Doggy Dreaming

Santa · 07-14-2008, 04:58 PM

Zac dreams. Yep, he has very definite dreams. I wonder, is he chasing rabbits? Having an imaginary doggy treat? Dreaming of cuddles? I'd love to know what it's about. Does anyone know if it's realistically possible for dogs to dream in the way we do, or are these just involuntarily moans and movements?

**BlackandTans** · 07-14-2008, 05:36 PM

Hmmm. Interesting question. I dont know. I usually thought that they were chasing something like cats or rabbits or dreaming about running around playing with each other.... I dont know if anyone will ever be able to REALLY tell...

**avalonandon** · 07-14-2008, 05:43 PM

I think they dream like we do, but on their own level. I read a study once about dog dreams and that they showed the same type of brain activity and REM that we do when we dream. I have watched my dogs and the movements that they make and can tell sometimes if they are running or playing tug of war in their dream. Usually its just a bunch of random leg jerks and muffled yelps but sometimes, the movements are very defined and fall into the same category of movement of what they do during running or playing tug of war with me. Could be coincidence but I doubt it.

**BlackandTans** · 07-14-2008, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avalonandon

I think they dream like we do, but on their own level. I read a study once about dog dreams and that they showed the same type of brain activity and REM that we do when we dream.

I have heard of that before too and it totally makes sense to me!

**errica** · 07-14-2008, 06:32 PM

I have no scientific proof, but I KNOW that my dogs dream about things that they know. Playing, eating, things that scare them, etc. If you watch Athena she'll go through all of the things in a couple hours. She'll be chewing, running, playing tug, her back hairs will bristle when something in doggy dreamland upsets her. It's pretty cool when she has a particularly active dream!

bleh60 · 07-14-2008, 06:38 PM

Strike is a very vivid dreamer. Always fun to wake up to woofles and being kicked in the middle of the night.

faber · 07-14-2008, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by errica

her back hairs will bristle when something in doggy dreamland upsets her. It's pretty cool when she has a particularly active dream!

i've often wondered...when they are young..what could they have nightmares about? you can tell they are...but what would they associate it with?

**dobekiss** · 07-14-2008, 07:05 PM

Love the puppy dreams, there's for sure stuff going on in the brains, the running, nubby waggin', puffing cheeks, yips...sweeeeet.

**avalonandon** · 07-14-2008, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by faber

i've often wondered...when they are young..what could they have nightmares about? you can tell they are...but what would they associate it with?

I dont think they are having nightmares unless they have been mistreated and had bad experiences. Their yelps and freakish convulsions may look like nightmares but puppies are pretty freaky when they are awake, lol...so...

**Red_Storm** · 07-14-2008, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by avalonandon

I don't think they are having nightmares unless they have been mistreated and had bad experiences. Their yelps and freakish convulsions may look like nightmares but puppies are pretty freaky when they are awake, lol...so...

I always wondered about that too. Sometimes Storm will whimper, whine, cry and toss and turn like she is horrified. Sometimes she will even growl and bark in her sleep. I know it has nothing to do with being mistreated. Heck, she gets treated better around here than I do lol.