Should my dog sleep in my bed?
It's the most common rule new dog owners make when their little pup joins the family, and is also the most common rule to be broken!
Did You Know?
According to a 2024 survey by the Rover.com
78% of pet owners allow their dogs to sleep in their beds
with 47% even tucking them under the covers.
Letting your dog sleep in your bed can be cosy and comforting, but it also has a few downsides to consider. To help you decide what’s best for you and your pup, here’s a look at the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your dog.
Pros
1. Stronger Bond – Sharing your bed with your dog can make your connection even stronger. It’s a great way to build trust and make them feel like part of the family.
2. Extra Warmth and Comfort – Dogs are like little furry heaters! Having them close on a chilly night can keep you cosy, plus their presence can be very comforting and help ease stress.
3. Better Sleep (for Some) – Some people actually sleep better with their dog nearby. The rhythmic breathing and companionship can be relaxing and reassuring.
4. Added Security – Dogs are natural protectors, so having one next to you at night might make you feel safer, especially if they alert you to any strange noises.
Cons
1. Interrupted Sleep – Not all dogs are peaceful sleepers. If your pup moves around a lot, snores, or takes up too much space, you might find yourself waking up more often.
2. Mess and Allergies – Dogs bring fur and whatever they picked up outside right into your bed. If you have allergies or just like a clean sleeping space, this could be an issue.
3. Behavioral Problems – Some dogs might start thinking they’re the boss if they always get to sleep in your bed, which can lead to issues like possessiveness or trouble being left alone.
4. Training Struggles – If you’re trying to crate train or set boundaries for a new pup, letting them sleep with you too soon can make it harder for them to learn good habits.
How long do dogs sleep in a day?
Where the recommended average sleep time for humans is around 8 hours, a dog can wrack up a lot more! Puppies sleep for an average of around 11 hours a day, less at night than an adult dog but with regular naps throughout the day. An adult dog can total anywhere from 8 to 13 hours of sleep a day, sleeping for up to 80% of the hours between 8pm and 8am.
So, where should my dog sleep?
You can help your dog sleep well at night by creating a space they want to go to. We all know the importance of giving your dog heir safe space and this space can often be their bed or where they sleep. Here are a few tips to helping your dog sleep better at night.
Routine. Dogs like routine! They know that when you walk through the door from work at 6pm it’s dinner time, or when you wake up and come through to them in the morning it’s time to go outside for a morning pee. Keeping to a similar schedule each day can help your dog relax and know when it’s bedtime.
Sleeping by themselves. As we mentioned above, having your dog on your bed can result in a broken sleep for you but this is also true for your dog. If you move in your sleep or get up, it will alert your dog and they will likely wake up too. This results in a poorer quality of sleep for both of you.
Comfort. This is of course obvious; your dog wants somewhere comfy to sleep. As well as something soft and warm, they also want somewhere with familiar smells such as their regular blankets or cuddly toys.