Dogs Tend to Sleep Near Trusted People
Dogs often see their human families as their pack and will want to sleep near the members they feel closest to and most loyal towards [1]. Sleeping together helps strengthen the bond between dogs and their trusted humans. It’s a sign that the dog feels safe, secure, and comfortable enough to be in a vulnerable sleeping state around certain people [1][2].
Dogs that fully trust an owner or family member will frequently choose to sleep in the same room or area as that person, such as in a bedroom or near the couch [3]. They want to be close enough at night to protect and watch over their pack. During the day, dogs may nap by the door or in rooms where their trusted humans spend time. Some dogs even try to sleep touching their owners in some way, such as snuggling on a lap or pressing up against legs. This closeness while sleeping demonstrates a strong devotion in dogs towards those they feel closest to.
However, dogs that are still unsure about someone or don’t fully trust them yet may intentionally choose not to sleep near that person. Building trust takes time, and sleeping apart is one sign that a dog may not be 100% comfortable around someone. As that individual spends more positive time with the dog though and earns their trust, proximity while sleeping is likely to increase too.
[1] https://www.newsweek.com/why-dogs-sleeping-owners-beds-1824853
[2] https://buddyrest.com/blogs/buddyblog/why-do-dogs-like-to-sleep-with-you
[3] https://www.madpaws.com.au/blog/why-does-my-dog-sleep-so-close-to-me/
Signs a Dog Trusts You
Dogs exhibit several behaviors that indicate they feel safe and trusting with a person. One of the most telling signs is that a dog will sleep in the same room or right next to the person they trust
(https://www.barclondon.com/blogs/mindfulness-wellbeing/signs-your-dog-trusts-you). When a dog is comfortable enough to sleep in your presence, it shows they feel secure and relaxed around you.
Another sign of trust is when a dog freely exposes its belly to you. A dog’s belly is the most vulnerable part of their body, so rolling over for belly rubs demonstrates that they feel protected (https://www.rd.com/list/signs-dog-trusts-you/). If your dog happily flips over for tummy tickles, it’s a clear indication of their confidence in you.
Dogs that trust a person will also actively seek out affection and petting. Leaning into you for pats or scratches shows your dog desires physical contact as a form of bonding. By initiating cuddling or nuzzling, your dog communicates that they feel safe showing vulnerability and connecting with you.
Building a Dog’s Trust
Gaining a dog’s trust requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. According to the source How to Build Trust With Your Dog, you can build trust by giving your dog affection and petting. Avoid punishing or scaring your dog, as this will erode trust. Let your dog approach you first before reaching to pet it. Hand feeding treats allows a dog to develop positive associations. Taking dogs on frequent walks also provides bonding time.
The source 10 Winning Ways to Gain a Dog’s Trust recommends rewarding good behavior often to reinforce it. Give your dog space if it seems nervous or scared so it doesn’t feel threatened. Use calm, positive body language and avoid prolonged direct eye contact. Trust takes time but rewarding small successes helps dogs gain confidence.
Who Do Dogs Trust Most?
Dogs tend to trust the people who interact with them the most. According to a Reddit thread on signs your dog trusts you, dogs usually trust the family members who feed, walk, play with, and train them the most. The person who spends the most quality time with a dog will likely be the one they trust and bond with most.
Often, dogs bond closely with the first family member or person they met. As puppies, dogs imprint on humans during their critical socialization period. The humans they interact with the most during the first few months of life become the ones they are most familiar with and trust.
Additionally, the person who trains a dog will develop a close trusting relationship. Training requires patience, repetition and positive rewards which strengthens the human-canine bond. Dogs learn to rely on their trainers for guidance, commands, affection and approval.
Influence of Breed on Trust
Some dog breeds tend to bond quickly and trust new people more easily than others. According to The 17 Most Loyal Dog Breeds That’ll Never Leave Your Side, breeds like Labs, Golden Retrievers, and Beagles are known for being very friendly and forming bonds of trust quickly with new people. Their outgoing and social personalities make it easy for them to trust humans in general.
On the other hand, some breeds are more cautious and slower to trust strangers. Smaller breeds like Chihuahuas and Pomeranians tend to bond very strongly with one person, as per Is there a certain breed of dog that you don’t trust? Why?. They can be more distrustful of new people and need time to warm up. But once earned, their trust and loyalty to their person is exceptionally strong.
So while some dogs Trust Any Human, others bond deeply to their Owners. Understanding a breed’s general tendencies can help set proper expectations when introducing them to new people or environments.
Puppies May Initially Mistrust
Puppies taken from their litter at a young age must build trust in their new human caretakers. According to Purina, it’s common for new puppy owners to experience some initial distrust and anxiety from their puppy in the first few months. Puppies are used to being surrounded by their littermates and mother, so moving to a new home with unfamiliar people can be an unsettling transition.
However, with time, patience, and bonding, puppies will learn to trust their new owners. It’s important to establish a consistent daily routine and give your new puppy plenty of affection and playtime. Slowly introducing your puppy to new sights, sounds, and experiences will build confidence. Rewarding good behavior with treats and praise will reinforce the bond. If you remain calm and patient, the puppy will come to see you as a trusted caretaker.
Traumatized Dogs May Struggle with Trust
Dogs that come from abusive homes or shelters where they have experienced trauma may struggle to trust humans again. These dogs have learned to be fearful of people from past negative experiences. Building trust with a traumatized dog takes time, patience and positive reinforcement.
Traumatized dogs may show fearful body language like cowering, trembling, tail tucking, whale eye, lip licking or yawning when approached. Never force contact on these dogs. Let them approach you first and get to know your scent. Sit near the dog’s space without making direct eye contact to help them feel secure. Allow the dog to sniff you first before attempting to pet them. When petting, touch under the chin before stroking gently down their back. Go slowly and stop petting if they seem uncomfortable (https://www.wikihow.com/Build-Trust-with-an-Abused-Dog).
Use high-value treats to build positive associations. Hand feeding allows the dog to overcome fear and make a connection. Maintain a consistent daily routine and respond to their needs to help the dog feel secure. With time and continued positive reinforcement, the dog will gain confidence and begin to trust again. But progress may be slow, so patience is key (https://www.halifaxhumanesociety.org/Gaining-the-Trust-of-a-Formerly-Abused-Dog-1-15259.html). Focus on letting the dog set the pace and do not force interactions until trust is established.
Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
It’s generally best not to disturb a sleeping dog. Dogs feel most secure when sleeping, and waking them suddenly could trigger a fear response, especially in dogs that are anxious or have experienced past trauma or abuse.
According to the American Kennel Club, owners should let sleeping dogs lie because “Disrupting a dog during REM sleep can result in serious consequences. The immediate disorientation and vulnerability felt when suddenly awakened can cause them to snap or bite out of fear.” [1]
Dogs go through several stages of sleep just like humans, including REM sleep when they are dreaming. Waking a dog abruptly during REM sleep can greatly disorient them and make them feel threatened. It’s best to allow dogs to wake up naturally to avoid an unnecessary fear response.
Of course, there are some exceptions where you may need to wake a sleeping dog, such as for feeding, walks, giving medication, or travel. In these cases, try to wake the dog gently – call their name, stroke them softly, or make other calm noises to transition them to wakefulness. But in general, it’s healthiest for dogs to wake up when they feel ready.
Sleeping Arrangements
When it comes to where your dog should sleep at night, there are a few options to consider: in a crate, in their own dog bed, or in your bed. Each sleeping arrangement has its own pros and cons.
Having your dog sleep in a crate can be very beneficial, especially for puppies and younger dogs. Crates provide a secure, den-like space that helps dogs feel comfortable and less anxious. Crates also aid in housetraining and prevent destructive behaviors in dogs left alone. However, crates should not be used to lock up dogs for excessively long periods. Dogs still need human interaction and exercise. See more on proper crate training at https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/training/why-crate-train-your-dog/.
Letting your dog sleep in their own dog bed gives them a cozy place to nestle while still having freedom to move around the room or house. High-quality orthopedic dog beds provide support for aging joints. The downside is dogs may still feel isolated and could potentially get into mischief at night. Supervision is advised.
Finally, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed can help strengthen bonding and provide security. However, this arrangement may not be ideal for dogs who spread out or reposition frequently in their sleep. Disrupted human sleep patterns and difficulties with intimacy can occur. Dogs who resource guard may snap when humans change positions. Establishing ground rules helps make co-sleeping more harmonious.
In terms of the sleep environment, dogs should be kept at a comfortable bedroom temperature around 65-70°F. Excess heat can disrupt sleep. Background noise like a fan or white noise machine can soothe anxious dogs. The location should be free of drafts and direct sun exposure.
Every dog has unique needs and preferences when it comes to sleeping arrangements. Pay attention to your dog’s cues to determine which option allows for the best quality sleep.
Signs of Sleep Issues in Dogs
Some common signs that a dog may be experiencing sleep issues include:
Restlessness/pacing at night – Dogs who pace, seem unable to get comfortable, or frequently change sleeping locations at night may be having trouble falling or staying asleep. This restlessness can be a sign of anxiety, pain, or a condition like insomnia or REM sleep disorder.
Sleeping excessively during the day – While some dogs do enjoy napping and relaxing during the day, excessive daytime sleep may indicate that the dog isn’t sleeping well at night. Health issues or sleep disorders could be preventing the dog from achieving deep, restorative sleep at the normal times.
Waking easily/having nightmares – Dogs who whimper, cry, growl or seem frightened while sleeping may be experiencing nightmares or disorders like REM sleep behavior disorder which cause them to physically act out their dreams. They may also wake up frequently and have difficulty settling back down.
If a dog is displaying these signs, a vet visit to identify potential causes and treatment options may help them get back to more normal, healthy sleep patterns (1).