Changes in Routine
Dogs are creatures of habit, so any changes in their normal routine can cause anxiety and stress, leading to behavioral changes like suddenly sleeping in your bed (1). Discuss any recent shifts in your family’s schedule or routine that could be impacting your dog. For example, if someone in the household who was regularly home in the evenings starts working late more often, this disruption from normal could cause your dog to seek more comfort and security from sleeping with you.
Or if your dog is used to being fed at very consistent times, but those times get shifted around lately, this can also stress a dog out. Even small changes like moving around the furniture or driving a different route on the daily walk can throw your dog off. Take note of any and all routine interruptions, as the accumulation of changes in patterns, environments, schedules, etc. can result in your dog wanting more closeness at night (2).
To help your dog cope, make any necessary routine changes gradually, stick to consistent waking, feeding and walking times as much as possible, and provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation during times of change (3). The more consistent and stable you can keep key parts of your dog’s routine during periods of transition, the less anxiety and need for comfort at night they will feel.
Sources:
(1) https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/advice/temporary-changes-in-routine/
(2) https://pupford.com/help-dog-cope-with-routine-changes/
(3) https://www.oldfarmvet.com/6-tips-for-helping-your-dog-cope-with-schedule-changes/
Bonding
Dogs form extremely strong bonds with their human families. As pack animals, dogs often attach to one person more than others. Sleeping together in bed or on furniture represents quality bonding time for a dog and their preferred human. Dogs that sleep with their owners tend to be more content, relaxed, and less stressed.
Strengthening your bond through daily walks, play, training and quality time together can help reassure a dog that they are still a valued family member. However, if your dog has suddenly started sleeping with you instead of someone else, it likely indicates they are seeking more affection and attention from you specifically. Providing positive daily engagement can help reinforce your bond with your dog.
Anxiety
Dogs, like humans, can experience anxiety that causes them to seek comfort and security. This is especially common in senior dogs. Anxieties like separation anxiety or storm phobias can cause a dog to suddenly start sleeping with a certain owner at night (Source). The presence of their trusted human makes them feel safe and secure during a time when they are feeling distressed.
Signs that your dog may be experiencing anxiety at night include restlessness, pacing, whining or barking. They may follow you around more closely or hide under furniture. Separation anxiety is a common cause – being away from you causes stress. Loud noises like thunderstorms can also trigger anxious behavior in dogs prone to phobias. Even changes in routine or environment can be unsettling. Your dog may start sleeping with you at night because it comforts them and eases their anxiety.
If your dog is exhibiting signs of anxiety or separation distress, there are things you can try to help them feel more secure. Providing a comfortable sleeping space nearby, keeping lights or music on for company, leaving recently worn clothing in their bed so they have your scent, or using pheromone diffusers can help. You should also work on training techniques for separation anxiety. Comforting an anxious dog at night reinforces the behavior, so be sure to combine this with proper training. If anxiety persists, consult with your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications or supplements (Source).
Age
As dogs get older, starting around age 5-7, their sleep patterns often change significantly. According to Orvis, dogs tend to sleep more overall and have a harder time sleeping through the night as they age. It’s common for senior dogs to get up multiple times at night, seem restless, pace around the house, or change their preferred sleeping location.
Many aging dogs start to prefer sleeping closer to their owners. This is likely because it makes them feel more secure and provides comfort amidst other changes. An older dog sleeping with you rather than in their normal spot could indicate they want more attention and reassurance as they get older. Providing a warm, comforting place for your senior dog to sleep near you can help ease this transition. Just be alert for signs of illness or discomfort as reasons behind the change. Overall though, accommodating an older dog’s desire for closeness and bonding is important to their wellbeing.
Health Issues
As dogs age, they can develop various health problems that affect their sleep patterns and behavior. One of the most common is arthritis, which causes joint pain and inflammation. An arthritic dog may have difficulty moving around and getting comfortable, so they seek out soft, warm places to sleep – like their owner’s bed (Source: PetMD). The pain and stiffness in their joints is relieved when they can sleep on a cushioned surface, and your bed provides comfort and allows them to stay close to you.
Other issues like hypothyroidism, heart disease, dementia and muscle weakness can also cause elderly dogs to sleep more and desire close contact for security. Changes in their cognitive function or ability to regulate body temperature may prompt them to seek areas that are soothing and easier for them to navigate as they sleep more due to these conditions (Source: PetMD). If your dog’s sleep habits have suddenly changed along with other symptoms, it’s important to have them evaluated by a vet to diagnose and treat any underlying health problems.
Changes in Home
Moving homes or even just moving furniture around can be very disruptive and anxiety-inducing for dogs. They thrive on predictability and familiarity in their environment. When their home changes significantly, it can cause stress that leads them to seek more comfort and security from their owners at night [1]. Examples of changes that could prompt this include:
- Moving to a new house.
- A major renovation or redecorating.
- Moving the dog’s bed/crate to a new room.
- Getting new furniture like couches or beds.
- Adding another pet to the home.
To help ease the transition, keep the dog’s sleeping area as consistent as possible when changes happen. Also try to maintain their daily routine. Make sure they have plenty of time to explore, sniff, and get accustomed to altered spaces. Give them extra play, exercise, and affection. Consider using calming aids like pheromone diffusers or calming treats. Be patient and understanding if your dog seems unsettled. The anxiety should pass as the new arrangement becomes familiar. Focus on creating positive associations with new sleeping spots by praising, treating, and providing affection when they rest in appropriate areas.
[1] https://www.dog-g8.com/blogs/blog/moving-house-with-your-dog-top-tips-to-help-your-dog-adjust
Negative Associations
Dogs may start avoiding sleeping in certain spots or with certain owners if they develop negative associations with those locations or people. For example, if a dog is frequently disturbed or woken up while sleeping in a particular spot, they may come to associate that location with being disturbed and no longer see it as a restful place to sleep. Loud noises near a sleeping area can also cause negative associations, as can pets or children repeatedly bothering the dog while they attempt to rest.
Likewise, if a certain family member frequently disturbs the dog at night or while napping, the dog may choose to avoid sleeping near that person and instead seek out a different sleeping spot where they are left undisturbed. These negative associations cause the dog to view certain sleeping spots or co-sleeping companions as disruptive to their ability to get quality rest, prompting them to change their sleeping habits and avoid places linked to negative experiences in pursuit of an undisturbed, peaceful place to sleep.
To encourage a dog to resume sleeping in an avoided spot or with certain owners, it’s important to reinforce positive associations while minimizing disturbances and disruptions as much as possible. This allows the dog to rebuild positive links with previously shunned sleeping spots or co-sleepers when they realize the location is once again tranquil, comfortable and associated with undisturbed rest.
Positive Reinforcement
One of the most effective ways to encourage a dog to sleep in a certain spot is through positive reinforcement. The basic principle is to reward your dog with treats, praise, pets or other positive attention when they go to the desired sleeping spot. This positive association will lead the dog to prefer that location.
For example, if you want your dog to sleep in their own dog bed instead of your bed, give them a treat and affection whenever you see them lying in their own bed. Say “good boy/girl” in an excited tone and pet them gently while they are in their bed so they connect that spot with your praise. Over time, repeating this positive reinforcement will teach the dog that going to their own bed leads to rewards and attention from you.
Similarly, if your dog has started sleeping with you but you want them back in their own bed, positively reinforce when they lie in their bed and ignore them (don’t give them any attention) if they try to jump up into your bed. With consistency, the dog will learn that their bed is where they receive affection and attention from you.
The key is being very consistent with the positive reinforcement every time your dog is in the desired sleep spot. Done correctly over a period of several weeks, this can reshape their sleeping behavior. Just be patient – changing a habit takes time.
Sources:
https://indiantraildogtraining.com/tips-and-techniques-to-train-your-dog-or-puppy.html
https://www.fitbark.com/blog/how-to-train-your-puppy-to-sleep-in-a-dog-bed
Veterinary Causes
There are some medical conditions that could cause your dog to change their sleeping preferences. According to the National Institutes of Health, sleep disturbances in dogs can be associated with health issues like neurological conditions, pain, or cognitive dysfunction. If your dog is older, they may be developing canine cognitive dysfunction which can disrupt normal sleep-wake cycles.
Dogs experiencing pain from arthritis, dental issues, or other conditions may seek out the comfort of sleeping with their owner. Changes in sleeping habits can also be a sign of underlying illness in dogs. Some examples are kidney disease, urinary tract infections, hyperthyroidism, heart conditions, and even cancer.
If your dog’s sleeping behavior seems abnormal, it’s a good idea to make an appointment with your veterinarian. They can give your dog a thorough exam, run any necessary diagnostic tests, and determine if there is a medical reason causing the change. Addressing health problems can help improve your dog’s sleep disturbances as well as their overall quality of life.
How to Transition
Transitioning a dog’s sleeping arrangement takes patience, consistency, and gradual change. Here are some tips for a smooth transition:
Start by moving your dog’s bedding to the new sleeping area during the day so they get used to the new spot. Give them praise and treats when they relax there. Allow them to still sleep in your room at night at first.
After a few days, start having your dog sleep in the new room for short periods at night while you are still nearby. Sit with them and provide reassurance. Slowly increase the time they spend there before joining you in your room.
Establish a comforting nighttime routine with a favorite toy or chew treat to help them feel relaxed and safe. Allow access to both rooms at first so they don’t feel isolated.
Resist comforting them if they cry or scratch at your door. Wait for them to calm down before letting them in. Eventually they will get used to sleeping separately at night.
Be patient and stick to the routine. If you give in too soon, it can confuse them and delay the transition. Remain positive throughout the process.
Ask your vet for advice if your dog shows signs of anxiety or distress. Medication or natural calming aids may help ease the change for dogs prone to separation issues.