07 Jun 2024
Where Should Dogs Sleep at Night? Our Expert Advice
Having a pet is an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also comes with a lot of responsibilities. One of those responsibilities is deciding where your dog will sleep at night. What may seem like a simple decision can actually have a big impact on your dog's behaviour and overall well-being.
We've consulted our expert vets to help you understand where your dog should be sleeping at different stages in their life and why investing in a high-quality dog bed can be the best option for everyone.
Where Should My Dog Sleep at Night Time?
Finding the perfect sleeping spot for your furry friend is crucial for their comfort and happiness. The most common options include sleeping in a dog bed, in a crate, on your bed, or even on the floor.
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Each choice has its own set of advantages and considerations.
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The best choice varies with each dog's needs, your living situation, and personal preferences.
Where Should a Puppy Sleep?
Image by HannamariaH from Getty Images via Canva.com
Puppies, in particular, thrive on having a dedicated space that offers both comfort and security during the night.
Ideally, a puppy should sleep in a crate or a small, puppy-sized bed in your bedroom for the first few months. This setup helps ease separation anxiety, provide a sense of safety, and establish a routine.
Additionally, sleeping near their human can help strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. However, it’s important to ensure the sleeping area is safe, free from any choking hazards, and comfortable, with appropriate bedding to support their developing joints.
Gradually, as your puppy grows and becomes more accustomed to their environment, you can consider transitioning them to a more permanent sleeping spot that suits their needs and your lifestyle.
If you're going to train your puppy to sleep in a crate, our range of Traditional Vet Bedding creates a warm, safe, and comfortable place for your new family member to sleep and retreat to. Made from 28mm polyester pile fabric, this bedding retains heat for colder nights and is non-irritant and hypoallergenic.
Explore Our Traditional Vet Bedding
Where Should an Adult Dog Sleep?
Deciding on the ideal sleeping spot for an adult dog involves considering their health, size, and personal preference. At this stage in their life, dogs will have developed individual habits and preferences.
| Here are our recommendations for where your adult dog should sleep:
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Once you've found what works best, it's important to maintain a consistent sleeping arrangement, as routine helps your dog feel secure and comfortable.
Where Should a Senior Dog Sleep?
At this stage in their life, your dog may face issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or general aches and pains. Thus, choosing a sleeping spot that offers maximum comfort and support is essential.
Soft and supportive dog beds are an ideal solution, providing the cushioning needed to ease the pressure on their joints and bones.
Look for beds with orthopaedic qualities, featuring memory foam that conforms to their body shape, which can significantly improve the quality of their rest.
At Bronte Glen, we manufacture a range of dog beds designed to provide all the support your ageing pooch needs.
Our Senior Gold 7+ Beds are made from an antibacterial fibre blend to protect sensitive skin and a heavyweight pile fabric for extra comfort. All the covers are removable for easy cleanup, too.
In addition to selecting the right bed, consider the bed's location. It should be in a quiet, easily accessible area of your home where your dog can rest undisturbed.
Avoid placing the bed in high-traffic areas where noise and activity could interrupt the dog's sleep. For senior dogs with mobility issues, ensure that the bed is low enough to get in and out of easily without having to jump or step too high.
Should Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed or a Dog Bed?
Up to 48% of Brits admit to sharing a bed with their dog. While this can strengthen the bond between pet and owner, it may not be the best option for every owner or dog.
We've weighed the pros and cons of both options to help you decide which to implement with your four-legged friend.
Sharing a Bed with Your Dog at Night
Sharing a bed with your dog at night can be a comforting experience that strengthens the bond between you and your pet. However, it's important to weigh both the advantages and disadvantages before making this decision.
Sleeping with Your Dog: Potential Benefits
| Benefit | Description |
| Enhanced Bonding | Cuddling with your dog can deepen your emotional connection, offering comfort and security. |
| Warmth | Dogs naturally radiate heat, making them great companions for a cosy night's sleep. |
| Stress Relief | Your dog's presence can be calming, potentially reducing stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep. |
Sleeping with Your Dog: Potential Drawbacks
| Con | Description |
| Sleep Disturbance | Dog movement, snoring, or barking can disrupt your sleep. |
| Hygiene & Health | Outdoor dirt, allergens, and parasites can be brought in on your dog's fur. |
| Dependency Issues | Your dog may develop separation anxiety or difficulty sleeping alone. |
| Space Issues | Large dogs can take up significant bed space, leading to discomfort. |
It's crucial to consider these factors based on your personal situation, your dog's health, and your sleeping habits to determine whether sharing a bed with your dog is the right choice for both of you.
Giving Them Their Own Bed
Providing your dog with their own bed has numerous advantages and a few considerations. Here's a look at the pros and cons.
Sleeping Arrangements: Dogs vs. Beds
| Pros | Description |
| Dog's Independence | Encouraging your dog to sleep in its own bed fosters independence, reducing separation anxiety and making it easier for your dog to stay alone when necessary |
| Space | Dogs have their own bed, and so do you. This arrangement respects the sleeping comfort of both pet and owner |
| Training | Using a dog bed enables you to reinforce training and routines by establishing clear boundaries and behaviours around bedtime. |
| Dog's Comfort | gives your pet a comfortable and secure place to rest, which can help with better sleep quality and overall well-being. |
| Dog's Health | provide support for your dog's joints and bones, crucial for older dogs or those with physical issues. This support can help prevent health problems related to poor sleep posture. |
| Hygiene Maintenance | Easier to keep your bed clean and free from dog hair. Keep their bed clean with a washable dog bed. |
Dog Beds Potential Drawbacks
| Con | Description |
| Initial Adjustment Period | Some dogs may initially resist sleeping in their own bed if they're used to sleeping with their owners or elsewhere. It could take some time and patience to train them to use and enjoy their bed. |
| Cost | High-quality dog beds can be an investment. However, considering the long-term benefits for your dog's health and well-being, many find it a worthwhile expenditure. |
Overall, giving your dog their own bed can significantly enhance their and your quality of life by providing a comfortable, healthy, and hygiene-friendly sleeping arrangement.
Our extensive range of dog beds caters to every type of dog and the way in which they prefer to sleep.
Our Cosy dog beds are ideal for dogs who love to curl up and feel protected at night. Our Dog Mattresses are perfect for pooches who love to sprawl out and truly relax when they sleep.
For dogs who enjoy getting muddy or have a penchant for chewing their beds, our Trojan range is tough enough to handle anything your dog can throw at it.
Read our post about dog sleeping positions to work out the type of bed your dog needs.
What About Crate Training?
Crate training is highly recommended for young dogs, offering numerous benefits for their well-being and household harmony. It mimics a natural den, making young dogs feel secure, especially during their formative months as they settle into their new environment and family.
Crates are essential for establishing routines like sleep schedules and house training. They teach boundaries and help manage separation anxiety by providing a familiar and comfortable space when owners are away.
Additionally, crate training prevents destructive behaviour by restricting access to certain areas when unsupervised, protecting both the puppy and household items.
Crate beds serve as an invaluable tool in teaching young dogs independence, offering a secure relaxation spot, and ensuring their safety when direct supervision isn’t possible.
Proper crate training helps young dogs view their crate as a safe haven, improving their sense of security and overall well-being.
So, Where Should Your Dog Sleep at Night?
Ultimately, where you let your dog sleep is entirely up to you. The main thing to consider is the comfort of both you and your dog to ensure you're both getting the quality sleep you need to be healthy and happy.
Give your four-legged friend a comfortable, high-quality dog bed. Shop our range of dog bedding online today.
FAQs
The best sleeping position for a dog varies based on their comfort and health needs. Many dogs prefer curling up to feel secure, while others stretch out for relaxation. Observe your dog's habits to understand their preferred position, which could also indicate their overall well-being and mood.
Whether a dog should sleep in a crate or bed depends on their training, age, and personal preference. Crates provide a sense of security and aid in training, while beds offer comfort and independence. Consider your pet's needs and habits to decide the best option.
Place your dog's bed in a quiet, draft-free area of your home where they feel safe and comfortable. Ensure it's accessible, away from high-traffic zones, and close enough for them to feel part of the family. The location should also provide them peace and privacy for uninterrupted rest.
Many dogs enjoy the additional warmth and comfort of blankets, especially in colder climates. Blankets can also provide a sense of security and safety, mimicking the feeling of being cuddled. However, individual preferences vary, so observe your dog's behaviour to determine if they appreciate a blanket.