If you have a dog, do you wonder where they should sleep? Research shows that the majority of dogs sleep in beds – specifically, in their owner’s beds. So, if you’re not sure where your dog should sleep, it’s probably best to put them in their bed. After all, sleeping in a different place every night is not going to help them sleep any better!
The question of where to put one’s furry friend down for the night is a common one. Whether your dog is a small lap dog or a large retriever, there’s a spot for them in every home. In this article, we’ll help you choose the best location for your dog based on its personality and size.
Should You Allow Your Dog To Sleep In Your Bedroom?
According to the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior (AVSAB), dogs don’t usually adapt well to sharing a bedroom. They may want to be with us, but their need for sleep is generally incompatible with our own. However, if you treat your dog as an active member of the family, you’ll probably want your dog to sleep in bed with you.
There are of course still dog owners who don’t want their pup sleeping beside them every night, and there might be many good reasons for this.
Dogs are pack animals, meaning they want to be part of a pack. Their pack is you and your family. By letting your dog sleep in your bedroom, you are making them feel like they are a part of the pack.
Should Your Dog Sleep On The Floor Or In The Bed?
Dogs and humans have historically enjoyed each other’s company, whether around a campfire or snuggled up inside. Primarily, the decision on where your canine companion sleeps should be based on both of you. In addition to your relationship with your dog, your dog’s size, breed, and general health all play a part.
The age-old debate about where your dog sleeps at night is going to depend on the individual dog. While some dogs prefer sleeping on the floor, others may be perfectly content to rest in a bed. As with all things, many variables go into choosing where your dog sleeps. Understanding each of these factors will help you determine if your dog is more comfortable sleeping on the floor or in a bed.
Crate Sleeping vs. Dog Bed
Purchasing a dog bed or crate is one of the most important decisions for ensuring the comfort level of your pup. Dogs, both young and older, love a space to relax and sleep. However, dog beds can be expensive, and many owners aren’t sure if their dog will appreciate a dog bed. Instead of a bed, a dog crate might work just as well, if not better, for your dog.
Sleeping Crate
A crate is great for airline travel as well as for keeping your pet safe and secure in a familiar and comfortable spot on your trip. Some crates come with a cozy fleece bed for added comfort, a removable divider panel for privacy, a moveable side door, and mesh windows.
There are many advantages to a dog having a den of its own. They feel safe, secure, and protected, making it easy for them to rest. All of these benefits also make them more amiable in the household, which can be an issue with younger dogs when they are teething or out of sorts for any reason. A sleeping crate can also help reduce any anxiety your dog might feel when separated from you.
However, if your dog has not been crate trained, they might feel more anxiety being confined in a crate. If they feel insecure in a crate, they may move positions in the middle of the night and make a lot of noise.
Dog Bed
Dog beds, also called dog cushions, dog mats, or pet cushions, of all kinds are used by many dogs as a place to snuggle. They come in different sizes, colors, and patterns, so you can choose one that adds comfort and style to your home. Your dog’s bed should also be made of a high-quality material such as plush, fleece, or cotton.
Pros
Dog beds are ideal for plain surfaces such as hardwood floors or tiles, giving your dog a more comfortable space to sleep throughout the night. Providing them with a bed of their own should help keep your dog off of the furniture as well – if that’s important to you.
Cons
Dog beds are a popular option, but they can be expensive. Orthopedic dog beds can cost hundreds of dollars, but luckily, most dogs won’t need an orthopedic bed.
Where Should Puppies Sleep?
Puppies are cute, and they are also a lot of work. A responsible owner should study up on puppy behavior so that they can understand what is considered “normal” for a puppy. One of the most important considerations when adopting a dog is deciding where they will sleep before you bring them home. There are plenty of great places to put a cute little dog bed, but there are many factors to consider before getting out your credit card.
Where your puppy sleeps will depend on their breed, how much space you have in the house, and on your social life. Puppies have very different sleep needs than adult dogs and require a special place for overnight sleeping.
Should Dogs Sleep Outside The House?
Dogs have been sleeping outside for thousands of years. To prevent your dog from keeping you awake at night is one reason it might be better for your dog to sleep outside. Dogs are known for barking throughout the night, which can cause problems for the household. Although there are plenty of reasons why sleeping outside may not be ideal, there are still many people who believe that dogs should sleep outside, and for good reason.
Conclusion
Where your dog sleeps will depend on many factors, such as their size, breed, and personality. For example, puppies have different sleep needs than adult dogs. A dog bed or a dog crate are good options for providing a safe, secure place for your pup to relax at night, but you may also decide that outside or even in your own bed are better places for your canine companion to get those much needed zees. Whatever you decide, it is best to give it some thought before choosing to adopt a new dog or puppy.
