Dogs can sleep in the dark mainly because they have been living with humans for ages and have now adapted to human sleep patterns. Although dogs sleep longer than humans, about 12–16 hours a day, this proves that dogs do not necessarily need darkness to sleep.
In fact, darkness at the right time can be good for dogs. According to the Sleep Foundation, dogs, like humans, have circadian rhythms that are influenced by light. It's easier for them to sleep if it's dark, or at least dim.
One concern about leaving lights on is disrupting the dogs sleeping pattern. Wolves are the ancestors of the domesticated dog, which were of course nocturnal. This means that lights shouldn't stop your dog from being able to sleep, but it might be an idea to consider leaving some of the house in darkness for them.
The structure of your dog's eyes is what makes them able to see in the dark — their large pupils allow them to let in more light. Because of the additional rods in their eyes, dogs are able to tell the difference between light and shadow.
A crate is a great place for your dog to sleep! Not only does a crate guarantee that your dog won't get into trouble in the middle of the night, but it also provides him comfort and security. If you have decided to crate-train your dog, it is ideal to pad the crate with soft blankets or pillows.
While most dogs know when they have to rest, it is best to create a quiet time for your dog without getting disturbed by anyone or loud noises.
There is no set time you should put your dog down to rest. Puppies can and will fall asleep at any time of day. However, it's important to take your own sleep schedule into account when training your puppy. It's a good idea to ensure that your puppy's waking hours align with your own.
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.
Some puppies and dogs prefer a nightlight. They find it comforting. But for others, the light can provide too much stimulation and keep them awake and busy.
Turning in circles before lying down is an act of self-preservation in that the dog may innately know that he needs to position himself in a certain way to ward off an attack in the wild.
Dogs absolutely can see TV, and many seem to enjoy it. There are a number of features about television shows that dogs find attractive. Some of these are visual, such as motion, while others relate to the sounds coming from the TV. Dog eyes are very different from human eyes, so they see things on TV differently.
Ideal spots are quiet, away from foot traffic (i.e. noisy TVs or running feet!) and somewhere they can settle. Many people choose to put their dog pillow beds upstairs, close to the bedrooms, or even adjacent to their bed when a pup is young.
Many dogs choose a sleeping spot based on the fact that it smells like their owner, aka the pack leader. If this is your bed with you, great! If not, they'll choose a spot with your scent for the next best thing.
Many pet parents prefer having their dog sleep outdoors. It means that pooch will be more immersed in his or her surroundings and can sound the alarm on intruders easily and effectively. And of course, having pooch sleep outside means they can also pee and poop without you needing to let them out.
If Your Dog Is Calm and Well-Behaved
If, however, your dog is calm and well-behaved, you could consider letting him roam the house. Some dogs are more prone to getting into things than others, so if your dog typically leaves things alone that aren't his, he may be fine to roam at night on his own.