When a puppy chooses to curl up and sleep on or next to their owner, it is a clear sign that they feel safe, secure, and comfortable in that person’s presence. This behavior indicates that a strong bond of trust and affection has formed between puppy and owner. While puppies may initially sleep on or near their littermates for warmth and security, once separated from their mother and siblings, they will seek to recreate that companionship. If a puppy voluntarily chooses to nap on your lap or snuggle up next to you at night, it shows they consider you family and have confidence you will protect them while they are at their most vulnerable.
Why Do Puppies Sleep On Their Owners?
There are several key reasons why puppies love to sleep on their owners:
Warmth
Puppies need extra warmth while they sleep, as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature effectively until around 12 weeks old. Sleeping on or touching a human owner gives them access to your body heat, keeping them cozy and comfortable while napping.
Security
The presence of their owner helps puppies feel safe and secure as they sleep. Being close to your scent and hearing your breathing and heartbeat is reassuring to a puppy when they are resting.
Bonding
Sleeping together strengthens the bond between a puppy and its owner through close physical contact and intimacy. This bonding time helps build trust and affection.
Comfort
Your pup finds sleeping on you comforting both physically and emotionally. The contact and cuddles make them feel cared for.
Signs Your Puppy Trusts You
If your pup chooses to sleep on you, they are displaying definite signs they see you as their trusted guardian. Other indicators your puppy trusts and feels safe with you include:
Relaxed body language
A puppy who trusts you will look relaxed in your presence, with a loose wagging tail, floppy ears, and sometimes rolled onto their back with their belly exposed.
Cuddling up
Puppies who snuggle up next to you or lean into your touch are saying “I trust you and enjoy this affection.”
Playful behavior
Play bowing, running around happily, and initiating play with toys shows your pup feels comfortable being vulnerable and letting their guard down to have fun.
Gazing at you
When your puppy looks to you for reassurance or direction, it conveys they see you as a trusted leader.
Licking
Frequent licking of your face or hands is a sign of puppy love and acceptance.
Staying close
Puppies who follow you around and want to stay close show they feel safest and most secure in your presence.
Do All Puppies Sleep on Their Owners?
While most puppies do choose to sleep touching or very close to one or more family members, there can be exceptions. Some situations where a puppy may not sleep on their owner include:
Medical issues
Certain health conditions like canine arthritis or back pain may prevent a puppy from comfortably sleeping directly on a person. They may need to sleep in a special bed.
Independence
Some puppies are more aloof or independent and prefer sleeping alone in their own space. But they will still typically stay close by for security.
Anxiety
Highly anxious puppies may struggle to sleep anywhere but in a comfortable confined crate or corner that feels safe. But this usually resolves with time, patience and training.
Insufficient bonding
If a puppy has not had enough positive contact and quality time with their owner, they may be reluctant to sleep on them initially. More play, walks, cuddles and care can help build the bond.
Trauma
Puppy mill rescues or abused pups may be fearful of sleeping on humans due to negative prior experiences. But they can overcome this with the patient help of a caring owner.
Tips For Helping Your Puppy Sleep On You
If your puppy is timid or reluctant to sleep on you, there are some things you can do to help them feel more safe and comfortable:
Let them go at their own pace
Never force physical contact before your puppy is ready. Let them take their time warming up to sleeping on you.
Make it positive
Pair sleeping on you with treats, praise, and quality one-on-one play so your pup associates it with good things.
Give them their own space
Provide a comfortable dog bed or open crate where your puppy can retreat to if desired. Having a safe space boosts their confidence.
Get down on their level
Sit or lie on the floor near your puppy’s bed and let them come to you once relaxed. Being higher up can be intimidating.
Keep it calm
Avoid overly energetic play or loud noises before bedtime. Soothing pets, lullabies and a peaceful environment say “time for sleep”.
Be patient
Some puppies take weeks or months to feel secure sleeping on owners. Let the bonding process happen gradually without pressure.
Are There Risks With Puppies Sleeping on People?
While sleeping on their owners is generally very beneficial for puppies, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind:
Falling
Puppies should not be allowed to sleep in adult beds, as they can fall off and get injured. Use a floor mattress or dog bed instead.
Overheating
Make sure your puppy does not get too warm while sleeping on you. They cannot cool themselves well yet.
Accidental injury
Take care not to roll over onto small puppies in your sleep. Supervise them or use a pet bed when napping together.
Interruptions to sleep training
Letting puppies sleep in your bed can interfere with crate training efforts. Stick to a consistent sleeping routine.
Becoming overdependent
While bonding is good, puppies should not become so clingy they cannot self-soothe. Practice brief alone times.
Exposure to parasites
Unvaccinated puppies are at risk of fleas, ticks or mites from sleeping on owners. Keep up with preventatives.
Risk | Prevention |
---|---|
Falling | Use floor beds |
Overheating | Avoid too much contact |
Accidental injury | Supervise closely |
Sleep training interference | Stick to a routine |
Overdependence | Practice alone time |
Parasite exposure | Keep up with preventatives |
The Importance of Bonding Through Sleep
While some basic precautions should be taken, it is very beneficial to allow and encourage puppies to sleep on or near you. This sleeping contact facilitates extremely important bonding, trust, and attachment between puppy and owner. Some of the key benefits include:
Feeling safe
Your presence helps your puppy feel protected and reassured as they sleep. This builds their confidence.
Strengthening attachment
Your puppy bonds more deeply with you through the intimacy of sleeping together and release of oxytocin.
Reducing separation anxiety
Puppies who co-sleep go on to better handle being left alone, with less anxiety or distress.
Accelerated training
A puppy who trusts you is more responsive to commands and eager to please their owner during training sessions.
Socialization
Sleeping together gets your puppy comfortable with human touch, sounds, and handling from an early age.
Better behavior
Puppies who form a strong attachment are less likely to develop problem behaviors rooted in fear or insecurity.
So make the most of this special window where your puppy craves constant closeness and contact. Snuggle up and enjoy all the benefits of bonding while you can! Before you know it, your independent adult dog will prefer snoozing on their own doggie bed.
Sleeping Positions and What They Mean
Research has shown puppies (and dogs) tend to sleep in certain positions depending on how comfortable and relaxed they feel. Here is what your puppy’s sleep position can tell you:
Curled up
Puppies who sleep curled up in a ball feel calm and safe. It’s the classic puppy sleeping pose.
On their side
Lying on their side indicates your pup is extremely comfortable and trusting of you.
On their back
Rolling over onto their back with belly exposed means your puppy feels totally at ease and happy.
Sitting up
Sitting up while sleeping shows your pup may be a little unsure and wants to stay alert.
Pressed against you
A puppy who presses up against you values the security of bodily contact.
In hiding
Pups who hide under furniture are trying to feel safe by being in an enclosed space.
Position | Meaning |
---|---|
Curled up | Calm and safe |
On side | Extremely comfortable |
On back | At ease and happy |
Sitting up | Staying alert |
Pressed against you | Values contact and security |
In hiding | Seeking safety of enclosure |
So pay attention to the position your puppy adopts to sleep – it conveys a lot about how they are feeling!
Conclusion
When your puppy seeks physical closeness and contact by sleeping on or next to you, it is a sure sign they feel safe and secure in your care. Allowing co-sleeping with some basic precautions establishes vital bonding, trust, and attachment between a puppy and their human family. While the snuggly puppy stage does not last long, make the most of this special time by letting your pup nap on you. Your dog will go on to become a loyal best friend for life if you nurture a strong foundation of trust and affection from the start. So cherish the moments your puppy wants to use you as their own personal mattress – they grow up all too fast!