Many dog owners love having their furry friends sleep in bed with them. There’s something comforting about feeling a dog’s warmth and having them close by at night. But do dogs actually like sleeping in bed with their humans, or do they just tolerate it to make us happy? Here’s a look at the evidence on both sides of the debate about whether dogs enjoy co-sleeping with their owners.
Reasons Dogs May Like Sleeping in Bed with Humans
Pack Bonding
Dogs are pack animals, meaning they have an innate desire to bond with their family or “pack.” Sleeping together at night is one way dogs strengthen their pack bond. From an evolutionary perspective, sleeping together provided safety, warmth, and companionship for both wild dogs and their human ancestors. This instinct may still draw domesticated dogs to sleep near their owners at night.
Comfort and Security
Being close to their person at night can give dogs a sense of comfort and security. The presence of their trusted human nearby helps anxious or fearful dogs relax and get the rest they need. Dogs who have separation anxiety may especially appreciate the nighttime proximity and not having to be apart from their owner.
Warmth and Physical Contact
Dogs are drawn to warmth and touch just like humans are. Sleeping tucked up next to or touching their human is satisfying to a dog’s needs for physical contact and sharing body heat. This closeness and gentle touch at night can have calming benefits for dogs.
Attention and Affection
While in bed with their person, dogs often get petted, stroked, kissed, hugged, and told “I love you.” They receive positive attention and affection that may not always happen during busy daytime hours. Dogs enjoy and seek out this kind of quality time and interaction with their favorite people.
Reasons Dogs May Dislike Sleeping in Bed with Humans
Disrupted Sleep
Some dogs may sleep better and get more uninterrupted rest when they have their own sleeping space. Human movement or snoring can disturb a dog’s sleep. Dogs also seem to enter deeper sleep stages more easily when they can sprawl out comfortably away from others.
Overheating
Dogs have a higher normal body temperature than humans. Sharing a bed with a human can make dogs too warm and prevent restful sleep. Large or long-coated breeds may be especially prone to overheating at night.
Lack of Personal Space
While pack bonding is important to dogs, so is having their own space. Some dogs prefer spreading out rather than being crowded next to or touched by a human all night. Having personal space provides dogs a sense of independence and security.
Preference for Their Own Bed
Many dogs love their crate or dog bed and seem most relaxed and content when sleeping there. Their own bed has familiar smells and gives dogs a sense of ownership and belonging. It also offers support for arthritic or elderly dogs.
Signs Your Dog Likes Sleeping With You
How can you tell if your furry friend actually enjoys hitting the sheets with you? Here are some clues:
They Initiate Coming to Bed
If your dog voluntarily hops up onto the bed and snuggles in when you get under the covers, that’s a clear sign they want to be there. They are choosing closeness with you over sleeping alone.
They Settle in and Relax
When your dog lets out a big sigh and seems peaceful and content once in bed with you, that indicates they are comfortable and happy to be sleeping by your side. Their body language is loose and relaxed vs. tense.
They Sleep Touching You
Dogs who sleep pressed up right against you or even on top of your feet are demonstrating they want that close contact through the night. Touch builds a sense of security and bonding.
They Greet You in the Morning
If your dog wakes you up licking your face or snuggling in the morning, it’s a sign they are glad to have spent the night together. They want to reconnect first thing.
They Resist Leaving the Bed
A dog who refuses to get off the bed in the morning or growls when you try to move them would rather stay snuggled up than face the day. Clear evidence they like being in your bed!
Signs Your Dog Dislikes Sleeping With You
Of course, not all dogs enjoy sharing your sleeping space. Here are some hints that co-sleeping makes your dog uncomfortable:
Reluctance Coming to Bed
A dog who needs to be picked up and put on the bed or seems hesitant about getting into bed would rather be somewhere else at night. Let them have their own sleeping space.
Restlessness
Fidgeting, changing positions frequently, and difficulty settling in could all be signs your dog is distressed rather than relaxed about sharing your bed. Their quality of sleep suffers.
Avoiding Touch
If your dog jumps off the bed or moves away each time you try to pet them, hold them close, or put your feet against them, they are showing they want personal space.
Leaving the Bed
When a dog chooses to jump down and sleep on the floor or leave the bedroom entirely to sleep elsewhere, take the hint – they prefer sleeping alone!
Seeking Their Own Bed
A dog who heads for their crate or dog bed at night is voting for their own sleeping space over yours. Let them enjoy their own bed.
Tips for Co-Sleeping with Your Dog
If your dog seems to enjoy sleeping with you, here are some tips for making bed-sharing pleasant for both of you:
Give Them Their Own Space
Get your dog their own dog bed to put on the floor next to your bed. This gives them an alternative space to spread out and sleep if they get too warm or crowded.
Avoid Unintentionally Hurting Them
Be careful not to roll over onto small dogs or kick large dogs hard in your sleep. Try not to disrupt their sleep with too much tossing and turning.
Manage Excessive Dog Hair
Use covers to protect your bedding from a dog who sheds a lot. Wash linens frequently to stay on top of loose fur. Bathe heavy shedders and brush them before bedtime.
Watch for Signs of Discomfort
If your dog seems distressed or unable to settle, acknowledge they may not enjoy sharing a bed. Make sure they have a comfortable alternative sleeping space.
Give Them Their Own blanket
Lay a dog blanket or small rug that smells like them over your bed, so they have a familiar scent close by. This can help them feel more secure and relaxed.
The Verdict on Dogs and Co-Sleeping
At the end of the day, every dog has unique preferences about sleeping arrangements. Some love hopping into bed with their favorite humans, while others would strongly prefer having their own doggy space. Pay attention to your individual dog’s behavior in order to determine if bed-sharing makes them happy and relaxed or stressed and uncomfortable. Being sensitive to your dog’s needs will ensure they (and you!) get a good night’s sleep.
Conclusion
Dogs’ opinions about sleeping in bed with their owners vary greatly by individual personality and preferences. There are good reasons some dogs love co-sleeping, like pack bonding, comfort, and affection. And there are also understandable reasons some dogs dislike it, like disrupted rest, lack of personal space, or getting overheated. Pet owners should observe their dog’s behavior at nighttime to determine if bed-sharing is mutually enjoyable or if their furry friend would be happier having their own sleeping space. With some dogs, inviting them into the bed clearly delights them. For other canines, giving them their own bed is the way to help them rest best. Accommodating your dog’s unique needs and desires when it comes to sleep arrangements demonstrates your love and understanding of them.