Introduction
The question of where a dog should sleep at night is one many pet owners grapple with. There are pros and cons to having your dog sleep in your bedroom versus having them sleep in a separate area downstairs. Some of the main factors to consider are the dog’s needs for closeness and bonding, potty needs, separation anxiety, sleep disturbances, allergies, safety, and boundaries. The ideal sleeping arrangement depends on your individual dog’s temperament and needs as well as your own preferences and living situation. This article will outline some of the key benefits and drawbacks of having your dog sleep in your bedroom versus downstairs to help pet owners make the best decision for their family.
Bonding Benefits
Having your dog sleep in your bedroom can help strengthen the emotional bond between you and your pet. Studies show that the act of sleeping near each other releases oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone”, which promotes feelings of trust and affection.
According to a study from https://casper.com, the nightly proximity and contact between owner and dog while sleeping can reinforce positive social interactions. Your dog feels comforted and secure sleeping close to you, while you receive the calming benefits of your dog’s presence.
Sleeping together also provides more opportunities for physical contact like petting, cuddling and gentle stroking which can lower stress and anxiety. The overall effect is an enhanced bond between owner and dog that mirrors a parent-infant attachment.
Nighttime Potty Breaks
One advantage of having your dog sleep in your bedroom is that it can make nighttime potty breaks easier. Puppies and some adult dogs may need to go out during the night to relieve themselves. This is especially common when you are still potty training your new dog.
If your dog is already sleeping in your room at night, you can more easily hear whining or other signs they need to go potty. Taking them outside will be faster and simpler if they don’t have to walk downstairs and through the entire house first. You’ll also be more aware of when they come back into the room, so you can praise and reward successful potty trips.
Overall, having your furry companion in your bedroom makes those middle of the night bathroom breaks less disruptive for both of you. Your dog can rely on you to let them out in a timely manner, while you get back to sleep sooner.
Separation Anxiety
Being apart from their owner at night can worsen separation anxiety in dogs. Dogs with separation anxiety become very distressed when left alone, especially at night when it’s dark and quiet. They may whine, bark, pace, urinate, defecate, and show other signs of anxiety.
According to dog behaviorists, allowing anxious dogs to sleep in their owner’s bed often makes separation anxiety worse over time (DedicatedDogTraining.com, Dogster.com). The dog becomes overly dependent on the owner, and being left alone becomes even more upsetting. While sleeping together may provide short-term comfort, it reinforces the anxious behavior.
Experts recommend gradually getting an anxious dog accustomed to sleeping in a separate room, using techniques like positive reinforcement and providing a comfortable, secure sleeping space for the dog. This can help build their independence and resilience. However, the process requires patience as forcing an anxious dog to be alone can make matters worse. Working with a professional trainer/behaviorist may be needed for severe cases.
Disturbances and Disruptions
One of the biggest cons of allowing your dog to sleep in your bedroom or on your bed is that they can disrupt your sleep in various ways. Dogs tend to move around more at night as they change positions and get comfortable. This constant movement can prevent you from getting a deep, restful sleep. According to a study by the Mayo Clinic, 53% of pet owners reported that their pets disturbed their sleep in some way (Source).
Dogs also have a tendency to snore, whimper, bark, and make other noises during the night. These sounds, especially loud snoring, can frequently wake you up when you’re trying to sleep. Certain breeds like pugs, bulldogs, and boxers are known for their loud, disruptive snoring. Trying to sleep while your dog is loudly snoring right next to you can be very difficult.
In addition, some dogs try to wake up their owners if they need a late night trip outside to relieve themselves. They may pace around, whine, or even jump on the bed to get your attention if they need to go potty. While taking them outside prevents accidents, it can also cut into your much needed sleep.
Allergies and Asthma
Allowing your dog to sleep in your bedroom can aggravate allergies and asthma, especially if you are sensitive to pet dander. Dogs naturally shed fur and skin flakes or dander throughout the day. This dander collects in fabrics such as bedding and carpeting and can trigger allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, coughing, and irritated eyes (https://www.polyclinic.com/health-wellness-library/sleeping-with-pets.html).
If you have asthma, exposure to dander at night may also trigger asthma symptoms or make them worse. Keeping your dog out of the bedroom limits your exposure to dander where you sleep. Using allergen-proof bedding and washing bedding frequently can also help reduce dander if you do allow your dog to sleep in your room.
In addition to dander, dogs can track in pollen, dirt, and other allergens from outside on their paws and fur. These allergens collect in carpet and bedding and can exacerbate allergy and asthma symptoms (https://www.polyclinic.com/health-wellness-library/sleeping-with-pets.html). Keeping your dog out of your bedroom prevents these allergens from building up near where you sleep.
Safety Concerns
One potential downside of allowing dogs to sleep in the bedroom is increased safety risks. Dogs may accidentally knock over lamps, chew electrical cords, or cause other damage while moving around at night. According to the American Kennel Club, chewed electrical cords are one of the most common household dangers posed by dogs. Unfortunately, frayed or damaged electrical cords from chewing can result in electrocution, burns, or fire hazards(AKC).
Additionally, dogs allowed free range of bedrooms could potentially get into household chemicals, medications, or choke hazards sitting out. It’s important to secure any toxic substances and safely store medications if your dog sleeps in your room. Tripping over a dog in the middle of the night as you get up to use the restroom also poses a falling risk, especially for elderly individuals or young children. Setting up baby gates, closing doors to certain rooms, and providing dogs with their own designated sleeping/rest areas can help minimize these risks. However, human error and unexpected accidents can still occur. So weighing safety factors for all family members is advised if considering allowing bedroom access.
Establishing Boundaries
Setting clear boundaries is an important part of training your dog and reinforcing good behavior. Keeping your dog out of certain rooms or areas of the house when you’re not around can be an effective way to establish boundaries.
For example, keeping your dog out of the kitchen while you’re cooking dinner prevents begging, stealing food, or getting into things they shouldn’t. As the Dink Dog Mom explains, teaching your dog not to come into the kitchen while you’re cooking is an important boundary to set.
Likewise, keeping your dog off furniture when you’re not home maintains an important boundary and household rule. As The Wildest points out, allowing your dog on furniture only when invited up reinforces good behavior and manners.
Dogs thrive on structure and consistency. Keeping them out of off-limit areas when unsupervised reinforces the training and commands you use when you are home. It helps reinforce that those spaces are off limits unless explicitly allowed. Clear boundaries make both you and your dog happier in the long run.
Ideal Sleeping Spots
When deciding where your dog should sleep, you’ll need to consider the ideal sleeping spots in your home. Many experts recommend having your dog sleep in your bedroom in their own dog bed, as it allows them to feel close to you and provides bonding benefits. However, there are some good areas for dog beds both in and outside of your room.
Inside your bedroom, place the dog bed in a corner or along a wall, not too close to your own bed. This allows your dog to feel like they have their own space while still being near you. Avoid areas with drafts or loud appliances. If your dog tends to wander at night, a crate or enclosed dog bed inside your room can help contain them.
If your dog sleeps downstairs, the family room or kitchen are often good choices, as these social areas allow your dog to still feel part of the home. Place beds away from high traffic areas and on a non-carpeted surface if possible. You can also allow access to a mudroom, laundry room, or hallway area and set up a bed there. Outside of the bedroom, containment like a crate or gated area is recommended to restrict roaming at night.
Wherever you place your dog’s bed, make sure it’s comfortable, has adequate cushion and fluff, and is the right size for your dog. Ensure it’s in a draft-free area that’s quiet, relaxing, and conducive to a good night’s sleep.
Sources:
https://news.orvis.com/dogs/where-should-your-dog-sleep
https://tractive.com/blog/en/good-to-know/where-should-your-dog-sleep
Conclusion
Having your dog sleep in your bedroom has some clear benefits like strengthening your bond, making nighttime potty breaks easier, and reducing separation anxiety. However, it can also lead to sleep disruptions, trigger allergies, and make it harder to set boundaries. Allowing your dog to sleep downstairs provides more space, reduces disturbances, and prevents over-attachment, but may worsen separation anxiety.
Overall, the ideal solution is likely a compromise. Allowing your dog to sleep in a cozy bed or crate in your bedroom some nights while enforcing alone time downstairs other nights balances bonding and independence. Just be sure to choose a spot that won’t aggravate allergies or frequently disturb sleep. With a thoughtful approach, you and your dog can both get a great night’s rest.