Myth – Dogs Shouldn’t Sleep in the Bedroom

I’m not saying that your dog either should or shouldn’t sleep either in your bedroom, or on your bed, I’m just saying that it should be your choice, not that you should assume that it will be frowned upon.

Pros

Dogs are social sleepers.  They are more comfortable sleeping next to a living being than sleeping on their own.

Dogs in general prefer to sleep on an elevated surface so that when they awaken they have a good view of their surroundings, making your comfortable bed an ideal place for them!

Dogs that are new to the household, should spend as much time as is possible with the new owners during the first month, particularly at nighttime.   Puppies in particular should sleep within reach of their new guardian so that they can be comforted if they are distressed in the night.  If you don’t want your pup to sleep in the same room as you long term, you can gradually move their sleeping area.

Your dog will not become ‘spoilt’ just because you’ve allowed him to sleep in close proximity to you.

Your dog will not become ‘dominant’ and think the bed belongs to him.

Allowing your dog to sleep in close proximity to you is likely to enhance the dog-owner bond.

Sleeping with a dog in the room may enhance your sense of security.

Dogs make a good substitute for an electric blanket in the winter and you don’t have to worry about remembering to turn them off!

Cons

Dogs are generally lighter sleepers than humans.

Dogs have the same sleeping patterns as us – slow wave sleep > rapid eye movement > slow wave sleep > wake – but where as we tend to have one period of sleep every 24 hours, whereas a dog averages three sleep/wake cycles per hour in the nighttime, which may make your night less restful.