Dreaming about dogs: what does it mean?

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Dreaming about dogs has different meanings depending on the person and the context of the dream experience. Find out the most common interpretations here.

Dreaming is a common experience. We all dream. Now, within the dream narrative, there are certain images common to all those who share a culture and a way of life. One of them is dreaming about dogs.

Interpreting the meaning of dreams is done through projection and free association of ideas. Since dreaming is an automatic process, it will be affected by the memory, emotions and personal imagination of each individual.

Therefore, When a dog appears in dreams it will have a different meaning for each person. However, as it is a common experience for the population, valid meanings can also be extracted for it. In this article you can explore these interpretations.

What happens in the brain during a dream?

A dream is a succession of mental images (and other sensations) resulting from intense brain activity during the deepest phase of sleep. It is assumed that the scenes that are experienced do not have a narrative as such, but rather are ordered and given meaning upon awakening.

To date, two well-defined phases are known: REM and nREM. Although dreams can be experienced at both times, in the first stage you are more likely to remember them after waking up.

What is the purpose of dreaming?

Little is said about the real function of dreams. Although for a long time their importance was not taken very seriously or spiritual connotations were given to them, it is now known that they serve to consolidate memories, process emotions or express repressed feelings.

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Dreaming about dogs: what does it mean?

Dogs, like any other element of reality, have a positive side and a darker side. For those who conceive of dogs as their best friends, the representation they will have in their dreams will probably be positive. For those who fear dogs or do not like them, they will take a more unpleasant form when sleeping.

Through people’s testimonies and normative life in Western culture, some ideas have been extrapolated about what it means to dream about dogs:

Dream about big dogs: Given the social nature of these animals, a large dog in a dream represents relationships with others. On the positive side, it is possible that he alludes to the feeling of being surrounded by loved ones. The other side of the coin would be the fear of losing someone or having some social conflict.Small dogs: Small dogs are often as fierce and determined as large dogs. This may be an allusion to the determination to follow a goal, even if it seems impossible with one’s own abilities.Dreaming about dogs chasing you: Dreams of persecution are quite common among the population. When the pursuer is a dog, the anguish of not being able to escape from something that is worrying in real life is mixed with the feeling of betrayal of someone close.Dreaming about dogs attacking you: This experience is directly related to cynophobia or some traumatic experience with these animals. The most subjective interpretation is that this is a representation of fear of being around someone dangerous.Puppies in dreams: The figure of a baby, whatever its species, is always associated with ideas about innocence and care. It may be a reflection of your protective instincts or a representation of helplessness in childhood, depending on the context of the dream.Dreaming about a pack: It may have to do with feeling surrounded and threatened or with being in a cohesive group. It depends on the feelings that the person harbors towards dogs.Dreaming about big dogs: If the dog is large and calm, it can mean a cornerstone where you can feel safe in the midst of chaos. If the dog is aggressive, he has to do with a perceived threat.A guide dog appears in your dreams: Someone in your life acts as a counselor and person to lean on to develop you.You are the dog: It can be a way to explore new perspectives in your life or simply curiosity.Dreaming about dogs barking: Barking, growling and other threatening sounds can represent the annoyance of a person you know or problems that you avoid but resonate in your head.

Dreaming about dogs has very abstract and subjective meanings, and sometimes it has no concrete explanation. Therefore, the interpretation that you yourself give to these experiences is very important, taking into account the context in which you operate.

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