Most of us have sleep-talked at some point in our lives. We’ve mumbled nonsense, revealed our subconscious fears, or even yelled at someone in a dream. It’s weird, funny, and often quite embarrassing. However, humans aren’t the only ones with something to say while snoozing. A now-viral video is giving us a peek into the sleeping mind of one particularly expressive Golden Retriever puppy, and it might just be more entertaining than anything currently on television.
Owner captures Golden Retriever puppy letting out little barks while dreaming
Shadow, a young Golden Retriever puppy, recently gave his owner a heartwarming moment while he was napping that they caught on video. In a short clip shared on Instagram, the pup can be seen fast asleep, completely relaxed. But suddenly, he starts letting out tiny, soft barks.
It’s not loud or frantic, just a few gentle “boofs” that seem to come from deep within dreamland. According to his owner, Shadow doesn’t normally bark when he is awake. The tiny woofs only happen when he’s dreaming, which makes the moment even more unique and precious.
Many viewers recognized the behavior from their own pets. One person commented, “Mine does the same too! I always caress him very slowly so he feels safe and protected.” Another wrote, “It’s dreaming chasing squirrels LOL,” imagining what kind of adventure Shadow might be having in his sleep. One more simply said, “Aww, wake up little dude,” summing up the sweetness of the moment.
Dream barking is common in both puppies and adult dogs. It typically happens during REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, when their brains are most active. Experts believe canines, like humans, relive experiences or play out imagined ones during this phase.
If your pup starts barking or twitching in their sleep, resist the urge to wake them up. Instead, stay close or softly say their name if they seem anxious. Knowing you’re nearby may be all the reassurance they need. That said, if your dog frequently appears distressed during sleep, it may be worth consulting a vet to rule out any underlying issues.
