Every member of your family requires a good night’s sleep. The average adult dog sleeps 12–14 hours a day, whereas puppies sleep 16–20 hours per day! Since sleeping consumes so much of their time, it’s really important that your dog has a comfortable place to sleep.
Most indoor dogs sleep at the foot or the side of their owner’s bed, on a favorite blanket, pillow, or dog bed that has been placed in a warm part of the room, away from any drafts. Because it smells like you, your dog will typically want to nap in the master bedroom if you’re gone during the day. They may also like many “secondary” dog beds in other rooms where family members gather. Alternatively, they may choose their crate as a refuge where they can enjoy the privacy of a den that appeals to their doggie nature.
There is no such thing as a correct or incorrect answer. Dogs, like humans, are unique. Some dogs may choose to sleep in a crate next to their owner’s bed, and others like to sleep on a blanket in the living room. The ideal sleeping solution may differ, depending on your dog’s age, lifestyle, and personality.
Let’s take a look at some of the options for meeting your canine companion’s sleep needs.
Puppies
Puppies have boundless energy that requires rigorous guidance so that they can mature into well-behaved adult dogs. Despite all that energy, puppies still burn out and frequently fall asleep after only a few minutes of play!
If you have a puppy, you should consider gradually shifting their resting location as they matures. How? Try the following suggestions:
Encourage your puppy to have agency, but allow them to sleep near you, preferably in a crate. It can be risky to leave your dog alone at night or during sleeping hours.
Puppies may also get lonely. They are in constant need of companionship. This is especially true during the first few months in their new environment. There may be occasions when your puppy becomes sidetracked and tries to flee. Remember that noises, odors, and other dogs can scare your pup.
Dogs
A mature dog that has been in your care for some time is a different story. For the most part, adult dogs are no longer destructive, and they’ve been potty trained, which means you can give them more freedom within the house, including at night (or at least freedom in the rooms you approve of them sleeping in). So, don’t be afraid to put a crate or a dog bed anywhere in the house and allow your dog to determine where they feel most at ease. Even if you leave your bedroom door open, some dogs may prefer to sleep in another room entirely. And others yet may attempt to keep as close to you as possible.
Some dogs might opt to lie on the cooler floor or near the door if it is too hot at night. Dogs who are permitted on the furniture may flock toward the couch at night.
Dogs Crates
A dog crate is an excellent training tool as well as a comfortable place for your beloved friend to sleep. The most obvious advantage of putting your dog in a crate is that you won’t have to worry about them waking up in the middle of the night. If your dog is prone to misbehaving when you are not there, a dog crate will keep them contained.
Crate training is also beneficial for other reasons. If you’re potty-training a puppy, for example, a dog crate is a good sleeping area. Dogs naturally want to keep their sleeping place clean, and as a result, are less likely to have an accident in their kennel. This basic instinct will assist you in training your puppy to wait until you let them out in the morning rather than them going to the restroom someplace else in the house.
Once your dog has been trained, you don’t have to keep the crate door closed. You can put a blanket in the crate to make it into a cozy, snuggly bed and keep the door open so your dog can come and go as they choose. Dogs, being den animals, prefer enclosed environments. As a result, your best friend may choose that safe option themselves.
That sense of security can also be beneficial for anxious dogs, especially during stressful events such as thunderstorms or loud festivals. The crate can feel like a safe cocoon in which they can huddle and feel safe. Your canine companion should be able to sleep safe and sound if you choose the correct dog kennel for them.
Your Bed
Allowing your dog to curl up on top of your covers at night is another alternative. There are numerous advantages to letting your dog sleep on your bed. Co-sleeping is an excellent bonding opportunity for you and your dog. Sleeping with a pet also helps people relax and fall asleep more deeply and peacefully. Plus, sleeping in the same bed gives you more opportunities to cuddle with your adorable pet.
Of course, having Fluffy sleep in your bed has some drawbacks. Our furry friends tend to leave a lot more hair in your bed, which is troublesome for anyone who suffers from allergies. Older dogs may also have difficulty jumping on and off the bed without some type of assistance.
Dogs can also take up a lot of space, especially larger types (or if you have more than one). If you discover that your dog is interfering with you getting a good night’s sleep, try to find a different sleeping spot so that both of you can sleep well.
A Dog Bed
Many dog owners like to provide a special dog bed for their canine companions. These beds can range from a high end, commercially manufactured dog bed to some folded-up blankets on the floor. A dog bed is a dream scenario as long as your dog fits in and enjoys it.
Dogs appreciate having a space or two to call their own. Even if they don’t have a dedicated bed, your dog may discover one or two spots around your house where they can slumber. An excellent dog bed can provide them with a more comfortable place to sleep at night.
One advantage of having a dog bed is that your dog knows that’s where they should sleep. This familiarity can be beneficial if you wind up moving, taking your dog on vacation, or need your best buddy to sleep in a separate room for some reason. Many dogs will become so connected to their dog beds that they will sleep in them no matter where they are.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it is up to you and your dog to decide where your dog will sleep. Puppies should be crated for the reasons we discussed above, but if they are old enough and well-trained enough to sleep outside the crate, there really aren’t any bad choices as long as your dog doesn’t disrupt your sleep or get into any mischief around the house at night.
Some dogs will simply doze off wherever they happen to fall asleep. They may even refuse a fantastically comfortable bed in favor of the floor.
It is important to designate sleeping spaces for your dog and that they go there on their own. With a treat, you can help your dog establish a positive connection to their sleeping area.
