Doggy Dreams Are Real – And You Can Track Every Twitch (Printable Dog Sleep Tracker)

Naps are a big deal around here. I’m not talking about the casual couch flop. I mean nappy nap time – a full-blown routine for Carly that rivals putting a preschooler down for their afternoon snooze. There’s pacing, settling, rearranging the blanket, and yes, I have to stay with her until she fully powers down. She loves it – but she expects a little emotional support along the way.

And once she’s out? That’s when the show starts.

Do Dogs Dream

Around 10:00 p.m., she levels up to sleep athlete status. One minute she’s curled beside me, soft and still. The next? She’s twitching, air-paddling her paws, and letting out the tiniest boof – adorable if you ignore the part where I occasionally jump up thinking she’s having a seizure.

Spoiler: she’s not. She’s dreaming.

But do dogs dream like we do? And if they do – what exactly are they dreaming about? Are they chasing squirrels? Replaying their most triumphant fetch moment? Processing the betrayal of not getting the last French fry (Carly, obviously) or reliving their glory days from obedience school (we’re not naming names, Porter)?

Dream a Little Dream (of Squirrels?)

Let’s start with the basics. Like humans, dogs go through sleep cycles, including REM sleep – the stage where most dreaming happens. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movement, the sleep phase where your brain lights up like a Christmas tree, and your body goes on lockdown.

Researchers at MIT studied rats and found that during REM sleep, their brains showed the same patterns as when running mazes while awake. In other words, they were replaying the day in their dreams. 

If rats dream, there’s an excellent chance dogs do, too. And not just any dogs – your dog. Yes, even if she’s a certified nap champion whose most intense activity today was barking at a leaf.

Harvard Says: Dogs Are Probably Dreaming of You

Now for the part that might make you tear up just a little (it’s okay, this is a safe space). Dr. Deirdre Barrett, a Harvard Medical School psychologist and dream researcher, believes that dogs likely dream about their day-to-day experiences. And if you’re the center of your dog’s universe – which, let’s be real, you are – you’re probably starring in those dreams.

Barrett explained in a Harvard Medical School interview that dogs’ sleep patterns are similar to ours, and it’s “reasonable to assume they dream about doggy things” – like playing, chasing, eating…and bonding with their human.

So the next time your pup dozes off and those paws start twitching, or you hear a soft sigh, just know – they might be dreaming of you. Maybe it’s a replay of that perfect game of fetch – or a vivid reimagining of the turkey sandwich that somehow vanished when you left the room.

What Do Dogs Dream About?

While we can’t ask them directly (though I’ve tried), researchers believe that dogs dream about their daily lives. That could include:

• Playtime: Tossing a favorite toy, playing tug, or zooming in the backyard.
• Training and commands: Dogs consolidate memories during REM sleep, so yes – they may be practicing “sit” and “stay” while they snooze. (Cue proud dog mom tears.)
• Interactions with people and pets: That includes you, their dog siblings, or the cat they pretend not to like but secretly follow around the house.

The American Kennel Club confirms that dogs are thought to dream about things they enjoy and experience regularly. Here’s what they say.

It’s also worth noting that puppies dream more than adult dogs, likely because they’re processing so many new experiences each day. Think of it like downloading the entire world – on a dial-up connection.

DOWNLOAD the FREE Printable Dog Sleep Tracker

Size Matters (When It Comes to Dreaming)

Interestingly, a dog’s size may influence how they dream. Studies suggest:

• Small dogs, like Chihuahuas, tend to dream more frequently, but their dreams are shorter.
• Large dogs, like Labs or Great Danes, have longer dreams, but happen less often.

So if your Yorkie twitches constantly during naps, she might be running through a bunch of TikTok-length dreams while your Saint Bernard is starring in a full-on feature film.

Should You Wake a Dreaming Dog?

In most cases, no. Let sleeping dogs lie – literally. Twitching, soft sounds, and leg movement during REM sleep are normal. Waking them mid-dream can be jarring (and might even lead to accidental snapping if startled).

If your pup looks truly distressed – whimpering loudly or thrashing – you can gently call their name to coax them out. But resist the urge to poke or shake them awake. They’re probably just working through a “bark at the vacuum” nightmare.

Carly’s Nightly Recap (Probably)

If I had to guess, Carly’s dreams include:

• A dramatic reenactment of the Great Squirrel Chase of 2025.
  
• Stealth mode laps around the yard, chasing birds from tree to tree.
  
• And the bittersweet moment I told the kids they couldn’t share their pizza with our girl.

She sleeps, processes, dreams – and I get to be the lucky human she wakes up next to every morning.

And Porter? He’s Dreaming, Too (Just – Less Publicly)

Now, Porter is a little different. I’ve only caught him dreaming a few times. He’s more of a silent sleeper, a private dreamer type. But when he does dream? I’m almost sure it’s about his food.

Why? Because he doesn’t like to eat unless Carly is nowhere in sight. It’s as if he’s saving every bite for the right moment – like a doggy Michelin star experience that mustn’t be interrupted. So, if he’s twitching, it’s probably not a squirrel chase. It’s a suspenseful drama about finally finishing his dinner without someone breathing near his bowl.

Let the Dogs Dream

There’s something incredibly sweet about knowing our dogs dream – of us, of their days, and maybe of long-lost tennis balls hiding under the couch. Their inner lives are just as rich and quirky as we imagine, and dreaming is part of what makes them whole, happy beings.

So the next time your dog starts kicking mid-snooze or lets out a muffled bark into their blanket, just smile. They’re off living their best dream life – hopefully, one filled with bacon, belly rubs, and zero vacuum cleaners.

So the next time you see your dog snoozing away, twitching those paws in dreamland, take a quiet moment to smile. Chances are, you’re in that dream somewhere – chasing joy, tennis ball in hand, and not a care in the world.

Takeaways for Dog Moms (and Dads):

• Yes, dogs dream – thank REM sleep for that.
  
• Twitching is normal, but if something seems off, always check with your vet.
• Smaller dogs dream more often, bigger dogs dream longer, and puppies dream the most.
• Let them sleep – dreaming helps them process memories and emotions.

And remember: if you’re their favorite person (and you are), you’re probably starring in their dreams.