Mary Allen
Can the dog sleep with you? Opinions differ on this question. We say what really speaks for and what speaks against it.
The question of whether you allow your dogs to spread out on the couch or in bed is almost a religious war among owners and there is a lot of information circulating on the Internet, but also half-knowledge and wrong ideas.
But what really speaks for or against letting your four-legged friend sleep in the bed? And what myths are just plain wrong? We clarify!
More closeness between humans and animals
A simple plus point is that you can cuddle your four-legged friend extensively before going to sleep. This not only replaces the hot-water bottle for humans but can also promote the bond between humans and dogs through the additional cuddling units.
Relaxation for humans
It is well known that being around animals can be calming. So if you’re nervous and have trouble falling asleep, it can help if you don’t lie in bed alone at night but can pet your four-legged friend. This has been shown to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, make you more relaxed and make it easier to fall asleep.
Less space
Of course, there is always less space when you suddenly have to share your bed. This may not be a problem if you have a Chihuahua, but when a Great Dane snuggles up in bed, things can get a little cramped.
Whether you want to have your four-legged friend with you at night also depends on how much space you have and how much you are willing to give up.
Dirt and fur
A dog carries whatever it is wearing to bed with it. Because, unlike a human, he cannot shower and put on pajamas. If you are sensitive to dirt but don’t want to do without your dog in bed, you should brush your four-legged friend and wash his paws before he goes to bed with you.
You can quickly get rid of animal hair with the right tricks (read here what they are), but if that is too much effort, you should not let your hairy dog sleep with you.
Hierarchy Myth
When it comes to the question of whether the dog is allowed to sleep with you, the term “priority order” is often used. More precisely, it is about the question of whether the dog would no longer accept its human as a leader if it were allowed to sit on the same furniture as itself.
This point must be considered in a differentiated manner: if the dog is not of the kind that questions the hierarchy, but rather accepts humans as the “upper dog”, the dog can be left on the bed or couch without hesitation. However, if you have a small “pick-up” with you, you should not strengthen your position with special rights.
What you should do in any case is to teach the dog that when in doubt, he has to give way when the human takes his place. If the dog has never learned this, it is understandable that it reacts confused when something that is allowed is suddenly forbidden. But if he has learned to make room when in doubt, he will do so without any problems.
All in all, every pet owner has to decide for themselves. It’s not for those who need a lot of space or doesn’t want hair in their blankets. If you want to cuddle your four-legged friend a little in the evening and don’t mind dirt or hair, you’re more than welcome to enjoy the animal company.