Dog sleep and Nightmares

Personally, I think it would be ignorant to say that dogs don\'t dream when they sleep. This person is someone who has never had the opportunity to watch dogs sleep.

My dogs must have some amazing dreams, hopefully not nightmares, because they kick their feet like they\'re running at times, they are barking with their mouths closed, and are twitching all over the place. It is clearly REM sleep. I mean, we\'re talking intense story lines in their dreams, I\'m sure of it!

I\'m certain that some dreams consist of eating mommy\'s steak, or running through beautiful fields chasing rabbits, cats or squirrels. They probably dream of huge bones, swimming in the lake, and cuddling up to mommy in the bed with all of their toys strewn about on the bed...

Now, they couldn\'t be all good dreams either...There are times that they are clearly in distress, just like a human...they have a real bark, growl or whine and cry. I wonder if another dog is invading their territory, they\'re dreaming of a stranger breaking into the house, or their mommy and daddy leaving them somewhere...I wonder if they have fights with other dogs or other animals.

* Tip: When I see them having a nightmare, I gently talk to them and pet them until they wake up. Be sure to completely wake them up though because, just like us, they can fall right back into a dream. This happens often, where they\'re still on the edge of sleep. Don\'t be fooled. Be sure they focus on you when they \"wake up\".