Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

The 4 best places for dogs to sleep at night

Vera Lawlor
By

Where should dogs sleep at night? Well, if you snuggle up at night beside your dog you have lots of company. A Novosbed.com sleep survey revealed that a whopping 71 percent of pet owners sleep with their animal companions. Dog owners say that sleeping with their four-legged friends provides them with a sense of comfort and security. This feeling appears to be mutual. A 2020 British study on the sleeping habits of dogs found that 85 percent of puppies chose to sleep near a human when given the opportunity. So, where are the best places for your dog to sleep? Read on for some things to consider.

1. Sharing your bed

According to a Psychology Today article, there’s a growing body of research showing positive results and benefits from sleeping with pets, including among people with sleep disorders and medical conditions.

Recommended Videos

Will sleeping with you make your dog dominant?

Many trainers believe that dogs who sleep in owners’ beds become dominant or spoiled. However, experts at the American Kennel Club (AKC) say that there’s no problem with well-adjusted, well-behaved dogs sharing a bed with owners. And in a Whole Dog Journal article, certified dog trainer Pat Miller writes: “The dog who wants to sleep on your bed isn’t trying to take over the world. He just wants to be close to his humans and comfortable!” If your dog does show negative behavior tendencies when on the bed send him to a separate sleeping space and enlist the help of a trainer, say AKC experts.

Man sleeping with his dog.
Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava/Shutterstock

Pros of sleeping with your dog

  • An interesting study of 962 adult women in the U.S. found that dogs disturbed sleep less than human partners and offered a greater sense of comfort and security.
  • Research shows that being around our dogs reduces stress levels and lowers our heart rate. So sleeping with our dogs may provide for a more restful night.
  • Experts say that sleeping with pets helps strengthen the human-animal bond.

The cons of sleeping with your dog

  • Dogs who aren’t housebroken can have accidents on the bed.
  • Sleeping with dogs isn’t healthy for people who suffer from allergies.
  • Depending on the size of your bed, large dog breeds may hog the covers and the space. Also, dogs who snore, are restless, or bark at outdoor sounds make it difficult to sleep through the night.

2. Sleeping in a crate

According to the AKC, crate training is an essential part of housebreaking puppies or newly adopted dogs as they don’t like to soil their sleeping quarters. When introduced properly and at a young age, many dogs see their crates as a safe space where they can relax and sleep. It’s important to choose a high-quality crate pad that will provide a warm comfortable bed for your dog. Once housebroken and past the destructive chewing stage, some pet parents choose to let the crate door open for their dogs at night.

Make sure the crate is the right size for your dog    

Your dog should be able to comfortably stand up, move around, and lay down in his crate. Chewy.com offers a helpful crate size chart along with instructions on how to measure your dog when choosing a crate.

Pros of using a crate

  • Safely confining your young dog to a crate at night means you can sleep soundly.
  • Crates offer a safe place for adopted dogs who may feel insecure in their new homes.
  • Crates are a safe option for senior dogs who suffer from nighttime wandering.

Cons of using a crate

  • If your dog isn’t crate-trained at a young age he mightn’t be happy sleeping in an enclosed space.
  • When crate training isn’t done correctly, some dogs may see it as a punishment.
  • Crates are not a good option for dogs with separation anxiety.
Dog sleeping in a crate.
Jennay Hitesman / Shutterstock

3. Sleeping in a dog bed

Many dogs enjoy curling up or stretching out on their own comfortable beds. When it comes to designs, there’s certainly no shortage of options. You can choose from traditional round dog beds to those that are built like miniature sofas, chaise longues, throw pillows, or canopy beds. What matters is that the bed is comfortable and will provide your dog with a good night’s sleep.

Match the bed to your dog

Orthopedic beds with a firm, dense, memory foam mattress are a great choice for older arthritic dogs. According to the AKC, dogs who love to cuddle will appreciate sinking into shaggy soft oversized beds or curling up inside plush tent beds. Large durable mattress beds are a good choice for oversized breeds who like to stretch out at night.

4. Allow your dog to choose his sleeping spot

Some dogs like to change sleeping spots during the night. They may fall asleep beside you on the bed only to move to the couch a few hours later. By morning you may find them snuggled up in their own bed. As long as your sleep isn’t interrupted and your dog doesn’t get into mischief, it’s fine to let him choose where he wants to sleep.

In the end, when it comes to where your dog should sleep at night, what matters is that you and your dog are getting the right amount of sleep to stay healthy. Just make sure when you switch off the lights that your buddy has access to a comfortable place to lay his head whether that’s curled up beside you or in his crate.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Why is my dog drooling? Here’s when to be concerned about sudden or excessive dog salivation
This is why your dog slobbers all over you and themselves
A drooling Irish Setter looks to the side

Although St. Bernards, Mastiffs, and several other large breeds are known for their tendency to drool, it may be quite a shock if your usually drool-free pup suddenly starts to salivate. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place if you find yourself asking, "Why is my dog drooling?"
We’ve looked into many causes of excessive and sudden salivation, from the easy fixes to the more concerning problems. Most likely, drooling is nothing to worry about, but it never hurts to take a more careful look — especially if your pup is behaving oddly. Here’s everything you’ll want to know about canine salivation.

Why is my dog drooling and is sudden or excessive drooling a cause for concern?
Though drooling has many harmless causes, which we'll cover later in this article, you may want to keep a closer eye on your pet if you notice sudden salivation — especially if it’s a large amount.
Nausea and stomachaches are common causes of sudden drooling for dogs, although they will be temporary. If you think about it, many humans experience the very same thing! You may also notice vomiting or lethargy if your pet has ingested something they’re not supposed to, so don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian if you’re concerned about your best buddy’s wellbeing.
On a more urgent note, dogs may also salivate if a foreign object becomes lodged anywhere in the mouth or throat. This can become a dangerous situation if the object blocks their airways, so you should waste no time in getting your fur baby to your closest veterinarian’s office if this could be the case.
Excessive, sudden drooling can also occur when a dog is overheated. Ashely Gallagher, DVM, explains that although salivation can act as a way of cooling off, just like panting, dogs don’t usually resort to this technique unless they are having trouble regulating their temperature through panting alone.
One last cause of sudden drooling is an upper respiratory infection. An illness of the nose, throat, or sinuses is more likely for pups who have been in group settings, such as shelters or kennels, but any dog can catch one, according to Amy Flowers, DVM. Luckily, your veterinarian will be able to guide you toward the best treatment for your furry friend. In most cases, it's a quick fix!

Read more
Gentle giants: 6 big dog breeds that make great family pets
Family dogs: Large dog breeds perfect for families with children
A Bernese mountain dog stands in the middle of a wooded trail

Large dogs can be intimidating to some, but the truth is that many of them are as sweet as can be -- especially with children! Although it may sound surprising, we've all heard the term "gentle giant" used to describe large dog breeds like Great Danes and Saint Bernards. It should come as no surprise that they can be great with kids with a reputation like that, but they're not the only family dogs out there!

These five big dog breeds make wonderful pets for anyone with kids. They have a history of being patient and gentle with children, and they all respond well to positive reinforcement training. With the right amount of attention and love, any of these dogs can be your child's best friend.

Read more
5 surefire ways to keep your dog off your bed and get a good night’s sleep
Dog sleeping in the bed? Here are some ways to avoid that behavior
Big dog lying on bed

One of the most lovable things about dogs is their attachment to you, their pet parent. They want to be wherever you are — no ifs, ands, or buts. Although you, of course, adore spending time with your four-legged friend, there are times when you might want your space — for instance, when it's time to go to sleep.

Dogs don't always understand these boundaries at first, but it is possible to train them to sleep in their crate, a dog bed, or anywhere else you prefer that's not your sleeping spot. With these five tips and tricks, you can learn how to keep your dog off your bed and in their own in no time.

Read more