Even though most people think that dogs normally sleep on their bellies, that is not entirely true. If you are a Corgi owner, you have probably noticed by now that this breed can be rather creative when it comes to sleeping positions.
In fact, many dogs sleep sideways or belly up. It is essential for you to learn about all the sleeping positions considered “normal” for dogs, Corgis included. In this way, you will not feel concerned when you stumble upon your Corgi sleeping with all four feet up in the air – you’ll be able to enjoy the cuteness of it!
If you continue reading, you will find the answers to many questions that might have bothered you so far, including: Why do Corgis sleep belly up? How long do corgis sleep? How much sleep do Corgis need?
We will even tell you how to get your Corgi to sleep with you when you wish to cuddle up with your furry friend!
What Are The “Normal” Sleeping Positions For Your Corgi?
A lot of Corgi owners flood the social networks with pictures of their pets sleeping in weird positions. Even though some of them do it for laughs, a lot of these people are actually concerned whether or not the way their Corgi sleeps is normal.
If you too share similar concerns and think there is something unusual about how your dog sleeps, don’t be; it is no reason to be alarmed. Still, it is always good to be well informed, and that is why we will tell you all about the most common positions Corgis have a habit to sleep in.
There are four prevalent positions Corgis most often sleep in, and those are:
- On the stomach
- On the side
- On the back
- Curled up
Your dog will choose any of these positions in accordance with the current sleeping conditions and level of comfort. Most dogs alternate between all of these positions depending on how they feel at a given moment, but in time most Corgis choose one sleeping position as their favorite. Many Corgis find sleeping on the back closest to their heart, which brings us to our next question.
Why Do Corgis Sleep Belly Up? Sleep On Their Backs?
We can hardly give you the exact reason why your Corgi prefers sleeping on its back since there are numerous possible causes for that. Instead, we will provide you with a detailed list of the most common reasons:
Temperature Control
Sleeping on the back helps regulate your dog’s body temperature. Lying on the back maximizes the exposed surface and allows your Corgi to cool down more quickly. For this reason, you will most probably notice your Corgi starting to sleep with all four legs in the air just about as the weather begins to change and the temperature picks up.
Corgis’ have a thick double coat on their back that does not allow the heat out, and turning around helps them avoid overheating. Their stomachs have almost no fur, and having them exposed to air allows for the body heat to dissipate, which brings down the overall body temperature.
Feeling Of Safety
Sleeping belly up can signify that your Corgi is completely worry-free and trusts you 100%. Dogs generally avoid sleeping on their back when they feel threatened or think there might be some dangers lurking nearby.
If your Corgi does sleep on its back, it means that it is relaxed and feels safe and sound in your home. It is a recognition for you as an owner since it confirms that you have succeeded at creating a safe haven for your pet.
- How do dogs that feel threatened sleep? If a dog keeps its limbs pressed against something while lying flat on the ground with its face and stomach facing downward, it is far from relaxed. This position suggests that a dog is anticipating some trouble and wants to be able to react and quickly get back up on its feet to face a potential threat.
Level Of Comfort
It might come as a surprise, but some dogs find sleeping on the back to be the most comfortable sleeping position even though it hardly seems that way to us humans. Your Corgi might think that way as well.
Some dogs sleep on their belly for years and then start to sleep upside down out of nowhere. That is not so unusual at all – the inherent dog genes can start expressing themselves at any point in time. It may seem like a terrible way to sleep but sleeping on the back with each paw stretched out allows Corgis to relax their bodies and reduce the built-up tension.
A Sign Of Submission
When a dog, no matter its breed, lies down on its back in front of you, that means that it is submitting itself to you and trusting you that you will not do any harm. If your Corgi chooses to sleep in this position most of the time, that could be a sign of his or her total trust and loyalty to you.
You can tap yourself on the back when this happens, too, since Corgis are notorious for their individuality, self-sufficiency, and stubbornness. Having them give in to you completely is a sure sign that you have done the things right and raised your Corgi properly.
Available Space
When there is little space for your Corgi to sleep in, he or she might be limited to only some sleeping positions. In limited space, a dog will most likely sleep on its stomach or sideways.
Sleeping on the back requires a lot of room, and if you want your Corgi to be able to sleep in this particular position, you need to provide enough space for it to happen.
If your pet sleeps in a crate or a dog bed, chances are there is not enough space for assuming the belly-up position. You can buy a soft mat and replace the bed or crate with it. Maybe your dog will still not sleep on its back, but at least it will be able to stretch out when he or she feels like it.
Preference
If your Corgi sleeps on its back most of the time, the reason might be the simplest possible – he or she likes it that way. We all have our preferences, and dogs are no exception.
Your Corgi should have the freedom to choose his or her favorite sleeping position. Some dogs will opt for sleeping with all limbs splayed out, so there is no need to worry if your Corgi is like that too!
Believe us; there are far more strange sleeping positions a dog can assume. Some puppies sleep against a wall or with their legs out or propped up on something. Even such positions serve a purpose. It might be that they need to alleviate pressure from their underside. Many deep-chested dogs such as greyhounds and dachshunds sleep in this position.
Also, as we have already mentioned, having their limbs propped against a piece of furniture such as a table, sofa, or bed allows your Corgi to stand up quickly and react to a potential threat. It gives them a sense of security.
Corgis who have trust issues or are still getting used to a new home often sleep in the corner for the very same reason. They feel safe and protected, surrounded by walls. A corner space offers Corgis some peace and quiet in rooms where there is too much noise and distraction, too.
How Much Sleep Do Corgis Need?
A lot of new owners feel concerned that their Corgi is too lethargic once they bring it home for the first time.
Young puppies are generally fairly inactive and spend their day mostly sleeping and resting. It is perfectly normal for young puppies, especially when they find themselves in a new, unfamiliar environment.
It will take at least a couple of days, but usually no more than a week before your pooch becomes comfortable and gets used to the new people in its life – including you!
It is a perfectly normal transitional period so try to be patient and give your puppy some space – there will be enough time to cuddle up in the future. After all, you and your Corgi are partners for life!
Once the transition is over, your Corgi will turn into an energetic, spritely little puppy that will enjoy exploring his or her new home and play with you and other family members.
Of course, no matter how old, your Corgi will always require sleep time. The questions that need to be answered are:
How Long Do Corgis Sleep?
Corgi puppies need 18 to 20 hours of sleep each day. Once they grow up, Corgis cut down their sleeping time to about 14 to 16 hours.
Does it seem like too much? Do not worry; Corgis will drain your energy while they are awake, so you’ll be thankful when they finally fall asleep. Namely, Corgis cannot meet their exercise needs on their own – they need you to help them out.
What does that mean? It means you will have to run with or chase your Corgi every day too. The good news is you’ll both be fit and healthy!
Why Do Corgis Sleep So Much?
Corgi puppies or better to say, all the puppies grow at an alarming rate. Your little pooch will be a fully grown dog within a year.
If you are a parent, you probably already know that children require a lot of sleep at a young age in order to grow properly. Rest is needed not only for the growth of the body; it is essential for mental development as well. Puppies are just like kids – they need adequate sleep time to process all their experiences and everything they have learned while awake.
Without proper sleep-time, your Corgi’s body cannot grow, tone, and become strong. Lack of slumber will make your Corgi puppy feel overtired, lead to behavior problems, or even hinder proper development and endanger its health.
How Often Do Corgis Sleep?
During the daytime, a Corgi puppy will have at least a couple of naps. No one can tell you how many naps a puppy should have – every dog has its own rhythm, and you should respect your pet’s specific needs.
Some Corgi puppies will have quite a few short naps, while others will have only two to three long ones. Most often, a Corgi puppy will sleep somewhere between half an hour to two hours at a time.
Since they are much like children, Corgis will go through growth spurts, too, during which they will spend more time sleeping.
How To Create A Healthy Nap Routine?
It is vital to help your puppy build up a healthy nap routine. What does this mean? It means you should respect your dog’s needs.
For example, if your puppy has an hour-long nap, wakes up and plays with some toys, then runs around a bit, and goes straight back to napping several times during the day, do not try to wake him or her up whenever you feel like it.
Do not overstimulate your pooch even if you feel like playing or cuddling up with him or her. Your puppy needs proper rest time in order to be happy and healthy.
Besides, overtired puppies often behave like little monsters. It is better to allow your Corgi’s natural inclination to guide you in helping him or her develop properly. As soon as you notice your pooch is tired, take him or her to the sleeping area. You can also try to encourage a nap with gentle pats. Calming voice is sure to lull your puppy to sleep too.
Make sure that you set up a cozy sleeping area for your puppy. It should be a safe place where no one can disturb your pooch. First and foremost, this area should be far from your TV and other noise-making devices in your home. If possible, it would be best that your puppy’s sleeping area is placed in a dark area of the house.
Leave your Corgi alone while it’s sleeping. We know that it can be pretty tempting to wake your irresistible pooch with cuddles. Nevertheless, try to resist such temptations.
Wait while your Corgi wakes up on its own and then offer some outside time. Most puppies will need to use the potty as soon as they wake up. Once you take care of these “technicalities,” it is finally time to play and have fun. We recommend a game of chase in your yard or a dog-friendly park closest to your home.
When you are back inside, let your puppy have some time alone so that it can roam freely and explore its new home. Soon enough, your pooch will be ready for another nap. Feel free to offer generous pets and kisses to help your pet relax and drift to la-la land.
Should Your Corgi Puppy Sleep After Every Meal?
It is not a rule, but most puppies do want to nap after finishing their meals. It is an excellent opportunity to crate-train your pooch. Simply serve all its meals inside the crate and allow them to have a nap afterward.
Speaking of crates, it is essential to highlight how helpful they can be. They provide your puppy with a structure and boundaries but also represent a safe haven. Try to encourage your puppy to take all of its naps inside the crate.
How Much Do Corgis Sleep During The Night?
A Corgi puppy can sleep anywhere from six to ten hours during the night. It means you and your puppy can sleep through the night together. Yay!
Unfortunately, until three months old most puppies will probably require at least one potty break throughout the night. The crate comes in handy in such situations since it helps your puppy settle in and doze off more quickly when back from a potty break.
Sometimes, a puppy will start whining or barking when left in their crate at night but do your best not to give in. The sooner your pooch learns when it’s time for sleep, the sooner will both of you enjoy your sleep time.
You can help your Corgi sleep through the night by making sure he or she has burnt all of the excess energy during the day. A well-thought-of exercise routine can do wonders for your dog’s consistent sleeping routine.
Are Corgis Nocturnal?
Not really; dogs are neither nocturnal nor diurnal. Our four-legged friends are actually social sleepers. This means that your Corgi will take cues from you. In simple words: Your puppy will go to sleep when you do.
Read More: Why Do Corgis Sleep So Much? Are Corgis Nocturnal?
Identifying Problems: When To Seek Professional Help?
If your puppy has spent more than a week adjusting to your home and it still seems lethargic even after sleeping for 18-20 hours, you should best take them to the vet. It might be that your puppy is naturally lazy, but it is better to be safe than sorry.
What are the possible reasons for your Corgi being lethargic? Check out the following list:
- Poor diet
- Lack of essential nutrients
- Not having enough water
- Illness or some kind of an infection
- Heart or liver problems
- Anemia caused by parasites
- Poison ingestion
- Pain
- Medications
In most cases, too much sleeping can do no harm. However, if it pairs up with a loss of appetite, the lack of sleep can cause trouble, and it is time to turn to your vet for advice. Puppies that sleep a lot but are otherwise cheerful and have a healthy appetite are most likely perfectly healthy and normal.
Will Corgis Sleep with You?
Corgis enjoy all the intention they can get, so why wouldn’t they enjoy sharing a bed with their favorite person?
Sleeping with your dog can help create a special bond between you two, especially if you spend most of your time away from home. The only condition is that both you and your puppy are healthy.
It is best to try to teach your dog to sleep at your feet since that minimizes disruption. Such training is crucial for light sleepers that can be awakened by their dog rolling over, snoring, or even scratching. Restless sleeping can make people grumpy or even hinder their immunity.
On the other hand, your Corgi will not suffer from lack of sleep much. Your pet can have as many naps as it wishes during the day while you are away working.
What are some benefits of sleeping with your Corgi?
- You will feel calmer since dogs tend to lower stress levels in humans
- Dogs can lower blood pressure
- Sleeping with your Corgi provides you with a sense of safety
- Having your guard dog close enough to warn you in case of a nighttime emergency.
Final Words
Having a Corgi puppy is sure to be a lot of fun. Still, puppies are not toys; you need to make sure all their needs are met in a timely manner.
Sleeping routine is highly important for young puppies. Yet, you should not worry too much if your puppy has erratic and inconsistent sleeping patterns at first. He or she needs some time to adapt to the new home and new people.
Do Corgis sleep a lot? Sometimes they do, sometimes they don’t, it all depends on how much energy they have spent during the day.
If your dog seems too sleepy, it might be that he or she is catching up on sleep from a few busy and exciting days that week. If such behavior persists, you can take your Corgi to the vet just to be on the safe side.
When it comes to sleeping positions, most dogs have their preferences. If your Corgi chooses to sleep belly up, let it be. You, too, have a favorite sleeping position, don’t you?
