Main reasons
If we think from a dog’s point of view, it’s hard to think of a better place to sleep than on his beloved owner. This behavior is dictated by instincts. Dogs are pack animals, and when settling down for the night, from time immemorial they preferred to stay as close to each other as possible. It's warmer and safer.
Having become domesticated, some did not abandon their wild habits. They may be forced to sleep on their owner by the cold or a feeling of insecurity. Observations have shown that the dog more actively seeks the company of its owner if some “irritant” appears in the house: a child, noisy guests or a new pet.
The company of the owner calms the dog. She feels especially good when she not only warms up and is under his protection, but also hears the beating of his heart. Moreover, once on a person, she seems to return to the time when she was a puppy, and people often took her in their arms to caress, calm and protect her.
It is also believed that dogs are a kind of “doctors”. They can not only diagnose the disease at an early stage, but also begin to “treat” it, acting like a biological heating pad. Therefore, if a pet obsessively lies down in the area of the liver, stomach, or climbs directly to the head, this is a reason to go to the doctor.
Why shouldn't you sleep with your dog?
Potential sleep problems
When sleeping with your dog, you should think about your four-legged friend's nighttime movements. These animals have completely different sleep cycles than humans. They are known to wake up every few hours, and even if they don't get out of bed, they can disrupt your sleep.
This is definitely something that can lead to fatigue and insufficient sleep if it happens every night. Finding the perfect balance is difficult, and some people simply don't think it's worth the overall effort it takes.
Allergies and asthma
You may not be allergic to your canine counterpart, but keep in mind that every dog carries allergens. It's not their fault - it's just nature's way. Every time your canine friend goes outside to pee or you take him for his daily walk, he will be widely exposed to a number of different allergens, including dust, pollen and so on.
Allergens collect on fur and paws, and no matter how well you clean them afterwards, you're unlikely to get rid of them all. They may also worsen some existing allergic reactions.
Less personal time
If your dog is used to sleeping with you, it's quite difficult to find some alone time with your partner, isn't it? If you're looking to enjoy a nice night between the two of you and you close the door, prepare for some howling, scratching and barking - your dog needs his sleeping spot and you're currently in denial.
This is something that can be overlooked the first few times, but it definitely becomes annoying if it happens every night when you want to be alone with your partner.
As you can see, this is primarily a matter of personal preference and health status. If you have no problem allowing your dog to sleep on your bed with you, there may be some benefits to doing so.
On the other hand, if you know that you have certain health conditions and you don't want to aggravate them, it would be better not to go down this route. Always discuss this issue with your partner as it is something that can affect your life.
Experienced dog breeders know how important it is to start training a pet from a very young age. A puppy is more receptive to training and is easier to motivate to behave correctly than an adult. If you miss this favorable moment, besides allowing your pet too much, then in the future this is fraught with food stolen from the table or traces of dirty paws on the white sheets. This article will discuss how to wean a dog from sleeping on a bed.
This behavior is due to the fact that the ancestors of domestic pets are wolves. These animals, in the wild, huddle together and cuddle together while they sleep. This habit helps them conserve heat and feel more protected. The dog instinctively repeats the behavior of a wolf at home, since its owner is its pack that needs to be protected.
On the other hand, many animal psychologists note that in dog psychology, sleeping on a hill is the privilege of leaders. Therefore, if a pet likes to climb onto the bed, then this may be a sign that he is striving to take a leading position in the “pack”. Such behavior, if left unpunished, can lead to the dog becoming uncontrollable.
There are also quite prosaic reasons why a pet tries to climb onto the bed:
- An animal may jump on the sofa because the owner is paying too little attention to it.
- Due to the desire to keep warm, which is quite common if the dog is a small or hairless breed.
- An animal may like to sleep on the sofa because there are children or strangers in the house. If the children are very small, then this relieves the dog of worrying about them, and if they are strangers, then there is a better view from a higher place, which means the “stranger” will not sneak up unnoticed.
- One of the reasons why your pet is more willing to sleep on a bed may be fear or a feeling of insecurity.
In any case, whether to allow a shaggy friend to sleep on the sofa or not is the owner’s decision. If this causes him inconvenience, then further recommendations will help him understand how to wean the dog from his owner’s bed.
Sleeping nearby: pros and cons
Not all owners are happy when their pet climbs into their arms. However, this situation has a number of advantages:
- Sleeping together is really warmer.
- The presence of a dog in bed has a calming effect not only on the dog itself, but also on the owner: it takes up a place that for some reason was vacant. People are paired animals, and sleeping next to someone is natural for them.
- Dog handlers describe cases where a dog, sitting on its owner at night, actually helped cure even the most difficult diseases.
Of course, there are also disadvantages:
The best advice that can be given to new dog owners is that the dog does not need to be trained to climb onto the owner's bed at all. If the moment is missed, then you should be patient. It is difficult to wean an adult dog from “handling” without harming it.
To do this, first of all, arrange a comfortable bed for her and practice the “place” command. Next, you will need to persistently, but gently send the pet there every time it tries to get to the owner. If the command is executed, you need to come up and praise the dog so that he does not feel expelled.
It is better to close the bedroom at night. Of course, the dog will be sad and perhaps whine at the door. In this case, you need to gently but persistently send her back to her place. In a few days she will have to accept this rule.
According to statistics, most dog breeders allow their pets to sleep in close proximity, believing that this makes the pet feel better. There is some truth in this. But sleeping separately will not cause much harm if you approach this issue wisely. So the choice is up to the owner.
Dogs are man's best friends and the most popular pets that live side by side with people. However, different owners have different views on what is permissible for their pets... Some four-legged animals are allowed to stay exclusively in the local area, others - in the home. But there is another category - dogs that are allowed to rest on their master's bed, even when it is occupied by its rightful owner. Almost any dog will be happy to relax in such conditions, but why do dogs like to sleep with their owner, and why does a person agree to this?
The owner's bed attracts the attention of almost any four-legged animal, including dogs. But not everyone is allowed such liberties. Most dog owners do not welcome their dog lying on sofas, chairs or beds. The latter usually falls on the list of the most forbidden taboos.
However, some owners do not take into account the rules of training, break the established structure of the relationship between a person and a dog - leader-subordinate, and boldly let their pet into the holy of holies. By the way, it is enough to allow a little toddler to spend the night in the bedroom once; it will be very, very difficult to kick him out of such a convenient place, even if the person manages to reconsider his views.
If human weakness is quite understandable, then what motivates a pet that wants to sleep next to its owner? Of course, the “dog soul,” like the human soul, is in the dark, but you can imagine what pets are guided by when trying to get into the bedroom.
Individual characteristics
It's hard to imagine a serious watchdog in his owner's bed. This is a working dog who is used to working 24 hours a day and without work begins to waste away. Will he be able to guard the yard while in his home? And besides, he is accustomed to outdoor conditions and in the house he will be cramped and hot.
Another thing is a representative of a decorative breed who spends most of the time in the owner’s arms? Will he want to say goodbye to them for a long night? Hardly…
The owner taught
If a puppy, from the first days of his arrival in the house, rests on the owner’s bed, as an adult, he will continue to do this, as he is used to it. Therefore, by feeling sorry for a 2-kilogram St. Bernard or Great Dane baby, the owner is doing himself a “disservice” - subsequently he will have to share the bed with a 100-kilogram “baby” that occupies the lion’s share of the space.
We cling to each other...
In winter or in the off-season, during heating outages, such a shaggy or smooth-haired, but very warm friend can act as a heater. And sometimes, on the contrary, animals want to warm up. Usually, freezing dogs are hairless or tiny dogs that will huddle close to a person and hide under a blanket. This behavior is quite understandable and is associated with the physiological characteristics of animals.
Dogs appreciate comfort too
These pets are very smart and sometimes cunning. They immediately notice the difference between a human bed and their own lounger, choosing the first option as the most comfortable. Of course, sometimes animals have a hard time on the bed, especially in hot weather, but some of them tolerate all the “inconveniences”. Others temporarily go under the bed.
In this case, the owner should evaluate the quality of the four-legged companion’s lounger. Perhaps the dog has outgrown it and does not fit on the mattress. Or he likes to periodically be away from human eyes, prefers to sleep under a blanket, which is impossible with an ordinary lounger. It is worth thinking about a house for your pet - if we are talking about a small pet or a personal blanket.
The smell is so inviting
As you know, dogs left alone get bored and sometimes experience overly strong emotions. The pet manages to reduce anxiety when it climbs onto its owner’s bed, catching its scent remaining on the pillow.
Lack of attention
All dogs are different - for some, it is enough to receive a portion of affection from the owner a couple of times a day to satisfy their own needs. But this applies more to street dogs. For the rest, this is not enough, especially if the owner works around the clock or is often on the road.
When there is a lack of time, a person has less contact with his four-legged friend, and he tries to compensate for this by falling asleep at the feet of his adored owner. This behavior is akin to passive pressure - the dog achieves what it wants without intrusiveness or aggression, including sneaking into the owner’s bed.
A situation like this requires a delicate approach. During any attempts to drive him out, the dog will caress you, offer his paw, trying to look pitifully into his eyes. And if you show rudeness, the dog will accumulate anger, which sooner or later will make the dog disobedient and uncontrollable.
How to solve the problem is determined by the person himself, but if, due to a good reason, it is not possible to pay due attention to his four-legged friend, then it is worth giving in a little. For example, if the owner does not want to share a bed with a pet, you can lay out a rug in your own bedroom or allow it to sleep in a chair by the bed.
Loneliness with family
Often, pets do not have enough interpersonal contact with the owner and other family members, even if everyone is at home. When everyone in the household is busy, the dog may experience stress, which can develop into severe depression. This is very harmful to the animal’s psyche and can affect not only the emotional state, but also the physical health of the pet.
It can be very, very difficult for a dog, who is part of it, to find himself “on the margins” of a family’s life, and a closed bedroom door can aggravate this situation. Don't have an extra minute for your pet? You can expand the scope and let him into the bedroom, at least on the rug; the dog will definitely appreciate such a gesture. But it’s better to take time to communicate with him.
A person should be more attentive to the behavior of a pet, since a dog can attract his attention in various ways, including those that are not always acceptable. A dog can perceive even punishment as a positive phenomenon, because in this case the person is in contact with the four-legged animal. This can happen if the dog is intimidated and does not know that there is any other way to communicate with people. And also during severe depression.
The dog is looking for protection
With a properly established relationship, the dog will idolize the owner, considering him the leader, the leader of the pack, that is, the family. And, naturally, experiencing fear, she will seek protection from a person, believing that there is no one braver, braver and fairer.
It is not uncommon for dogs to sneak into the master bedroom during bad weather, especially when there is lightning and thunder. Fireworks, fireworks, noise from a nearby construction site and other disturbing phenomena also force the four-legged animal to seek protection. The animal can be frightened by guests staying overnight in the house, other pets suddenly appearing, new noisy household appliances...
Fear is not the best feeling; it is very difficult for a dog to fight alone, and until the situation is corrected, it is worth taking the ward under protection. Of course, not every person agrees to invite a dog into bed, and this is not required. In general, encouraging cowardly behavior in dogs - petting, feeling sorry for them, treating them to treats - is not recommended. The dog will decide that fear allows him to receive “bonuses” and will react in this way to any stimuli.
Is your dog hiding under the bed and doesn’t want to come out? It is not advisable to focus attention on this point. Experts recommend that owners not react to such behavior and act as if nothing is happening. You should also not try to shout at the dog or pull its paws, trying to drive it out.
If a person reacts correctly, the fear of an animal will not develop into a phobia, but will remain only a reaction to a sudden phenomenon. Such reflexes in the wild help wild animals survive in harsh conditions.
Pet Protector
Often the desire to be near the owner 24 hours a day is due to the pet’s protective instinct. Only by being nearby can a dog doze off, catching extraneous noises, but know that its person is safe.
Such seemingly good intentions also have a downside. Such a vigilant watchman will inspect the territory throughout the night, looking into all corners, react violently to even minor noises, and may also begin to mark the protected area. The last feature applies to dominant males.
The roots of the problem go back to childhood
Experienced dog handlers recommend that novice dog breeders spend enough time raising their pet, and this should be done from the first days the puppy appears in the house. It is important to immediately inform your pet about subordination - the baby must understand who is highest on the hierarchical ladder and is not going to give up this place to the dog.
This is done not only to make the dog listen better to the owner and obey. If the pet perceives the authority of the owner properly, in the future during illness, injury, fear, he will seek protection from the owner.
Orphan puppies raised by humans initially perceive the breadwinner as a leader, because the baby’s life depends on him. A blind kitten survives only if the nanny pays a lot of attention to it and copes with all maternal functions - feeding, stimulating the intestines and bladder, washing, training, warming.
For such a dog, its owner will remain a protector for the rest of his life. Artificial babies often sleep next to a person; changing this state of affairs or leaving everything as is is the owner’s informed decision. But experts do not recommend drastic changes.
Dogs that are too attached to their owner may strive not only to get into the owner’s bed, but also to take a place on the person himself. As we found out, dogs can be calmed not only by the smell emanating from the body, but also by the beating of the heart. It reminds of childhood memories, the period spent in the womb, and then next to the warm mother. This unconditioned reflex allows the animal to calm down and sleep peacefully.
But the desire for dominance can also arise in a well-mannered dog, for example, during adolescence. An older puppy may suddenly stop obeying, his actions become willful and even impudent. Naturally, it is recommended to strictly suppress such behavior - the reins of power should always be in the hands of a person.
Dogs can also behave during the rut, when their hormones affect their emotional state. In such a situation, the dog may defiantly lie on the owner’s bed or climb up when the owner goes to bed. Thus, he seems to confirm his dominance.
- Dogue de Bordeaux;
- Cane Corso;
- American Staffordshire Terrier;
- Doberman;
- Akita Inu;
- Central Asian Shepherd Dog;
- Tibetan mastiff, etc.
Strong arguments from opponents
Dogs are pack animals that perceive the family as this unit of society. In the wild, the leader of the pack is always higher than the other members, both figuratively and literally. He is located on a hill, keeps order and the rest of his brothers. He never loses his vigilance and maintains his position through strength.
How does a dog perceive permission to sleep in its owner’s bed? That's right, as a promotion, a rise up the hierarchical ladder, and to the same level as the owner. And even if a person is not interested in conventions, and he does not mind his four-legged pet sleeping nearby, sooner or later he will have to face the consequences of such carelessness:
- the dog ceases to see the owner as a real master, which means he believes that he has no right to command;
- Gradually, the dog begins to set a routine on its own - you will have to get up in the morning when it wakes you up;
- Today the pet curls up at the feet, and tomorrow it lies imposingly in the center, refusing to move.
But dog breeders who do not accept having a pet in their own bed attribute their dissatisfaction not only to the pet’s behavior:
Many owners whose pets rest with them confidently say that with such proximity their sleep improves, and in the morning they feel cheerful and rested. But after a statistical survey, a slightly different picture was revealed.
Only 10% of dog breeders were truly satisfied with this situation. And among 58% of people who constantly sleep with four-legged pets in their beds, 35% experienced significantly worse sleep. And 10% of owners are dissatisfied with the manner in which their dogs sleep; they are irritated by paws stretched out in different directions, snoring, a specific aroma and other “delights” of such close contact.
Yes, a dog is a faithful, devoted friend, but at the same time it still remains a pet. You should not humanize the dog and think that he needs the same comfort as the rest of the family. If a pet sleeps in the owner’s bed, then this should not be assessed as impudence; in fact, in such a situation, the person is solely to blame.
The phenomenon of a dog sleeping in the same bed with its owner is quite common. Surveys have shown that about 65% of dogs sleep in the same bed with their owners.
Should you let your beloved four-legged animals do this? Is it safe for pet owners themselves? And what is the real reason why a dog sleeps in the same bed with its owner? Let's figure this out today.
How a dog develops the habit of sleeping with its owner
Most often, the habit of sleeping with the owner is developed during puppyhood. The baby has just arrived in your home, he has just been separated from his brothers and sisters. And, of course, he suffers very much from this. Wanders around the apartment at night and starts whining. And when the owner takes the puppy into his bed, he undoubtedly begins to feel warmth, care, and calms down.
Now our Jack also sleeps with us. When he was very little, we stood firm and did not allow him to climb onto our bed.
But at the age of 7 months he became very ill. We had to treat him a lot. I will never forget his sad eyes looking at me from below. I felt so sorry for him. This is where I gave up. I took him in my arms, hugged him, and we fell asleep together. Now we even worry if after we go to bed, Jack doesn’t come right away.
Now let's try to understand the reasons why a dog sleeps in the same bed with its owner.
For what reasons does a dog try to share a bed with its owner?
As I already wrote in the article Dog in Human Life, the ancestors of modern dogs were wolves. In the wild, when going to bed, all members of the pack try to snuggle closer to each other. This way they get warm from each other and feel safer. Only individuals expelled from the pack are forced to sleep separately.
Every dog perceives all members of the family in which it lives as a pack. And therefore, it is very important for her to feel involved and needed by this “pack”. It is difficult for her to understand why she should not be near her relatives.
The dog sleeps in the same bed with its owner because it perceives itself as a member of the pack.
If your dog sleeps with you, have you ever noticed what position he sleeps in? By the position in which your dog falls asleep with you, you can determine how much he trusts you and how close you are to him.
If your four-legged dog sleeps with his back or butt pressed against you, then you can be sure that he trusts you 100%. The back or butt are the most vulnerable parts of the animal’s body. And in the event of a sudden attack (so the quadruped thinks), they will be reliably protected, since they are under the reliable protection of a relative (that is, you).
How does sleeping with a four-legged animal affect human health?
Is co-sleeping with a dog safe? What problems can arise if a dog sleeps with its owner in an embrace?
Sleeping together with a four-legged animal is not so unsafe.
For those who suffer from allergies, doctors strongly recommend not even allowing the animal into the room where you sleep.
55% of pet owners who sleep in the same bed with their pets admitted that their four-legged animals do not allow them to sleep peacefully. Tailed animals sniff, snore, breathe heavily, and roll over from side to side. In the middle of the night they jump out of bed and click their claws on the floor, walking around the apartment, and then jump onto the bed again.
This, of course, prevents a person from getting a full night’s sleep. But, despite all these inconveniences, few people refuse to cuddle their pet at night.
Well, if you cannot deny yourself the pleasure of hugging and cuddling a warm, fluffy, dear creature, then I advise you to take into account the following recommendations.
What to do if your pet sleeps with you
If a dog sleeps with its owner in the same bed, the following must be observed:
Well, if you still can’t get enough sleep when your dog sleeps with you, then you need to come to some kind of compromise.
Compromise
If you want your four-legged dog not to suffer because you don’t allow him to sleep with you, but at the same time you want him not to interfere with your rest, then try to make sure that the four-legged dog is as close to you as possible.
You can read on the Internet how to properly equip your pet’s sleeping place.
Place some of your things in his bed so that the animal can smell you and not feel lonely.
A four-legged animal helps you sleep
For those who have problems falling asleep, it is very good if the dog sleeps with the owner. This is especially true for children who feel safe falling asleep in an embrace with a four-legged animal.
Benefits of Sleeping with a Dog
Relaxation and fighting insomnia
There are reportedly a significant number of people who find a dog's rhythmic breathing helps them fall asleep faster. This is especially true for people who struggle with sleep disorders such as insomnia.
The presence of your pet will promote a feeling of security, stress relief and peace of mind. People who sleep with their pets can enjoy a restful night of good sleep.
Heat
We all love to cuddle, so snuggling up to a dog on a cold winter night is a dream because their body temperature is 3-6 degrees warmer than ours. To put it another way, dogs are highly effective non-electric blankets that will make you feel warm and comfortable. They work like a portable radiator that you can put in your bed. Of course, this can be seen as a disadvantage in the summer, but who doesn't love a little warmth on cold nights?
A remedy to combat depression
If there's one thing our four-legged friends offer without any doubt, it's unconditional love. For someone struggling with the terrible symptoms of depression, this connection may seem essential.
There is undoubtedly one of the things that people who struggle with depression need the most. And this is a constant presence of support, love and affection. This is exactly what our dogs offer in abundance.
Feeling safe
Whether you own a tiny Chihuahua or a larger Labrador, the truth is that the added presence of someone watching you provides a comforting feeling that makes you feel safe.
Their heightened hearing and tendency to bark at strangers or unknown creatures are all factors that will make you feel safe. Moreover, the very presence of a dog in the house is something that brings additional comfort and a sense of security. Because you know that you are not alone.
