There’s nothing quite like curling up under a soft blanket and enjoying a Netflix binge or even just taking a nap. Blankets are a lovely innovation – no one can argue with that, including your pooch.
That’s right! Your pooch might enjoy a soft blanket as much as you do.
That’s why it’s important to make sure they have somewhere soft to sleep just like all the rest of the members of your family.
Signs Your Dog is Comfortable
So, how can you tell if your dog is comfy? You’ll probably notice some signs very similar to how you would react if you were comfy. If your dog is comfy, they’ll exhibit relaxed body language. Their ears will be relaxed, their eyes closed, and they might even have their tongue out or be drooling if they are asleep. They might wag their tail if you talk to them, but they don’t want to move if they’re feeling comfy. They don’t want to lose their spot!
If your dog isn’t comfortable, they’ll probably make every effort to get comfortable. They might jump up, pace, and sniff around for a better spot. Some dogs may even scheme to take your place on the couch or bed if you get up. So, don’t be surprised if you get up to grab something, and your pup is in your spot when you get back. It’s probably already warm from you, and if you think it’s comfy, they probably do too.
Body Language
Here are some signs you might notice if your dog is comfortable:
– Wagging tail
– Drooling
– Relaxed ears
– Tongue hanging
Here are some signs you might notice if your dog is uncomfortable:
– Making every effort to get comfortable
– Sniffing around for the best spot
– Pacing around the room
– Scheming to take your place on the couch or bed
History of Dogs and Blankets
So, where did the blanket originate? It’s hard to say! We know that humans have needed to stay warm for thousands of years, so it wouldn’t be surprising if blankets had been around for thousands of years. They probably started out as furs from hunting and have evolved over the years to include different fabrics and patterns.
Blankets can be used for everything from staying warm at night to being used as a decoration or even a floor covering. They’re extremely versatile! As long as our furry friends have been domesticated and enjoying spending time with humans, they’ve probably had some use of blankets too.
Fast forward to today’s world, and many pet shops sell blankets just for your pup! You can even get beds for your pup in every shape, size, or material you can think of, but some dog owners just let their dog sleep on a simple pillow or blanket. Everyone is different. It’s not just dogs that like soft warm places to sleep too. In fact, most animals and people alike love the combination of a clean, warm, and soft blanket.
Science Behind Dogs and Blankets
While dogs really do seem to enjoy a nice soft place to sleep, could there be another reason a dog enjoys sleeping with a blanket or pillow, besides the fact that it’s warm or soft? Yes! Dogs have a very strong sense of smell. So, when they curl up with one of your blankets, they might also like that it has your scent on it.
Another reason pooches love blankets has to do with their paws. Some sources say a dog’s paws can tell the temperature. So, if they are sleeping on a hard, cold surface, that can’t feel good! It’s also hard on a pooch’s joints and body to always sleep on a cold cement floor. So, it is good to offer a nice comfortable place for your pooch to sleep. Again, this can be a blanket, pillow, or a dog bed. It’s good for them to have somewhere comfy to call their own for their emotional and physical well-being.
Training Your Dog to Sleep in a Certain Place
As far as training your dog to feel softness, you can’t do that. You can, however, teach them to sleep somewhere in particular. It can be a bit tricky depending on how stubborn your dog is, but it’s not impossible. Dogs love positive reinforcement.
So, if you want them to sleep in their dog bed, maybe ask them to go to their bed, and when they do, praise them and give them a treat. That way, it communicates to them that that’s the right thing to do. Some dog owners also “crate train” their dogs to sleep in a crate of some sort. With this sort of training, it’s important to get information from your vet, a trainer, or dog breeder.
Another problem for some dog owners is that their pooch just won’t stop sitting on a fancy couch or trying to sleep on a guest bed no matter what. If this occurs, tell your dog “no” firmly, and tell them to get off the furniture. If your pup doesn’t move, they may not understand you, so you can help gently encourage them off the furniture.
Continue to firmly tell them “no” if you see them on a piece of furniture they are not allowed on. It’s also important to make sure all of your family members are on board with training. If you tell your pup “no” but your significant other encourages your dog to sleep on a piece of furniture, that could be very, very confusing for your pup. If all else fails, you can always speak with a dog trainer about next steps.
So, can dogs feel soft blankets?
It’s just a theory, but probably. Why else would they always seem to be on a soft surface any chance they can get?“Soft blankets: A cozy comfort for dogs and humans alike”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Observe your dog’s body language: Look for signs of comfort in your dog, such as relaxed body posture, closed eyes, and a wagging tail. If your dog is uncomfortable, they may exhibit restlessness, pacing, or sniffing around for a better spot.
2️⃣ Understand the benefits of blankets for dogs: Blankets provide warmth and comfort for dogs just like they do for humans. Dogs may also be drawn to blankets because they carry the scent of their owners, which can be soothing. Additionally, sleeping on hard surfaces can be uncomfortable for dogs, so providing them with a soft blanket or bed can improve their physical well-being.
3️⃣ Train your dog to sleep in a designated area: While you can’t teach your dog to feel softness, you can train them to sleep in a specific place. Use positive reinforcement, such as treats and praise, to encourage your dog to sleep in their bed or crate. Consistency and clear communication are key, so make sure all family members are on board with the training. If your dog insists on sleeping on furniture, firmly tell them “no” and provide alternative comfortable options. If needed, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer.
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. What are some signs that indicate if a dog is comfortable?
– Relaxed body language, closed eyes, drooling, wagging tail, and a relaxed tongue hanging out.
2. How can you tell if a dog is uncomfortable?
– They might jump up, pace, sniff around for a better spot, or even try to take your place on the couch or bed.
3. What is the history of dogs and blankets?
– The origin of blankets is uncertain, but they have likely been around for thousands of years. As long as dogs have been domesticated, they have probably had some use for blankets.
4. Is there a scientific reason why dogs enjoy sleeping with blankets?
– Yes, dogs have a strong sense of smell, so they might enjoy the scent of their owners on the blanket. Additionally, sleeping on a soft surface is more comfortable for their paws and joints.
5. How can you train your dog to sleep in a specific place?
– Positive reinforcement can be used to train dogs to sleep in a particular spot. Crate training is also an option, but it’s important to seek advice from a vet, trainer, or breeder. Consistency and clear communication are key in training your dog.
