Sleeping with pets, especially dogs, is a common practice for many pet owners. The idea of snuggling up with your furry friend might sound appealing, but it also comes with a set of considerations. When deciding where your dog should sleep, the answer can vary greatly depending on your dog’s age, your personal preferences, and the dynamics of your household. Whether it’s in your bed, on a bed beside you, or in a crate, each option has its pros and cons. Let’s explore expert advice for where your dog should sleep, whether they’re a puppy, adolescent, or senior.
It’s said that if you lie down with dogs, you might wake up to chewed bedding, household items, and a chaotic version of Animal House, especially if your dog is a puppy or adolescent. Senior dogs, just like senior people, face their own sleep challenges. And, of course, your own sleep (and allergy) concerns need consideration.
Should My Puppy Sleep in Bed with Me?
When we brought Bailey and Tessa home from the shelter, my husband and I agreed that the puppies would sleep on dog beds on the floor beside the bed. Our bed, which had been adequate for two decades of marriage, gave us enough space between the two of us and our two cats who joined us intermittently throughout the night. The dogs would do best on the floor of the bedroom on their own beds.
We just forgot to share that plan with Bailey and Tessa.
Night after night, moving in slow motion, Bailey began to maneuver her way into our bed until we finally gave in. As Bailey grew from the puppy stage, the fit was so tight that we decided, eventually, to move up to a king-sized bed to give us room to turn over at night. At least, we thought, Tessa had decided to stay in her own dog bed. No, Tessa was just waiting for the king-sized bed to arrive so she had a little elbow room. When we adopted Bailey, he immediately decided that he needed to sleep with us. He has slept in our bed every night since his adoption. Even during his puppy period, he was a perfect gentleman, curling up beside us and sleeping through the night.
Today, we sleep with our dogs like jigsaw puzzle pieces in our king-sized bed. We are happy about our co-sleeping arrangement; the dogs settle in quite nicely and usually don’t wake us.
In return, they bring a sense of peace and security to the bed and the knowledge that, if there’s anything that needs to concern us going on in or around our home, they’ll awaken us. Although our dogs take up a good portion of the bed, we feel that the trade off is well worth it.
Why You May NOT Want to Sleep with Your Puppy
As much as we love to sleep with our dogs—as do many other dog lovers—you may not want to sleep with your puppy, and there are many good reasons to support this decision. What you begin in puppyhood will, without considerable work, continue in the years to come after your snuggly puppy grows to his full size.
A Personal Story: Sleeping with Willow
My first dog Willow, a lovable Golden Retriever, was my steadfast companion for years. When I first adopted her, I decided to let her sleep in my bed to help her adjust to her new home. The first night was magical – Willow snuggled up next to me, and her gentle breathing and warmth made me feel an incredible sense of peace and comfort.
However, as Willow grew, so did the challenges. She became quite the bed hog, sprawling out and leaving me clinging to the edge. There were nights when her dream-induced twitching would wake me up, and mornings when I found dog hair covering my pillows. Despite these challenges, the bond we developed by sharing those nights was irreplaceable. Willow’s presence offered me emotional support during tough times, and her watchful nature gave me a sense of security.
While co-sleeping with dogs is beloved by many, there are good reasons to reconsider this, especially with puppies:
- Long-Term Habits:
- What starts in puppyhood is likely to continue as your dog grows. Medium, large, and giant breeds can take up significant space, which can become problematic if you have multiple dogs.
- Disrupted Sleep:
- According to a Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center study, 53% of pet owners experience sleep disruptions due to their pets. Dogs might snore, bark, scratch, or circle before settling down, all of which can disturb your sleep.
- Health Concerns:
- Minor health issues such as parasites can become a concern. Although flea preventatives are effective, there’s always the risk of a stray flea or tick. For those with chronic or serious medical conditions, sleeping with a pet may not be advisable.
- Training and Authority:
- Some trainers believe that allowing a dog to sleep at the same height as people might lead to behavioral issues. Establishing a hierarchy where the dog knows their place can be important for discipline.
The Crate Option for Puppies
Many pet parents find that a crate is the best sleeping arrangement for puppies, especially during their teething and rambunctious phases. A crate can prevent a puppy from chewing on dangerous items and causing nighttime havoc. Crates also provide a sense of security and can help with house training, as puppies usually avoid soiling their sleeping area.
Where Should Your Adolescent Dog Sleep?
Adolescent dogs, like human teenagers, are eager to explore, often at inconvenient times. Our own Tessa used to chew through Bailey’s collars at night until we started removing them. During this phase, dogs might engage in destructive behaviors like dragging pillows off beds or chewing electrical cords. Crates or exercise pens can offer a safe space during this period of development, lasting from about 8 to 18 months depending on the breed.
Where Should Your Senior Dog Sleep?
Senior dogs, much like elderly humans, may experience sleep disruptions due to arthritis, increased urination, or changing sleep patterns. Bailey, who underwent surgery, struggled to get comfortable in bed, so we made accommodations by moving her bed closer to us. For senior dogs, the height of your bed becomes increasingly important. Many pet parents use steps or ramps to ensure their older dogs can access the bed safely.
Orthopedic beds designed for senior dogs, with features like memory foam and cooling gels, can also provide comfort. For dogs with incontinence issues, these beds often come with waterproof liners and washable covers.
Conclusion
Deciding where your dog should sleep is a personal choice influenced by your dog’s age, behavior, and your own needs. Whether you opt for co-sleeping, a dog bed beside you, or a crate, the goal is to ensure both you and your dog get a restful night’s sleep. Our experience with Bailey and Tessa has shown us that while co-sleeping has its challenges, the sense of comfort and security makes it worth it.
