Letting Your Dog Sleep on Your Bed

I stopped watching Caesar Milan, the so-called “Dog Whisperer”. I do not deny he has done a tremendous amount of good for dogs given up for dead, but I can’t help but cringe at the thought of him watching my dog Pony and I together. I know he would not like it.

For example, I let Pony sleep in my bed. We’ve done that since she was seven weeks old. All of the serious dog training books frown on this because it’s not the behavior of a proper pack leader, but they’ve never met Pony. She chases my nightmares away.

If you are thinking of letting your dog sleep in your bed to get a better night’s sleep (especially if you are like me and are plagued by nightmares) then here are a few things to consider.

Does Your Dog Want To Sleep On Your Bed?

Believe it or not, there are dogs that wonder why we bother with a mattress and bed spring when a good old cushion on the floor will do. If your dog was rescued and cringes when he or she looks at your bed, then chances are he or she was beaten in the past for jumping on the bed.

If the dog is upset, don’t force it. Let the dog sleep on the floor and get a teddy bear for your bed.  Some nights in summer, it’s just too hot for Pony and me to sleep in the same bed.  I have a bed made up for her next to my bed.  This way, she gets to choose where she wants to sleep.  I’m comforted knowing she’s in the same room with me.

How Big Is Your Dog?

Dogs that are too big will push you out of the bed when they are in the throws of a good dream. Greyhounds in particular have been known to do this. You want to have enough room in your bed for both you and the dog.

On the other hand (or paw), having a toy dog in your bed can be too dangerous for the dog if you should roll over on him or her.

Dogs Make Noises When They Sleep

Dogs snore just like people snore, and for the same reasons. Dogs with pushed-in faces will always snore. However, dogs will not get upset if you wake them up and tell them to roll over. They just groan a bit and then immediately fall back asleep.

Which brings me to another point — dogs will always fall asleep first. Expect it and plan accordingly. You can even mold your body around them and get all of the psychological and physical benefits of their breathing hot water bottle bodies.

It takes a bit of getting used to, but when you are used to letting your dog sleep in your bed, you seem to sleep better knowing a comforting presence is right there.

Sweet dreams.