Introduction
Leaving a dog downstairs at night is a common dilemma that many dog owners face. On one hand, you want your furry friend to feel included as part of the family and have access to the whole house. On the other hand, there may be practical reasons for confining them to a particular area overnight, such as house training puppies or keeping high-energy dogs from disturbing your sleep.
This article will cover the main considerations around leaving dogs downstairs at night. We’ll look at the potential pros and cons, signs of separation anxiety, tips for preparing the dog’s space, and when it may or may not be recommended. The goal is to provide dog owners with a balanced perspective so they can make the best decision for their unique situation.
Pros of Leaving a Dog Downstairs
One of the main advantages of having your dog sleep downstairs at night is that it allows them to have more space. Dogs that sleep in crates or confined areas upstairs may feel cramped or restless (source). Letting your dog sleep downstairs gives them room to stretch out and get comfortable. This is especially important for larger breed dogs.
Additionally, leaving your dog downstairs can lead to less sleep disruptions for you and other family members. Dogs can be restless at night, pacing, moving around frequently, and needing potty breaks. This activity upstairs near bedrooms can wake up owners. Having the dog sleep in a separate space downstairs avoids nighttime disturbances from the dog (source). Owners can get better sleep without the dog in the bedroom.
Cons of Leaving a Dog Downstairs
One of the main cons of leaving a dog downstairs at night is that the dog may experience separation anxiety and feel isolated when left alone. Dogs are pack animals and prefer to sleep in close proximity to their family members. Being separated at night goes against this natural instinct. According to an article on Bean’s Beauty Blog, “Another reason not to leave them downstairs alone is that puppies won’t be able to sleep through the night without needing to go out and relieve themselves. Puppies need to be taken out every few hours for bathroom breaks.”
Leaving a dog downstairs alone can lead to behavioral issues like excessive barking, whining, destruction, or even urinating/defecating in the house. The stress of isolation may also cause health problems in some dogs. It’s important to slowly acclimate a dog to sleeping downstairs alone through positive reinforcement training and providing a comfortable, safe space for them.
While some adult dogs may eventually adjust to being left downstairs at night, puppies and dogs prone to separation anxiety may continue to struggle with this arrangement. According to an answer on Quora, “Puppies may feel anxious or insecure when left alone, which can lead to behavioral issues. It’s best to gradually introduce your puppy to being left alone before isolating them all night.”
Signs of Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety can manifest in various behaviors when a dog is left alone. Some common signs of separation anxiety include:
- Barking and howling – Dogs may incessantly bark or howl when their owner leaves. This persistent vocalization is a cry for attention and an attempt to get their owner to return. According to the ASPCA, this kind of barking can persist for hours on end. [1]
- Destruction – Dogs experiencing separation distress may engage in destructive behaviors like chewing, digging, urinating, defecating, and tearing things up. These behaviors may be the dog’s attempt at escaping or a way to cope with anxiety. [2]
- Depression – Some dogs may exhibit depression when left alone, becoming extremely inactive or withdrawn. The dog may lose interest in things that normally make it happy. Lethargy, loss of appetite, and weight loss can occur. [3]
Tips to Ease Separation Anxiety
There are several things you can do to help ease separation anxiety in your dog when you leave them downstairs at night:
Increase Exercise: Giving your dog more exercise and stimulation during the day can help reduce anxiety when left alone at night. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of walks, play time, or training during the day (source). The extra activity will tire them out.
Provide Toys & Puzzles: Leave toys and puzzles with treats or kibble for your dog to focus on at night. The mental and physical stimulation will keep them occupied (source). Rotate different puzzles to prevent boredom.
Training: Work on training cues like “settle” or “mat” to teach your dog to calmly relax. Practice when you’re home first, then use the cues when leaving them. Reinforce calm behavior.
Try Pheromones: Adaptil pheromone products can help relax dogs. Use the diffuser or collar when leaving your dog downstairs overnight.
Preparing the Dog’s Space
When preparing an area for your dog to stay in overnight, it’s important to make sure they have everything they need to feel comfortable and content. Some key elements to include in your dog’s space:
Comfortable Bed: Provide a cozy dog bed for your pup to sleep in. Choose one that is appropriately sized for your dog and place some blankets on top for added warmth and comfort. Make sure to regularly wash the dog bedding to keep it fresh and clean for your dog each night (Source: https://www.rover.com/blog/7-simple-steps-creating-room-just-dog/).
Water: Place a water bowl filled with fresh water each evening so your dog has access to hydration overnight. Use a no-spill bowl if possible to minimize mess. Check the water level in the morning and refresh as needed (Source: https://www.diggs.pet/blog/pet-parenting/prepare-for-puppy/).
Toys: Provide your dog with safe chew toys in their space to occupy them. Rotating different toys keeps things interesting and can alleviate boredom or anxiety when alone at night. Stuffed Kongs or chew toys may help relax your dog before bedtime as well.
Alternatives to Leaving Dog Downstairs
If you don’t feel comfortable leaving your dog downstairs alone at night, there are some alternatives to consider:
Let your dog sleep in your bedroom. Allowing your dog to sleep in your bedroom with you can help ease separation anxiety. Be sure to set some ground rules and train your dog to sleep in their own dog bed in the bedroom rather than on your bed, if preferred. Having your dog close by can provide comfort.[1]
Get a second dog. Some dogs feel less anxious with another canine companion. Introducing a second dog takes time and proper training, but having two bonded dogs can provide comfort and security at night when left downstairs together.[2]
When It’s OK to Leave a Dog Downstairs
For confident, non-anxious adult dogs, leaving them downstairs at night can be perfectly fine. Adult dogs, especially those over 2 years old, typically have enough bladder control to sleep through the night without needing to go outside [1]. Mature dogs are also less prone to separation anxiety and can feel comfortable sleeping in a different area than their owners.
Dogs that are crate-trained or used to having their own defined sleeping space may transition well to being left downstairs at night. As long as the dog has a comfortable, safe area set up for them, they likely will not mind the new arrangement. Providing toys, chews, or puzzles can also help occupy them while everyone else sleeps upstairs.
For dogs without anxiety issues or other behavioral concerns, letting them have their own space can be beneficial. It prevents disruptions to the owner’s sleep from a restless dog. The dog may also enjoy having more freedom at night to sprawl out.
When It’s Not Recommended
Leaving some dogs downstairs at night is not advised. This includes puppies, senior dogs, and dogs with separation anxiety.
Puppies should sleep near their owners at night, especially when they are very young and adjusting to a new home. Puppies thrive on closeness and bonding with their people. Leaving them alone downstairs can be frightening and stressful for them. It’s best to have puppies sleep in a crate or bed in your bedroom during house training and adjustment periods. As they get older and better trained, you can gradually move their sleeping space farther away.
Senior dogs can develop anxiety when left downstairs alone, especially if their sight, hearing, or mobility is declining. Senior dogs are most comfortable sleeping near their owners. Leaving them downstairs away from you can cause stress, pacing, whining, and other anxious behaviors. It’s kindest to allow aging dogs to sleep upstairs with you.
Dogs with separation anxiety should never be left downstairs alone at night. Their anxiety will worsen if confined away from you for long periods. Leaving a dog with separation anxiety downstairs while you sleep upstairs will likely result in crying, whining, barking, destruction, and other problematic behaviors. If your dog has separation anxiety, it’s essential to have them sleep in your bedroom until the issue is resolved.
Conclusion
The decision of whether or not to leave your dog downstairs alone while you sleep upstairs is one that requires careful thought and consideration. There are pros and cons to both options. Leaving your dog downstairs can help establish boundaries and independence, but it could also lead to separation anxiety if your dog is used to sleeping with you. Signs of separation anxiety like barking, destruction, and elimination issues indicate your dog may not yet be ready to be left alone at night.
If you do choose to leave your dog downstairs, take steps to create a comfortable, stimulating environment and provide interactive toys to prevent boredom. Never confine your dog without access to food, water, and potty breaks. Monitor your dog’s stress levels and make adjustments as needed. As an alternative, use baby gates to restrict but not totally isolate your dog from the upstairs bedroom area.
Overall, know your dog’s personality and needs. Some dogs transition well to downstairs at night, while anxious dogs or puppies may do better with gradual training and more access. Make your decision thoughtfully, observing your dog’s reactions. With proper preparation, an independent adult dog without separation issues can be left downstairs comfortably.