Dogs sleeping with their owners is a common occurrence and a sign of the bond between human and canine. There are many factors that influence where a dog chooses to sleep, including pack hierarchy dynamics. As social animals, dogs have complex social structures and sleeping arrangements can reflect their perceived place within a family pack. The question of whether dogs specifically sleep with the “alpha” human in a household is an interesting one to explore.
Do dogs recognize an “alpha” human?
In order to determine if dogs sleep with an alpha human, we first have to establish if dogs even recognize an alpha among their human family members. Many experts believe dogs do understand social hierarchies and can identify leaders in their human packs. This is likely an extension of the pack mentality dogs inherited from their wolf ancestors.
In the wild, wolf packs have a clear alpha pair who lead the pack and oversee group activities. The alpha wolves enforce rules and discipline within the pack. Lower-ranking wolves show submission towards the alpha pair. While domestic dogs no longer live in structured packs, they seem to transfer notions of rank and authority to their human families.
Studies show dogs follow cues from humans they perceive as higher ranking. Dogs are more obedient when commands come from the person who feeds, walks, or plays with them the most. This person becomes the dog’s trusted leader. Dogs also appear attuned to which family members have authority over others. For example, dogs may obey parents over children.
Signs a dog sees a human as the “alpha”
There are some telltale signs a dog considers a particular human to be the alpha:
- Obeys commands: The dog follows the human’s orders reliably.
- Seeks attention: The dog constantly looks to the human for praise and petting.
- Troublesome around others: The dog is better behaved around the alpha but more unruly around subordinate humans.
- Guards possessions: The dog shows resource guarding behaviors like growling when others approach the alpha human.
- Sleeps nearby: The dog insists on sleeping in close proximity to the perceived alpha.
So dogs do seem capable of recognizing authority figures within their human families. The next question is whether this translates to sleeping arrangements.
Where do dogs choose to sleep?
Left to their own devices, dogs make calculated choices about where they sleep:
- With the pack: As social creatures, dogs prefer sleeping with or near other members of their pack, whether canine or human.
- In a safe space: Dogs want to sleep somewhere they feel secure. This may be a dog bed in a low traffic area or bedroom.
- Close to exits: Dogs like having quick access to go outside, so will often sleep near doors.
- Elevated surfaces: Sleeping on higher surfaces allows dogs to survey their surroundings and watch for threats.
- In social spaces: Dogs want to be where the action is. They will sleep in family rooms or other areas the pack frequents.
Based on these preferences, dogs may strategically choose where to sleep in relation to their alpha human.
Do dogs sleep with the alpha human?
Now we can answer the original question – do dogs sleep with the alpha human in their family? The evidence suggests that many dogs do prefer to sleep in close proximity to whoever they perceive as the alpha. Here are some reasons why:
- Guard the leader: The alpha human is an important pack member for dogs to protect. Sleeping nearby allows them to keep watch.
- Stay close to resources: The leader controls resources like food. Sleeping with them grants first access.
- Enjoy hierarchy: Subordinate pack members take comfort in being near the alpha. It provides a sense of security and order.
- Receive affection: The alpha is likely to provide frequent petting and attention at night.
- Gain privileges: The alpha may allow behaviors like sleeping on the bed.
Dogs may show preference for sleeping in the alpha human’s bedroom or even on the bed with them. However, this close bonding at night doesn’t necessarily extend to all dogs:
- Older dogs may prefer sleeping undisturbed in their own space.
- Anxious dogs want enclosed, private areas to sleep.
- Independent breeds like Huskies are less inclined to sleep with others.
- The hierarchy may be situational. Dogs may bond closely with different family members at night vs. the day.
Signs your dog sees you as the alpha
How do you know if your dog perceives you as the alpha? Here are some indicators:
- Your dog obeys your commands consistently.
- Your dog becomes anxious when you are away and excited when you return.
- Your dog follows you from room to room and wants to be near you.
- Your dog sleeps on your bed or wants to be in your bedroom.
- Your dog guards objects you’ve touched or growls when others approach.
- Your dog only eats when you are present.
Your dog pushes other family members away from you.
If your dog displays many of these behaviors, they likely see you as the leader of their pack.
Encouraging your position as alpha
While dogs choose their own alphas, you can reinforce your authority through certain actions:
- Control resources: Have dog wait for your permission before getting food, treats, or toys. Dog should work for everything.
- Lead on walks: Dog should walk behind you or by your side, not pull ahead or lag behind.
- Eat first: Feed yourself before feeding your dog to mimic wolf pack hierarchies.
- Ignore disobedience: Refuse to follow or reward your dog if they don’t obey a command.
- Respond to misbehavior: Use firm verbal interruptions or timeouts to discourage unwanted behaviors.
- Petting control: Only pet your dog when they are in a calm-submissive state.
Conclusion
The research suggests that dogs do recognize alpha humans within their families and many prefer to sleep near that leader for comfort and security. However, dogs have complex motivations when selecting sleep spots. While wanting to be near the alpha is one factor, considerations like safety, privacy, location, and health also influence where a dog chooses to settle in for the night. The alpha human is special to the dog, but they don’t necessarily override other needs. So a dog may sometimes elect to sleep alone or in another room, away from even the highest ranking member of their human pack.