“This is my turf, Hooman!”
Have you given your pooch a dog bed?
Yet, your loving pooch still treats your bed as if it’s their own.
It’s pleasant to cuddle and snuggle when sleeping, and I know you enjoy it.
But have you ever awakened in the wee hours, frozen and crouched in the corners of your bed?
The next thing you’ll see is how your dog is stretching and relaxes on your bed. While they leave you with little to no spot.
Your frustration is…“I just want a good sleep!”
In this article, you’ll:
- Discover the reason behind your dog sleeping in bed with you.
- See the reason why your dog sleeps in your bed facing the door.
- Find out the answer to why your dog sleeps on your bed when you’re gone.
- Determine the 15 amazing reasons why your dog keeps on sleeping in your bed.
- Learn the 9 simple yet effective tips on what to do when your dog sleeps on your bed.
- And many more…
Table of contents
- Why does my dog sleep on my bed?
- People also ask:
- 15 reasons why your dog sleeps on your bed
- #1: Your dog feels comfortable being with you
- #2: It gives your pooch a sense of being less alone
- #3: It provides a good quality of sleep
- #4: Sleeping with your dog is not stressful
- #5: Sleeping next to each other builds a stronger bond
- #6: Your dog is healthier when sleeping beside you
- #7: Your dog ensures your security
- #8: Sleeping with you helps your dog sleep at night
- #9: Your dog is trained to sleep with you
- #10: Your dog knows it will keep you happy
- #11: Your dog feels safe around you
- #12: Your Fido is feeling cold
- #13: Your dog loves to be around heat
- #14: Your pooch leaves an imprint on your bed
- #15: Your pooch adores you
- Is it bad to let your dog sleep on your bed?
- 9 tips on what to do if your dog sleeps on your bed
- #1: Give them a good place to sleep
- #2: Place your dog’s bed in a comfortable spot
- #3: Use your dog’s favorite toy
- #4: Train your pup early
- #5: Give your dog a treat
- #6: Show your dog what you want of them
- #7: Ignore your dog when they cry
- #8: Correcting your pooch when they’re in your bed
- #9: Invite your dog in their bed
Why does my dog sleep on my bed?
Your dog sleeps in your bed because it’s comfortable. Other reasons include feeling less alone or stressed, safe, or cold. They may also do it to get better sleep or strengthen your bond. You could have unconsciously trained them. It’s also a way to scent mark the bed, make you happy or show love.
People also ask:
Why does my dog sleep on my bed when I’m gone?
The common reasons why your dog sleeps in your bed could be they don’t have anything to do and are bored, tired and need to recharge, or they experience separation anxiety. But most likely, it’s just their nature to sleep a lot.
Why does my dog sleep on my bed with me?
The common reasons why your dog sleeps in your bed could be they don’t have anything to do and are bored, tired and need to recharge, or they experience separation anxiety. But most likely, it’s just their nature to sleep a lot.
Why does my dog sleep on my bed facing the door?
One of the reasons why your dog sleeps on your bed facing the door is that they want to protect you. They’re on guard and will always be ready to get up if they need to. They’re guarding both the doorway and you. They’re afraid you’ll leave them while they’re asleep. Or they feel safe sleeping that way.
15 reasons why your dog sleeps on your bed
#1: Your dog feels comfortable being with you
It’s a delightful feeling when your dog feels comfortable with you.
You can observe them following you around wherever you go.
“Mom/Dad, time for my belly rub!”
They often roll over to show you their tummy for a belly rub.
This gives them a feeling that you love them.
It increases the feeling of attachment to their dog parents.
Making it reasonable why they still want to be with you even though it’s already bedtime.
#2: It gives your pooch a sense of being less alone
Dogs are known to be social species. Which makes them have the ability to feel alone.
Dog parents and the rest of the family have something to do during the day most of the time.
Such as working or going to school that results in your pooch being left alone at home.
The only time they can be with you is when you come home. That often happens at night or before the day ends.
So, you might wonder after a tiring day.
“Why does my dog sleep in my bed? I just want to rest.”
Your pooch takes the opportunity to feel your presence by sleeping beside you on your bed.
You give your dog the sense of being less alone when you sleep beside them.
They know that the next day you’ll be gone again.
They will be alone again.
(There will be times when you are too busy for everything, but for a dog YOU’RE EVERYTHING.)
#3: It provides a good quality of sleep
This goes both ways.
Sleeping with your dog will provide a good quality of sleep for both of you.
Dog parents and their dogs will likely have a deeper sleep when they know that the other sleeps well.
The moment your dog sleeps along with you’ll make your dog follow your sleeping pattern.
If both of you have the same sleeping pattern, it will make your dog feel secure and safe.
(Your dog will be glad to see you the last thing in the evening and the first thing to see in the morning.)
This can be achieved if you and your dog sleep together every day at the same and right time.
A plus is that a good sleeping pattern is excellent for you too.
The results of one study show that co-sleeping with dogs has a low chance of disturbing their dog parent’s sleep.
#4: Sleeping with your dog is not stressful
“My bed is fully occupied. No room for stress.”
Sleeping close to each other will give you both a comforting feeling.
You won’t have to wonder anymore as to why your dog enjoys sleeping with you. It’s your dog’s way of giving you a sense of companionship.
The simple act of having your dog lie near you can help you take all the stress away.
Fun fact: Sleeping with your dog is helpful if you are a student or if you have a student in your family. A study proves that dogs can reduce test anxiety for students.
#5: Sleeping next to each other builds a stronger bond
“A dog parent and a dog that sleeps together stays together.”
Sleeping together allows you to spend more quality time together.
When your dog sleeps alongside you, they may feel as if their connection with you is much stronger.
Bonding time can be as simple as sleeping next to one other.
This creates a sense of security and trust in one another.
#6: Your dog is healthier when sleeping beside you
It’s more than the relaxing feeling when your dog sleeps beside you.
“Let’s live healthy and longer, hooman.” This is what your pooch probably thinks as they lay close to you.
Humans and canines can both suffer from hypertension.
However, sleeping and sharing the same bed with your dog keeps both of your hearts healthy.
So, This is good news for you if your dog sleeps beside you. According to The American Heart Association, pet interaction such as sleeping next to your dog can decrease hypertension.
Anyway, what’s good for the heart is worth keeping.
#7: Your dog ensures your security
Your dog may sleep on your bed because they feel that they’re able to protect you there.
Mostly because they know you’re within their reach.
Dogs are known to be territorial and protective beings.
Their senses, such as their hearing and smelling, are much stronger. Even when they’re asleep.
So, sleeping next to you can make them feel that you’re still protected.
They can still ensure your security even if both of you are dozing to sleep.
#8: Sleeping with you helps your dog sleep at night
Dogs can suffer from insomnia as well.
Them wanting to be with you in bed may help them sleep at night.
Sleeping with your pooch is what you need when having sleepless nights.
This is a big help for dog parents who suffer from sleeping disorders.
Findings of a study prove that those who suffer from sleeping disorders have a low chance of having bad dreams when they sleep with their dogs.
#9: Your dog is trained to sleep with you
Your dog sleeps with you because they’re used to or trained to do so.
This could be the outcome of a root behavior that they have been adapted to.
Have you ever allowed them to sleep with you or with other people?
If that’s the case, your dog may believe that sharing a bed with hooman is acceptable.
Fun fact: Some dogs are trained to be with a baby all the time. A study implies that contact with dogs during early childhood can reduce the potential of allergy disease and obesity.
#10: Your dog knows it will keep you happy
This is for the clingy dog parents out there.
Your dog is very empathetic. They can sense what you are feeling.
Your Fido is sleeping with you in your bed because they know that it makes you happy when they’re around.
Your dog loves you more than you know.
“I’ll do whatever that makes you happy, hooman.”
You could be puzzled as to why you are so happy when your dog is present.
A study showed that sleeping with your dog makes your brain release oxytocin, also known as the love hormone. It’s the same feeling when you hug or fall in love.
#11: Your dog feels safe around you
There might be an instance where you saved your dog from getting hurt.
“You are my superhero, Mom/Dad.”
That encounter will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It will become known to them that they’re safe while you are present.
As a result, while you sleep at night, your dog will most likely sleep with you.
This is helpful to avoid certain circumstances where they might get hurt. They will be still as you sleep and won’t do anything without your supervision.
#12: Your Fido is feeling cold
At times, your dog’s fur isn’t enough to keep them warm.
The weather could be one of the reasons that your dog wants to sleep in your bed.
They will feel the coldest during winter and the rainy season.
When your pooch starts to feel cold they will look for a warm place.
If your dog stays in your bedroom, your bed will be the warmest place to be in.
It’d be good for both of you to cuddle during those times.
Keeps you both warm.
#13: Your dog loves to be around heat
Some dogs love to keep their body warm. This will cause them to look for places where there is heat.
I don’t mean like ‘fire’ heat. Just enough heat that can warm them.
Heat can assist your dog in maintaining a healthy body temperature. It will help them appear relaxed and at ease.
Your bed might be warm most of the time. Your pooch who loves warm places will find staying there comfortable and safe.
#14: Your pooch leaves an imprint on your bed
Dogs by nature are pack animals.
When your puppy is seven to twelve weeks old, he or she will begin to develop their imprinting ability. This is the time in their life when youngsters begin to feel bonded to others and form their own identities.
They may be imprinting your bed if they sleep in it. They’re claiming it as their own.
They will see you as a part of their pack, a member of their family.
#15: Your pooch adores you
“I love you so much. I won’t leave your side.”
Your pooch will know how much you adore him if you show it to them on a regular basis.
They’ll be so devoted to you that they’ll never abandon you. They’ll be there for you from the moment you wake up till you close your eyes for the night.
Being clingy is a sign of attachment and affection towards you.
That’s why they claim your bed as their bed too.
Is it bad to let your dog sleep on your bed?
Letting your dog sleep on your bed is fine if both of you are healthy. It should be that you and your pooch neither have behavioral or health issues.
Aggressive dogs might unknowingly bite you if you move over to them while sleeping. They have no intention of harming you. It’s possible that their defensive aggression would be to blame.
Some dog parents may believe that they’re not allergic to dogs and that sleeping with them is fine.
Keep in mind, however, that allergens can be carried by dogs.
Whenever you take your dog for a stroll or a play. They’re exposed to a variety of allergens. Dust and pollen, for example.
They might be able to bring them home by adhering them to their paws or fur.
So, if you really want to sleep with them, you should do so after a bath or before going outside.
Warning: Make sure that your dog doesn’t have fleas before sleeping with them. According to research, your dog’s fleas can potentially spread infections and cause some allergies or anemia.
9 tips on what to do if your dog sleeps on your bed
#1: Give them a good place to sleep
The first step to making your dog stop sleeping on your bed is by giving them their place to sleep.
You can go to the nearest pet store you know and buy them a dog bed.
Before buying a dog bed you should watch how your Fido sleeps. You’ll find out what kind of dog bed fits them, If they sleep…
- Stretched out, buy a rectangular-shaped dog bed.
- Curled (like a ball), go for an oval or round-shaped dog bed.
- And buy a memory foam dog bed for older pooches (It’s the most comfortable as it adjusts to the shape of your dog’s body).
#2: Place your dog’s bed in a comfortable spot
After purchasing a bed for your Fido, it’s best to look for a comfortable spot to sleep in.
Look for a sleeping spot that’s neither too cold or hot for them.
There’s a great chance that your dog won’t sleep in a spot that is uncomfortable for them. The dog bed will be of no use if that happens.
#3: Use your dog’s favorite toy
You have to get your dog used to the dog bed.
Place anything that your dog adores near their bed. It will make them like the bed too. It could be their favorite toy or blanket.
Having long patience is your key to be successful in making them sleep on their bed. Use familiar objects to encourage your dog to lay in their new bed.
#4: Train your pup early
Don’t let your dog grow with the behavior of sleeping with you in bed.
I know it’s tempting to sleep with a puppy. (It’s one of the life phases when they’re most adorable.)
But the habits you teach your pup then,are likely to remain in adulthood. So think about the long run.
That’s why training your pooch at an early age is best.
Set their sleeping area as soon as possible so they don’t try to sleep on your bed.
This will make your pup develop the habit of sleeping on their bed and not anywhere else.
#5: Give your dog a treat
There is a possibility that your pooch will try to get out of their bed.
If this happens, walk them back to bed and lay them down.
You can use a tasty treat to direct them.
Make them follow it to go back to their dog bed. Give it only once your dog has laid in their bed.
What you’re aiming for is to teach your dog they get rewarded for going to their bed.
Did you ever get rewarded for going to bed when you were a child? I bet you would’ve been more eager to go to sleep if you were.
O.K, childhood is already over. But you can still make adulthood count. Whenever I want to make sure I go to bed on time, for example, I always plan a reward for myself.
That’s how I’m wired. I’m more willing to do something when I see a benefit that’ll follow soon after. Call it short-term gratification. But hey, it does the trick!
In my case, my reward is reading an addictive thriller book. So I can’t wait to go to bed and get my hands on those pages! It’s excitement on a whole new level.
It’s exactly how your dog will feel if you make a routine for them. When the day is over and you’re about to go to bed, point your dog to their sleeping area. And lure them in with a treat.
There’s nothing greater than associating your bed with positive experiences.
By doing this consistently, your dog will become eager to go to their bed.And enjoy their earned reward!
#6: Show your dog what you want of them
“No. Go back to your bed.”
Make your demand clear and precise.
It’s important to set boundaries. But what matters even more, is sticking to them. That’s how you’ll effectively teach your dog to do what you want.
And don’t forget to treat them when they show obedience.
#7: Ignore your dog when they cry
There might be instances where your dog will start to cry during the evening. And let me warn you, those cries are gonna sound heartbreaking!
This is because they’re not used to their new sleeping spot.
Do your best not to give in to their cries because it will not correct their behavior. What’s more, your dog will learn that they’ll get what they want by crying.
Dogs are similar to kids in this sense. You know how when you go to the supermarket there are kids crying for a piece of Kinder Surprise?
Well, no surprise there.
Did you know that…
The people responsible for the height and placement of goods in supermarkets are called ‘merchandisers’. Bear in mind, I don’t mean the ones ordering the shelves. That’s a completely different thing!
No. I’m talking about the sneaky person/people who decided that all things sweet have to be placed right before the cashier. And almost at the bottom.
So it’s inevitable that a kiddo will see them. And start ‘persuading’ their parents to get them some.
What happens next?
The parent says something like, “Not now. Next time”. Or even worse, something firm like “You can’t have it.”
Then before you know it you hear a loud “Whaaaah!”
Then annoyed people start looking at the parent while the cashier is slowly registering item after item. So the poor embarrassed parent gives in… and buys that chocolate or bonbon, or whatever.
It looks like a success. The kid instantly shuts up. Because they got what they wanted.
But the danger here’s that next time they’ll probably whine even harder. Why? Because they’ve learned that this is the behavior that gets them what they want.
The same goes for your doggo. But that’s not what we, as parents, want. Is it?
Also, keep yourself from shouting at your dog. It’ll just make them cry even more.
This might take some time but you have to endure it. This will benefit both of you in the future.
“Tough love it is.”
Don’t worry, they’ll soon get used to their sleeping spot.
#8: Correcting your pooch when they’re in your bed
This is important.
Correct your pooch when they’re in your bed or attempt to be in your bed.
Some pooch will be insistent and sneaky. They’ll try to jump on the bed when you’re not looking.
You can use the command of “No, go back to your bed.”
This will help set boundaries for your Fido. It will show the importance of them sleeping on their own bed.
#9: Invite your dog in their bed
You have to help your dog to be successful in this task.
Practice your pooch every day until they do it on their own. I must tell you, you can’t go wrong with consistency. Dogs love routines since they make them feel secure. So go for it!
Don’t ever let them lay on your bed. You’ll give them the idea of being in control of the bed if you let them do it.
And of course, don’t forget to praise your dog for being a good pooch. Make them feel that sleeping on their bed is rewarding.
I’ve already mentioned you can start by giving them treats. In time the treats can decrease. But you should still praise your pooch. And don’t forget to pet them as well.
Related posts:
- Why Is My Dog Suddenly Sleeping On The Floor? 7 Real Reasons
- 9 Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps Between Your Legs + 7 Tips
- 11 Intriguing Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps In Your Spot
- 13 Reasons Why Your Dog Sleeps With You Every Night + Tips
FAQs
Why do dogs want to sleep on your bed? ›
They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
How do dogs pick their favorite person? ›Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
Do dogs sleep with the alpha human? ›Do dogs snuggle with the Alpha? While some dogs prefer choosing an Alpha to sleep with for their own security, there are those that go the other way. They know that the toddler needs more protection from harm than the adult and will sleep next to them to step into the role.
Why does my dog rest his head on me? ›Cuddling/Nuzzling/Leaning
Others show affection by resting their head on your knee, and some lean against you. It's important not to push your pet away when he's expressing his love. That's the time to strengthen your bond and enjoy the special moments of affection.
Dogs and cats who share their human's bed tend to have a "higher trust level and a tighter bond with the humans that are in their lives.
What colors can dogs not see? ›So What's the Truth About Dog Color Blindness? Having yellow-blue dichromatic vision means that dogs are most similar to a red-green color blind person. They are very good at distinguishing between variations of blues and yellows (and whites and grays), but cannot really see red and green all that well.
What is the 3 3 3 dog rule? ›Whether you rescue an older dog or a puppy, a lot of dogs tend to follow the 3-3-3 rule when getting acclimated: 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous. 3 weeks of settling in. 3 months of building trust and bonding with you.
Does my dog think I'm a dog? ›If you're looking for the short answer to the question “Does my dog think I'm a dog?”, the answer is no. Dogs will know right off the bat that you are not a dog because of how you smell. Dogs have the same senses as humans do, but their sense of smell is far more advanced than ours is.
Does my dog think I'm his mom? ›So, yes, a puppy can definitely think of you as his “mother” — that is, his provider and protector — and develop as strong an emotional bond with you as if you were blood-related. Your puppy will also quickly learn to pick you out among strangers, both by sight and through his powerful sense of smell.
Why does a dog circle before lying down? ›Turning in circles before lying down is an act of self-preservation in that the dog may innately know that he needs to position himself in a certain way to ward off an attack in the wild.
Why does my dog sit in my spot when I get up? ›
Sitting in your spot when you get up shows your dog's affection for you, but the chosen spot comes back to the master with no unwanted behavior. Your dog may also feel the need to protect you and sitting in your spot gives him the edge over the other animals in the household.
How do dogs show love? ›Your dog might jump on you, lick your face, and they'll definitely wag their tail. Being excited and happy to see you is one way you can be assured they love and miss you. They seek physical contact. This can come in the form of a quick nuzzle, a cuddle, or the famous lean.
How do you tell if a dog has chosen you? ›- They sniff you. ...
- They greet you at the door. ...
- They sleep next to you. ...
- They give you gifts. ...
- They follow you around. ...
- They ignore you sometimes. ...
- They make eye contact with you. ...
- They perk up at your name.
Dogs Prefer Adults — Particularly Women
A dog's preference for one person — or type of person — over another has a great deal to do with socialization. Dogs don't, as a rule, dislike men, but most dogs are cared for by women, and are thus more comfortable around them.
- Eye Contact. Natural eye contact during play or while cuddling releases the love hormone oxytocin. ...
- Cuddling. Physical touch is a big way dogs show affection. ...
- Sleeping Near You. Dogs are pack animals. ...
- Excited When You Get Home. ...
- Checks In. ...
- Bring You Their Favorite Toy.
Dogs choose to sleep where they feel most comfortable and at ease, so if your dog enjoys sleeping in your bed, or likes to snuggle up to you for a nap, they feel trust in you that they will be safe to do so.
Do dogs sleep next to you to protect you? ›Your dog wanting to sleep next to you is also a sign of affection and closeness. It means they like your company and consider you a member of the pack. Sleeping by your side also proves their loyalty, trust, and willingness to protect you.
Do dogs sleep better next to you? ›Hoffman says that dogs who slept in their owners' beds were perceived to be less disruptive for sleep than human partners and cats. Participants who slept with a dog reported their dog stayed on the bed most of the night whereas those who slept with a cat stated that their cat spent less of the night on the bed.
Can dogs see TV? ›Dogs absolutely can see TV, and many seem to enjoy it. There are a number of features about television shows that dogs find attractive. Some of these are visual, such as motion, while others relate to the sounds coming from the TV. Dog eyes are very different from human eyes, so they see things on TV differently.
Can dogs see TV color? ›Dogs only have two, which means they perceive fewer colors with less saturation than the average human. Your furry friend's color range includes dull blue, yellow and green tones. Although limited, this range of vision dispels the notion that pets can only see in black and white.
What Can dogs drink beside water? ›
So, what can dogs drink besides water? You can add some Pedialyte, coconut water, fresh fruit or vegetable juice, unsalted broth, and nut milk to their liquid intake. Your pup will love new beverages as a treat!
What's the 90 10 rule for dogs? ›When it comes to where dog's get their daily calories, we recommend following the 90/10 rule: 90% of calories from a complete and balanced diet, 10% from treats! Treats can be considered the splurge, but more often, the actual act of giving a treat means more to the dog than the actual treat itself.
Can a dog have 3 parents? ›While the puppies may have different dads, each individual puppy will only have one father. Does superfecundation happen only in dogs? Cats, like dogs, can also have litters with different dads. Superfecundation occurs when during the same heat cycle, two or more eggs become fertilized by different mates.
How many times can I cross my dog? ›A generally accepted thought among breeders is that a male should only be allowed to mate with a female once or twice a day. Increased frequency of mating can deplete the quality of the male's sperm and leave him incompetent for the next session following 2 days after.
Do dogs think in English or barks? ›Studies show that dogs, in fact, do not think in English, because ultimately our doggos are not able to understand English or any other human-created language. However, they are able to understand words (simply, sounds) in any language, including English.
What do dogs think when you leave? ›Your furry friend might be thinking about their past and future, as studies suggest that they have their daily schedules on their mind all the time, so they might be looking forward to future events and reminiscing about a place or experience.
Do dogs view us as parents? ›And what the studies show is welcome news for all dog owners: Not only do dogs seem to love us back, they actually see us as their family. It turns out that dogs rely on humans more than they do their own kind for affection, protection and everything in between.
How do you know if your dog considers you Alpha? ›Your Dog Follows You
According to the pack code, alphas are at the front of the line, betas are in the middle, and omegas are in the back and double as lookouts. If your dog follows you, this indicates it sees you as the pack leader and is exhibiting the instinctive behavior of walking behind the alpha.
Studies show that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, and they don't like being separated from you for long. Dogs can handle alone time, but they do miss you when you're gone.
What do dogs think of humans talking? ›Now, scientists have shown that puppies find our pooch-directed speech exciting, whereas older dogs are somewhat indifferent. The findings show, for the first time, that young dogs respond to this way of talking, and that it may help them learn words—as such talk does with human babies.
Can dogs smell their owners from 11 miles away? ›
How far a dog smells depends on conditions such as wind and type of scent, but they have been reported to smell objects and people over 12 miles away. Dogs' olfactory systems work so well that they can be trained to pick up odors as little as a pictogram which is a trillionth of a gram.
What are dogs looking for when they poop? ›It's About Communication and Territory
This process of determining where to poop has much to do with your dog's instinct to tell other dogs who and where they are. They leave their scent by way of scent glands located in the inside of the rectum.
Bekoff says dogs may circle in attempts to get good footing or to be sure they can see who's around when they're in the act, which is a somewhat compromised position. Circling could also be linked to the dog's attempt to spread their scent, says Dr. Andrea Y. Tu, DVM, and Medical Director of Behavior Vets of New York.
Why you shouldn't let your dog sleep in your bed? ›Point: Dogs carry certain intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks that cause human illnesses. Sleeping with a dog increases human exposure to these parasites and vector-borne diseases. Very young, very old, and immune compromised people are particularly at risk of infection.
Do dogs sleep with their favorite person? ›Dogs can have different preferences when it comes to who they choose to sleep with. Some dogs may prefer to sleep with their favorite person, while others may feel more comfortable sleeping on their own or with another dog.