There is no right or wrong decision for allowing or not allowing your dog on the bed or couch, just preference. You ultimately have to decide for yourself. There is no inherent, danger, or problem allowing a pet to sleep on your bed or couch or be anywhere we are (exceptions are below).
Dogs are “pack” animals which means they think of their human family members as pack mates. When you allow your dog on your sofa or bed, instinct tells them they are equal or above their humans in the pack hierarchy. For some dogs, this can lead to territorial behavior.
Is there anything wrong with letting a dog sleep in your bed or get on the couch and other furniture? Probably not. In general, letting your dog on the furniture is unlikely to cause problems, behavioral or otherwise. Dogs love to curl up on the sofa, the bed, and anywhere else that's nice and soft.
Dogs prefer areas that are soft and comfortable and they especially like to be somewhere close to us whenever they can. For my dog, the couch is another place where she can absorb the comforting scent of her humans and feel safe and secure.
Keep your dog off the couch by placing a baby gate or two flat on top of furniture, pulling the cushions up so that they're vertical, placing empty laundry baskets on the cushions or stacking books near the edge of the couch.
Some dogs may like cuddling, so if you're sitting on the couch, they'll seek out “a gentle caress by placing their head on your thigh,” Bernal says. Other dogs may enthusiastically roll over as you're walking past, possibly indicating they want a belly rub.
What is a dog's most comfortable sleeping position? This will depend on your dog, but lying on their side is one of the most common sleeping positions for dogs. This position usually means the dog feels safe and relaxed in their environment.
If your pet gets on a piece of furniture they shouldn't be on, tell them off and take them to their bed or place. You can give them a bone or toy on their bed or place to play with.
Many people have their dogs in their room on a dog bed, in a crate or on the floor by the bed. Others allow them the foot of the bed. Still others snuggle with their pup right next to them, even under the covers.
Point: Dogs carry certain intestinal parasites, fleas, and ticks that cause human illnesses. Sleeping with a dog increases human exposure to these parasites and vector-borne diseases. Very young, very old, and immune compromised people are particularly at risk of infection.
Dogs don't need soft beds, but instead need to rest on a firm surface; too-soft pillow beds don't offer the support needed for comfortable rest and healthy joints, and an older dog who sinks into a plush bed may have trouble getting into and out of it. This doesn't mean he should sleep on the floor—that's too firm.
Dogs sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on age. So, they need a comfy bed to snooze on just like you do. Although you might find your pup occasionally, or often, snuggled at your side during the night, dogs need to have a bed of their own.
Keeping your dog confined in one room is a great alternative to crating your dog, but you must do it right for the comfort, safety, and wellness of your dog.
Allowing pets in the bedroom can also expose owners to potential allergens, like pet hair and dander, as well as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that cause disease, per the Sleep Foundation.
They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
Hoffman says that dogs who slept in their owners' beds were perceived to be less disruptive for sleep than human partners and cats. Participants who slept with a dog reported their dog stayed on the bed most of the night whereas those who slept with a cat stated that their cat spent less of the night on the bed.
According to Dr. Roberts, around 75% of a dog's sleep happens at night while the rest occurs in the daytime. The average dog sleeps around nine hours in a night and three hours during the day. That means humans can sleep with their dog each night.
Dogs are sociable animals and love company, but although it is good practice that they learn to be home alone for a period of time, it is not advisable to leave them alone for very long periods, like overnight. Many dogs feel worried when they are left on their own, especially if they have been used to having company.
Back-to-back sleeping position
If your dog sleeps back-to-back with you or another dog, they are exhibiting trusting behavior and intimacy.
Though many people think dogs can curl up and sleep most anywhere, your furry friend really shouldn't be sleeping on the floor. You also probably don't want him climbing up on your beds or sofas. The truth is, dogs need beds just like we do, and they are beneficial for a variety of reasons.
In short, splooting is a type of stretch that involves kicking one or both legs behind the body. The one leg sploot involves one leg behind while the other leg remains tucked underneath. This may look familiar to dog owners, however splooting is not an exclusively canine behavior. Occasionally, cats can do it too!
The Root of the Behavior
Dogs love to be in places where they feel safe, comfortable, and loved. They also love to be where their owners are. Dogs know that the couch and all furniture are reserved for humans and they also know that humans find those items sacred and comfortable.
It depends. "If the dog has learned to accept kissing on top of the head, then that's fine," says Shojai. "For a new-to-you dog, though, I'd find other more species-appropriate ways to show affection." The truth is that some dogs simply don't like being kissed.
Generally speaking, a healthy dog with a short, smooth coat and no skin problems doesn't need to be bathed often. In most cases, dog baths are more for the benefit of their pet parents than for the dogs themselves. Even so, it's a good idea to bathe your pooch at least once every two to three months.