Should I wake my dog up if he is barking in his sleep?

Have you ever woken up to the sound of your furry best friend barking or whining in the middle of the night—only to find them fast asleep? It’s one of those curious dog parent moments that spark both concern and fascination. So, you might be asking yourself, “Should I wake my dog up if he is barking in his sleep?”

The short answer? Usually, no. But there’s a lot more to the story than that.

In this detailed, friendly guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about your dog’s nighttime barking, dreams, and sleep health. Let’s curl up and dig into it.

Understanding Canine Sleep Cycles

REM Sleep and Dreaming in Dogs

Dogs, just like us, go through different stages of sleep. One of the most important stages is REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, where dreaming happens. During REM sleep, your pup’s brain becomes active, leading to signs like:

• Barking or whimpering

• Twitching or paddling legs

• Tail wagging

• Rapid eye movement under closed eyelids

These behaviors are totally normal and usually indicate that your dog is dreaming—perhaps about chasing a ball or having an exciting doggy adventure.

Sleep Patterns by Age and Breed

Puppies and senior dogs tend to sleep more than adult dogs. Puppies, especially, have longer REM sleep stages, which is why they may bark, twitch, or move more while sleeping.

Some breeds, like retrievers, shepherds, and terriers—known for their intelligence and energy—may also dream more vividly and, as a result, exhibit more vocal behaviors in their sleep.

Why Dogs Bark in Their Sleep

Normal Dreaming Behavior

Most sleep barking is completely harmless and just a side effect of a good dream. Your dog’s brain is replaying moments of the day—like playing fetch, running at the park, or meeting other dogs.

Signs of Distress vs. Normal Sleep Sounds

It’s important to learn the difference between distress and a regular dream. Here’s a comparison:

If your dog sounds like they’re truly in distress (think howling or yelping), it might be worth gently checking on them.

The Role of Memory and Experience

Dogs dream about things they’ve seen or done. A stressful experience, like a vet visit or thunderstorm, might creep into their dreams, just as a fun playdate would.

Should You Wake Your Dog?

The Risks of Waking a Dreaming Dog

Waking a dog while they’re dreaming can confuse or even scare them. Imagine waking up in the middle of a deep, vivid dream—you’d be disoriented too. Some dogs may react defensively out of fear, even snapping or growling out of confusion.

It’s best to avoid sudden, physical contact.

When It Might Be Okay to Intervene

There are exceptions. If:

• Your dog is at risk of hurting themselves

• The sleep episode is unusually intense or frequent

• They have a history of sleep-related health problems

Then waking them—gently and carefully—might be necessary.

Gentle Ways to Wake a Dog If Necessary

If you absolutely must wake your dog:

• Use your voice: Speak softly using their name or a calming phrase.

• Make a soft noise: Clap gently or tap a surface nearby.

• Avoid touching them: Touching can startle them more than sound.

Is My Dog Having a Nightmare?

What We Know About Canine Nightmares

Dogs can have nightmares. Though we can’t ask them what they dreamed about, their behavior can hint at it. Whimpering, twitching, or yelping might indicate something less-than-pleasant in their dream world.

Emotional Triggers in Dreams

Nightmares often relate to stressful events. Dogs rescued from trauma or abuse may relive scary experiences during sleep. Providing a calm environment and lots of affection during waking hours can reduce nighttime anxiety.

What To Do Instead of Waking Them

Creating a Calming Sleep Environment

Make your dog’s sleeping space a cozy retreat. You can:

• Use a supportive, soft bed

• Keep the room dark and quiet

• Play calming dog music or white noise

• Use lavender-scented sprays made for pets

Using Verbal Cues or Soothing Noises

Instead of waking them, try using a soft, familiar voice from a few feet away. Often, your dog will shift into a more restful sleep state on their own.

Signs You Should Talk to a Vet

When Sleep Barking Might Be a Health Issue

Sometimes barking in sleep may signal a deeper problem, especially if it’s new or worsening. Watch for:

• Prolonged, intense vocalizations

• Physical distress while sleeping

• Sleepwalking or aggressive behavior

Possible Sleep Disorders in Dogs

Dogs can develop conditions like REM Behavior Disorder, seizures during sleep, or anxiety-related insomnia. A vet can help with a diagnosis and treatment plan.

Expert Opinions on Waking a Dog Barking in Sleep

​When observing your dog barking during sleep, it’s natural to wonder about the best course of action. Veterinary experts provide valuable insights into this behavior.​

Dr. Sandra C. Mitchell, DVM, DABVP, explains that dogs experience sleep stages similar to humans, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, during which dreaming occurs. She notes, “The most common reason dogs bark in their sleep is simple: they’re dreaming!”

Interrupting this natural process by waking your dog can be disorienting. As highlighted by experts at Wag!, “You should not wake him up because you will not only disrupt his sleep cycle, but it could startle him.”

However, if the sleep barking is excessive or accompanied by unusual behaviors, it may indicate an underlying sleep disorder. PetMD outlines that “Signs of REM sleep disorder in dogs include violent limb movements, howling, barking, growling, chewing, or even biting while asleep.” ​PetMD

In such cases, consulting with a veterinarian is advisable to ensure your dog’s well-being.

Tips to Promote Better Sleep for Your Dog

Daily Exercise and Routine

Physical and mental stimulation during the day leads to deeper, more restful sleep. Try:

• Walks, fetch, or agility

• Food puzzles or training games

Diet and Sleep Quality

Feed your dog high-quality food with the right nutrients. Avoid feeding right before bed, and talk to your vet if you suspect allergies or digestion issues.

Comfortable Bedding and Safe Space

Give your dog a designated, safe place to rest. Avoid placing beds in high-traffic areas or near noisy appliances.

Related Behaviors During Dog Sleep

Twitching, Running, and Whining

These are normal and usually nothing to worry about. Puppies, especially, can be very active dreamers.

Sleepwalking and REM Behavior Disorder

If your dog physically gets up or walks around while asleep, or shows aggressive behaviors during sleep, it’s time to consult a vet.

Myths About Dog Dreaming and Sleep

Busting the “Never Wake a Sleeping Dog” Myth

You can wake a dog in some circumstances, but it should always be done with care. The idea that it’s always dangerous is a myth—it’s more about how you do it.

What Science Really Says

Research shows dogs experience REM sleep similar to humans. It’s widely accepted they dream and emotionally process their day through sleep.

How to Comfort a Dreaming Dog Safely

Talking Softly from a Distance

Your voice is comforting. If you notice distressing sounds, say your dog’s name softly. This is usually enough to gently bring them into a calmer state.

Letting the Dream Run Its Course

Often, it’s best to just let the dream play out. Most dogs will settle down within seconds or minutes, then continue snoozing peacefully.

How Often Is Sleep Barking Normal?

Frequency Based on Age, Activity, and Personality

Some dogs bark in their sleep nightly, others rarely. It depends on:

• Breed

• Age

• Daily activity

• Personality

Frequent barking alone isn’t a problem—unless it seems distressing or changes suddenly.

Do Dogs Dream Like Humans Do?

Similarities and Differences in Brain Activity

Yes! In sleep studies, dogs show similar brain wave patterns to humans. While we can’t know the exact content of their dreams, evidence suggests they dream about everyday events and familiar people.

Why Sleep Quality Matters for Dogs

Sleep affects your dog’s mood, energy, immune function, and behavior. A dog who doesn’t sleep well might become cranky, anxious, or even destructive. That’s why it’s so important to respect their rest.

FAQs

1. Should I wake my dog up if he is barking in his sleep?

Usually, no. Let them sleep unless they seem in distress. Use your voice instead of touch if you must intervene.

2. What does it mean if my dog barks a lot in their sleep?

It likely means they’re dreaming—either about fun activities or past experiences. If the barking seems distressed or new, consult your vet.

3. Can dogs have bad dreams or nightmares?

Yes, especially if they’ve had stressful experiences. You can help reduce nightmares by creating a calm, positive daily routine.

4. Is sleep barking more common in certain breeds?

Active, intelligent, or herding breeds like Border Collies, Labradors, and German Shepherds may have more active dream states.

5. How can I tell if my dog’s sleep barking is a health concern?

Watch for signs like aggression, trembling, confusion upon waking, or physical restlessness. If unsure, a vet visit is best.

6. Can I train my dog to sleep more quietly?

Not directly, but you can improve sleep quality through routine, exercise, a comfy bed, and reducing stressors.

Final Thoughts: Should You Wake a Dog Barking in Their Sleep?

In most cases, it’s best to let sleeping dogs lie—literally. Barking during sleep is usually a normal part of dreaming and not a cause for concern. As long as your pup seems happy and healthy during the day, those nighttime woofs are just part of being a dog.

But as always, you know your dog best. If something seems off or your gut says something’s wrong, don’t hesitate to check in—or check with your vet.