Dog's Morning Grumpiness: Do Pups Have Bad Moods?
Interrupted Dreams
While we may not know exactly what dogs dream about, one thing is certain: when they are abruptly awakened from deep sleep, they can experience a brief period of cognitive disarray. Humans are no exception.
Never disturb anyone, whether human or canine, while they are sound asleep.
Not just a bad mood
Strictly speaking, dogs do not have a "bad mood" upon waking. The aggressive behavior they exhibit when awakened from deep sleep, which can even escalate to attacks, is actually a phenomenon known as the startle reflex in animal behavior.
The startle reflex is an instinctive response, crucial in the wild where danger lurks at every turn. If an animal is woken during sleep and encounters an unexpected threat, its immediate reaction is to fight back to avoid harm.
Do not underestimate those fleeting seconds; they can be the difference between life and death for animals. Although dogs have been domesticated for thousands of years, this startle reflex is still present in many of them.
Various States
Just as some people's bad moods upon waking are indiscriminate, and others may fling pillows or other objects within reach, dogs' "bad moods" can manifest in several ways as well.
Threatening: From a certain perspective, a dog's "bad mood" might simply involve a growl or a snarl, which indicates a relatively gentle temperament. Avoid provoking it during this time, as its only thought upon waking from deep sleep is survival.
Aggressive: While rare, some dogs may resort to direct aggression, especially in the presence of children or the elderly. Caution is advised in such situations.
Sensory Disruption: This is a common occurrence. When a dog is awakened, it may temporarily lose its hearing and exhibit confusion, tension, and even aggression towards people or other dogs nearby.
Remember, a dog's "bad mood" is not about disliking being woken up; it is its instinctual survival mechanism triggered by being disturbed during deep sleep.
So, how can we correct this behavior?
Unfortunately, this is a behavior deeply rooted in their genes, and training alone cannot correct it. Our only option is to avoid disturbing them during their deep sleep.
However, there are solutions. If you must wake a dog, such as when it's blocking your path, the simplest method is to call its name from a distance to rouse it gently.
Do not resort to force or violence to change a dog's startle reflex, as this can be ineffective and may exacerbate the reflex, leading to tragic consequences.
Lastly, if a dog is showing signs of sleep disturbances such as kicking, blinking, twitching, or making noises, and you need to wake it, do so gently. It's possible that the dog is having a nightmare, and a gentle approach is crucial.
