Barking while sleeping

[SMRT]

This may be obvious, but my pup frequently barks while sleeping.  That is, he'll do it it once or twice each session, but not constantly.  I normally chalk it up to just dreams of playing with other dogs, chasing prey or some perceived threat in his dreams, but I figured I'd ask to see what opinions are out there.  Honestly, I think it's hilarious, but as long as Bombay doesn't know I'm laughing at his antics, it's OK. 

[WAARHEID]

The conventional wisdom is that dogs "bark" and "run" during the REM phases of sleep. Is it true? Beats me. I'm sure somebody somewhere has done research on it.

[shodyL]

I used to have a little mix breed dog who LOVED to hunt rabbits.  every time she was on to rabbits in the brush, she made a certain sound that is hard to describe....  she never made this sound at any other time.  when she slept, sometimes she would make this sound and move her feet.  I have NO doubt that she was hunting rabbits in her dreams.  I don't care what experts may say, I know dogs dream. 

[caro]

They're dreaming.  It happens more often if they have had a fun day out hunting rabbits or whatever and got really tired.  Their legs also twitch as though they were running really hard.  It's hilarious!

Caroline

[odin08]

I agree, Odin dreams all the time, I would say almost everytime he is sleeping in the couch he has a few yelps and a few growls.  I just sit and watch him and laugh to myself.  I think it is extremely cute when he does it.

[RhodieRidge]

Ill have to agree as well, I believe dogs DO dream!! At least once a week Ill hear Stormy, maybe 5-10 mintues after I put the dogs to bed making her muffled barkings and legs twiching away! Its always a good laugh and will last up until MY laughing finally wakes her up!! lol On the occasions that Ive woken her up during her REM sleep, her eyes are always SO bloodshot and droopy, so I know she was in a VERY deep sleep at the time!! Im such a mean mommy! lmao..

[Keeper]

....hmmm? I wonder if they laugh at us when we do the same in REM...hmm..are they saying, "Look at my human...twitching and drooling...they're probably dreaming about that chocolate cheesecake in the fridge!"

Not sure I would want to know what they think of me when I am mumbling about @!!&%%$ driver that just cut me off on the xway!  Nice to know my dogs love me no matter what. 

Sandra