"Let sleeping dogs lie," as the old saying goes.
Dog charity Dogs Trust Ireland has expressed concern that due to increase human presence in the home due to Covid-19 lockdown restrictions, dogs may not be getting enough "undisturbed rest."
In particular, Dogs Trust Ireland noted that 39% of all dog-owners in Ireland also have young children in the house, and that parents must explain to children that dogs require their own space, and time to rest.
Dawn Kavanagh, Education and Community Manager, Dogs Trust Ireland explains: "We’ve all heard the adage ‘let sleeping dogs lie’, and it’s one we should really pay heed to. Just like people, dogs need their own space too, so we are asking parents to explain to children that they shouldn’t approach a dog if he or she is in their bed, even if they’re not sleeping.
"Often a dog’s bed is the only place in the home that truly belongs to them so they should be able to take themselves off there to rest peacefully without being disturbed."
Typically, a dog should sleep somewhere between 12-14 hours per day, although that number can be higher for puppies.
Kavanagh further noted that dogs do not understand the concept of hugging, and that a "gentle rub is much more pleasant."
