Letting Your Dog Sleep In Your Bed Cesar Millan

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There are some questions that really divide dog owners: breeder or rescue? Store bought or homemade food? Dog park or not? But for our money, the most contentious issue is dogs on beds (or couches). Generally the jury is pretty split. A survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found that 42 percent of owners let their pup cuddle up with them. But we’d guess that locally that number is even higher. When we reached out to our Off the Leash audience (who, to be fair, are pretty dog mad) for their opinion, the consensus was overwhelmingly positive. Not only were people very clear that dogs belonged on beds, they couldn’t believe how anyone would dare disagree.

But, like all things, it’s not so simple. Whether or not you let your pup up isn’t automatically a reflection of your feelings for them. As it turns out, there are a lot of strong arguments on both sides of the debate. So let’s try get some clarity, and take a look at the pros and cons of dogs on beds.

Cesar Millan, the Dog Whisperer, says, “You may prefer to have your dog sleep in bed with you. It is perfectly natural for a dog to sleep with other pack members, and it is also a powerful way to bond with your dog. But don’t forget the rules, boundaries, and limitations; it’s your bed—not your dog’s.”

However, there are many benefits to having your pup in your bed. Dogs help us relax the day’s stress away. Some owners even find that the rhythmic breathing of their pups can help them fall asleep. Furthermore, women who live alone may feel safer having a companion in their beds, promoting feelings of relaxation, calm and trust. Not to mention your dog’s body temperature is three to six degrees higher than yours so they make for a great electric blanket!

A common concern all of us doggy Mommas have is whether or not it’s appropriate to let our pups sleep in our beds. In fact, a recent survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association revealed that nearly half of all pet parents allow their pets to sleep with them at night. Clearly it’s a common practice but is it healthy for you and your dog?

For starters, some dogs can disrupt your sleep and it’s super important that all you Mommas get 7-9 hours per night. After all, sleep deprivation can greatly affect your health, mood, weight, immunity and brain function. Thus, if having your furry baby sleep in bed with you is a nuisance (he kicks and snores!), you might want to consider making him keep his four paws on the floor. Further, if your pup aggravates your allergies or asthma his place is not in your bed. And of course, if your pup interferes in your relationship with your significant other…enough said.

Bottom line, it’s your choice, pure and simple. Let’s be honest it makes your pal happy to be close to you and if you feel the same way then go for it. But if you’re going to let your dog sleep in your bed, use this advice from the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan to curtail dominance issues. Do not allow your pup to jump into your bed whenever she wants, instead invite her up, and then choose the portion of the bed where she sleeps.

Once upon a time, Gatsby, a handsome golden retriever, awoke during a cold winter’s night and thought his Momma’s bed looked rather enticing. He climbed up, snuggled in and carefully tried not to wake his Momma. Of course, she awoke with a fright in the morning when she saw this furry creature on the pillow beside her. But once she realized it was her best buddy, a smile crossed her face and she couldn’t imagine a better way to start her day!

It’s Good For Your Personal Security and Comfort

One of the greatest things about having dogs as pets is that they are natural protectors. They love you and will do everything they can to ensure your safety. Having this protection can be a bit of a relief when it comes to feeling safe at night. Because a dog’s hearing is so superior to ours, you can rely on them to alert you when something is amiss. It can be especially beneficial if you train your pup to wake you when they hear crying children, an intruder, or anything else that shouldn’t be happening while you’re asleep. Even if you only allow your dog to sleep in your room, you can rest a little easier knowing you have a real-life alarm system who is always on the job.

Should dogs sleep on owners bed?

According to a 2018 exploratory study of human-dog co-sleeping, Do Dogs Disrupt Their Owner’s Sleep, researchers found co-sleeping with a dog “appears to result in measurable, but relatively mild, reductions in overall sleep quality” but advised weighing any detrimental impact against the benefits of co-sleeping.

FAQ

What percentage of dog owners let their dogs sleep in their bed?

Sharing a bed with a pet at night is a common feature of nighttime routines in the United States. According to the 2021–2022 American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 43 percent of pet dogs in the United States and 49 percent of pet cats sleep on their owner’s bed.

Is it better to let your dog sleep in your bed?

“A dog should not sleep in your bed until it is crate trained and potty trained,” says Derick Lengemann, VMD at Lakewood Veterinary Hospital, Mooresville, North Carolina. “Consistency is key to potting training. A puppy won’t go to the bathroom in its crate because it can’t get away from it and they like to be clean.

Why do dogs want to sleep in your bed?

The level of comfort a dog brings to the bed helps put you at ease and makes you feel cozy. That furry, cuddly animal is likely to love lying with you just as much as you enjoy laying with them. This adds to that snuggly atmosphere that most dog owners find so comforting.