Letting your dog sleep in bed with you also doesn’t mean they’ll be “spoiled.”ĭog behaviors tend to be rooted in the here and now, so if your dog is being disobedient or having other behavioral challenges during the day, it’s the result of whatever is happening in that moment - not because Fido slept in bed with you last night and is now feeling presumptuous as a result. Many myths abound that letting your dog sleep in bed with you will cause behavioral challenges, such as making your dog be more “dominant” towards you or believe they are the “alpha”, but there’s no real evidence that this is the case (and the “ alpha theory ” of dog behavior has been repeatedly debunked, anyway). If it keeps you and Fido cozy, go for it ! Does Letting My Dog Sleep in Bed Cause Behavior Issues?īehaviorally, there’s no reason not to let Fido cuddle up to you at night. Here are a few factors to consider before inviting Fido to pull up a pillow! Is There Anything Wrong With Your Dog Sleeping in Bed With You?ĭespite what some well-meaning neighbors may say, dog trainers and sleep professionals agree: There is nothing wrong with your dog sleeping in bed with you.
However, you may be wondering if there are any downsides to letting your pooch snooze with you. With benefits like shared body heat, a sense of security and that warm fuzzy feeling of being loved, it’s no wonder you’d want to co-sleep with your furry pal.
Having your best pal in bed with you at night can be comforting. It’s one of the first questions that needs to be answered when you bring a new furry friend into your home: Will Fido be bunking down in his crate, on a doggy bed…or on your bed ?Ī survey from the American Kennel Club found that 45% of dog parents let their dog sleep in bed with them at night, and that small dogs are more likely to be allowed in the bed than large dogs.