly in newly adopted or rescued dogs.
- Resource guarding: Perceiving the need to protect their sleeping area or possessions from unexpected trespassers, leading to defensive behavior upon awakening.
- Stress and anxiety: Living in a state of constant alertness, depriving the dog of essential REM sleep leading it to react defensively upon waking.
- Medical issues: Underlying medical issues or injuries causes pain and discomfort, resulting in aggression or sensitivity to touch.
- Sensory decline: Experiencing hearing loss, which can be distressing for a dog that could hear earlier, can make even gentle touch startling and fear-inducing.
While you may not be able to get rid of this behavior completely, you can still learn to effectively manage and mitigate the behavior. Here are some strategies to consider –
- Approach calmly: Approach your sleeping pup in a calm and gentle manner. Sudden movements or loud noises may startle or confuse your pet.
- Use your voice: Start by softly calling your pupper’s name or speaking to it in a soothing tone. This can help it rise from sleep without getting startled.
- Gentle touch: If your pup is comfortable with physical contact, gently stroke its back or shoulder to wake it up. Avoid hard shaking or rough handling, as these actions may provoke a defensive response.
- Treats/toys: Entice your pup to wake up by offering a favorite treat/toy. This can make the waking experience more positive and rewarding for it.
- Give space: If your pup appears disoriented or groggy upon waking, give it space to fully wake up before engaging in further interactions or activities.
Learn to differentiate between normal behaviors and signs of potential health issues so you can seek medical help early. At the same time, consider being equipped with pet insurance for dogs so that unplanned vet costs are more manageable. Contemplate purchasing the best pet insurance, so your four paws is adequately covered for medical care during testing times of health.
