A good night’s sleep is important for every member of your family. The average adult dog sleeps about 12-14 hours per day, while puppies clock in at an impressive 16-20 hours! Since this activity takes up so much of their time, it’s clear that your dog needs a good spot to sleep every night.
Of course, there’s now one key question that you’ll need to answer: where should your dog sleep at night? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. What works for one family may not be the best option for another. In the end, the search for the perfect sleeping spot will depend on you and your furry friend’s needs.
Where Should Your Dog Sleep?
There are a variety of factors that impact where your best friend should sleep at night. A dog’s size, age, and personality will not only help you narrow down what your precious pooch prefers, but also which options are even reasonable. Let’s break down some common locations where your canine companion can get his beauty rest.
Dog crates
A dog crate is both an extremely useful training tool and a perfectly good spot for your furry friend to lay his head. The most obvious benefit of having your dog sleep in a crate is that you won’t have to worry about what will happen if he stirs in the middle of the night. If your dog has a tendency to cause some trouble when you’re not around, a dog crate will keep him contained while he dreams of treats.
Crate training is useful for other reasons as well. For example, a dog crate is a good sleeping spot if you’re potty-training a puppy. Dogs naturally want to keep their sleeping area clean, so they won’t be nearly as likely to have an accident in their crate. This basic instinct will help train your pup to wait until you let them out in the morning instead of going to the bathroom somewhere in the house.
There is also no rule that says you have to shut the crate door once your dog is trained. You can turn the crate into a comfortable, snuggly bed with a blanket, and leave the door open so your dog can come and go as they please. As den animals, dogs tend to enjoy enclosed spaces like crates. That means your best friend may naturally prefer the protective atmosphere the crate provides.
That sense of security can also be good for dogs who get anxious, especially during a stressful event like a thunderstorm or the Fourth of July. That crate can feel like a secure cocoon where they can curl up and feel protected. As long as you choose the right dog crate for your dog, your best friend should be able to sleep safe and sound.
Your bed
Another potential option is to allow your dog to curl up on top of your covers at night. There are a variety of benefits that come with having your dog sleep in the same bed as you. Co-sleeping is a great bonding opportunity to help you and your dog grow closer. Sleeping with a pet also helps people to relax and enjoy a deeper, more tranquil sleep. Plus, sleeping in the same bed is simply more time to cuddle with your cute critter.
Of course, there are some downsides to having Fluffy sleep in your bed. Our furry friends tend to leave a lot more hair in your bed, which is problematic for anyone dealing with general allergies. Your bed may also not make as much sense for your dog as well. For example, older dogs may have some trouble jumping on and off the bed without some form of steps.
Dogs can also take up a lot of room, especially if they’re bigger breeds (or if you have more than one). If you find that your dog is cramping your sleeping style, it’s probably best to find an alternative sleeping spot so that both you and your dog sleep well.
A dog bed
Who says your dog can’t have his own bed? Many pet parents choose to set up a specific dog bed for their pooch. These beds can range from a fancy, commercially-made dog bed to some folded-up blankets on the floor. As long as your dog fits and takes a liking to this new spot, a dog bed is a dream scenario.
Regardless of the style of bed, dogs tend to like having a place or two to call their own. Even if you don’t give them a specific bed, your dog may still find one or two nooks around your house where he can take a nap. A good dog bed can help him have an extra comfortable space to sleep overnight.
The benefit of having a dog bed is that your dog knows that’s his spot to sleep. This familiarity can be helpful if you end up moving, you take your dog on vacation, or if you need your best friend to sleep in a different room for some reason. Many dogs will become so attached to their dog beds that it really doesn’t matter where it is, they’ll still love to sleep in it.
Inside vs outside your room
One of the biggest decisions to make is whether you want your dog to sleep inside or outside the same room as you. Dogs are social creatures and become very attached to their human parents, especially if they don’t have any furry siblings. It’s part of the reason why sharing a bed is so alluring.
Fortunately, it’s perfectly fine to keep a dog bed or crate in your room if you’re not so keen on sharing your bed. Keeping a bed or crate in your room is a nice middle ground between co-sleeping and not fighting over leg room.
Of course, there are some legitimate reasons to keep your dog closed out of your room. Some dogs will wake up their pet parents in the middle of the night by making noise or moving around. If your dog cries to get on and off the bed, or in and out of the room, or is interested in going out several times a night when that is not necessary, it might be best to sleep in separate rooms to make sure everyone gets a good night’s rest.
The Bottom Line on Where Your Dog Should Sleep
As you can see, there isn’t one strictly right or wrong answer. The best place for your dog to sleep at night boils down to both of your preferences. As long as both you and your dog are happy and comfortable, any one of these spaces can be the perfect spot for your dog to chase squirrels in his dreams.
Also, don’t be afraid to try different sleeping arrangements until you find what works best for you and your pet. Your dog’s ideal sleeping location may change over the course of his lifetime. The main thing is just to be in tune with what works for you and your precious pooch!
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