Many owners worry that allowing their dog to sleep in bed will leave them thinking they're the boss, or that it may cause behavioural issues or separation anxiety. The truth is, it is not known and has not been proven whether or not allowing your dog to sleep in your bed is a direct cause of behavioural issues.
It may help to start with having your dog sleep near you and then gradually move them further away. For example, instead of having them in your bed, try putting their crate or bed on your bedroom floor, then move it to outside your open door, then keep moving it slowly each night, until it's where you want it to be.
The myth that separation anxiety or aggression in dogs is caused by co-sleeping is just that. A myth.
So long as your dog is healthy, well-trained and isn't waking you up frequently in the night, feel free to let your pup sleep where they like. Whether or not your pup even wants to be in your bed might just be one of the things your dog wishes you knew.
Being abandoned, surrendered to a shelter or given to a new guardian or family can trigger the development of separation anxiety. An abrupt change in schedule in terms of when or how long a dog is left alone can trigger the development of separation anxiety.
Leaving Your Dog Alone Is Not The Answer
A common myth surrounding separation anxiety is that by somehow ignoring your dog, or by forcing them to be alone for long periods of time, they simply will get used to it, and the disruptive behavior will stop. This couldn't be further from the truth.
It's true there are some health concerns related to co-sleeping with your dog. Human allergies can be aggravated, for example. There is also the risk of transmission of disease, from both the dog to the human and the human to the dog.
Why do dogs like to sleep with you? If your pup likes to sleep with you, it means they feel secure and comfortable with you. When your dog was a puppy, they cuddled up with their littermates for warmth and comfort, so now they want to do the same with their people.
Dogs likely feel comforted when they can sleep close to their favorite humans, and similarly you might benefit from being close to your dog at night. A crate or dog bed somewhere in your bedroom is probably the perfect spot for your dog to sleep.
Research suggests that eight out of 10 dogs find it hard to cope when left alone. Yet, half won't show any obvious signs and so it can be easy for owners to miss. The good news is that separation anxiety (SRB) is preventable and treatable.
Despite what you've heard, allowing a dog or cat on the bed doesn't cause behavioral problems. There are aggressive animals that you may not want to allow on a bed.
If your dog is used to being at home alone then you shouldn't worry too much. However, if you work from home and are usually always with your pup, then you might want to think twice. Dogs that are not regularly alone may develop separation anxiety or they may not be able to hold their bladder for too long.
Using a treat, give your dog his “settle down” command, reward him and get yourself into bed. Every time your dog jumps on the bed or cries to be let up, step out of bed, get a treat (leave a secure stash of treats on a bedside table), walk your dog back to their bed and repeat the “settle down” command.
It provides them with a reliable place to lay their head and sense safety. This desire to sleep with you is likely a natural instinct to stay close for safety and secureness. You being the head of household or of certain authority to your dog, they feel the most secure in your presence.
Wild dogs exhibit similar behaviors, opting to sleep in small, confined areas with pack members they trust to protect against predators. When your dog sleeps right next to you, he is demonstrating trust in his “alpha” human.
Unlike humans, who generally sleep once a day, at night, dogs sleep both at night and throughout the day. Research shows that dogs get around 10 to 12 hours of sleep over the course of a 24-hour day.
“In my experience, the four most common breeds of dogs that exhibit signs of separation anxiety are typically Labrador Retrievers, Chihuahuas (both mixed breeds and standards), German Shepherds and Cocker Spaniels”, says Dr.
A busy dog is a happy dog, so you can help your dog deal with separation anxiety by offering him plenty to do while you're gone. Use puzzle toys, treat toys, KONGS, and more to help him cope. You can also help prepare him for being alone by reserving special, high-value treats and toys for times you head out.
Separation anxiety is more serious than a bit of whining when you leave the house, or your dog mischievously chewing up your favorite shoe while you are gone—the condition is a serious behavior problem that causes significant stress and anxiety to affected dogs.
Both are associated with not wanting to be away from their owners, but the main difference between velcro dogs & dogs with separation anxiety is the anxiety itself. Velcro dogs want to be close to their owner at all times, while dogs that suffer from separation anxiety panic when they're away from their owner.
It could make them feel distressed. Here's why... Dogs feel most unsettled when left home alone in the bedroom, with new research discovering it increases their heart rate by a whopping 47.2%.
It's Not Just about Age
Some puppies may be ready to sleep in bed at 4 months old, but some may need to be 6 months old or older before they can sleep with you. Don't focus on the number but rather your dog's individual readiness for this big step.
Crate training is also helpful for dogs with separation anxiety. As the crate can provide calm and protection, dogs that do not like being left alone may be trained to welcome the crate during moments of distress.