Does your dog display aggression when awakened? If so, you’re not alone. This phenomenon is known as the sleep startle reflex, and it’s why the saying “let sleeping dogs lie” is more than just a common proverb—it’s practical advice.
The sleep startle reflex is an instinct in animals, and it’s one of many that our domestic dogs retain. In this article, we’ll explore why dogs have this reflex and share some practical tips to prevent the behavior.
Why Is My Dog Aggressive When Woken Up?
Put simply, the sleep startle reflex that many dogs experience is an instinct to protect themselves from potential danger. In the wild, it serves as a defense mechanism that helps animals stay safe when there’s an unexpected disturbance nearby.
Those initial moments upon waking can be critical for survival, which is why they may wake up in an aggressive state. Like many other instincts, this trait is still present in some of our domesticated dogs.
It’s particularly common in ex-racing greyhounds, who often grew up in kennel environments accustomed to long periods of undisturbed sleep. While spending most of the day in a kennel isn’t the ideal life for a dog, it is a predictable one, making the adjustment to a normal home with a new routine and unfamiliar disturbances challenging for some dogs.
Sleep startle is also observed in stray dogs and those raised in insecure environments where being ready to react immediately upon waking was necessary for their safety.
Of course, the exact reasons why some dogs have the sleep startle reflex and others don’t aren’t fully understood, nor is why some dogs seem to “grow out of it” while others have it lifelong.
Just because your dog shows sleep aggression doesn’t mean they’re an inherently aggressive dog; it’s seen in otherwise well-adjusted dogs. Sometimes, it’s simply caused by being in a new home or a change in their environment.
How To Prevent Your Dog From Waking Up Aggressively
Keep in mind that these tips may not work 100% for every dog. Some dogs may never outgrow sleep startle since it occurs unconsciously, while others may improve over time.
Don’t feel guilty if your dog’s sleep aggression isn’t resolved overnight—remember, it’s not your fault. It’s a normal instinctive reflex, and it’s stronger in some dogs than others.
The best way to help prevent your dog from waking up aggressively is to provide them with their own bed in a quiet area where they feel secure. This can be challenging if you have other pets or children at home, but do your best to encourage everyone to leave the dog alone when they’re resting to avoid triggering aggressive behaviors.
It’s also a good idea to wake your dog with a verbal command when you need their attention, rather than approaching and startling them with touch.
As tempting as it might be, if your dog shows aggression during sleep, it’s probably best not to have them sleep in your bed. It’s impossible to predict if your nighttime movements could trigger their aggression, so a dog bed next to yours might be a better alternative.
Unfortunately, you can’t simply train your dog out of sleep aggression; the best you can do is ensure they feel secure to reduce the likelihood of it happening.
If you punish your dog for waking up aggressively, you’ll only make them more insecure in their surroundings, leading to additional behavioral problems. Remember: they’re not being aggressive on purpose—it’s an unconscious reflex.
Please share with your friends 🙂
