Where Should Your Dog Sleep at Night?

Where Should Your Dog Sleep at Night?

Where should your dog sleep at night can often be a source of confusion and even an argument! Indeed, there are those that firmly believe that Fido should always be kept downstairs and others who wouldn’t dream of getting into bed without their furry pal next to them. Whichever side of the fence you sit on, then the chances are you’ll have a pretty strong argument!

What’s more, expert advice has changed over the years and even now there isn’t one clear cut answer. Indeed, where a dogs sleeps at night will often be a compromise for both dog and owner. Happily  most people do find a balance that they’re happy with.

Should Your Dog Sleep in Your Bedroom?

There are people that are staunch believers that the bedroom should be off limits to a dog.  This often goes back to the belief that you as the pet owner should assert your position as pack leader. Sharing a bedroom, especially a bed, can compromise that. Some people may also consider it unhygienic to have a dog in the bedroom.

Having said this, most dogs are perfectly fine to sleep in your bedroom. Dogs are pack animals and sleeping in your bedroom can help to make them feel more secure. In turn this can help with training and obedience. What’s more, having your beloved dog in your bedroom can also have benefits to you as the owner such as a decrease in loneliness and stress.

Should Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?

Letting your dog sleep in your bed divides opinion even more than having a dog in the bedroom. You know the saying that you shouldn’t discuss money, politics, or religion? Well that should also apply to whether or not you should let your dog sleep in your bed! We believe that it is ok to let most dogs sleep in your bed at night.  There ae numerous benefits to letting your dog sleep with you at night and you can read more about them here. Besides, what better way to beat those morning  blues than waking up with your best pal.

However, there are occasions when you shouldn’t let your dog sleep in your bed. For example, if your dog is showing signs of dominance and aggression then the best place for your pet is on the floor.  This will help you to assert your position as pack leader.

Should Your Dog Sleep in a Crate?

As with all things dog related, this can yet be another bone of contention, excuse the pun! Us humans often view a crate as a dog prison and that it is cruel to use one. However, a crate can be a great training tool and most dogs will even grow to love their crate.  The key with a crate is to use it from puppyhood otherwise it could make them anxious. You can read more about crate training here.