Animal experts at Battersea have shared whether it’s a ‘good or bad’ idea to let your dog sleep in your bed with you after owners shared their thoughts on the debate
While some dog owners train their pets to sleep in their own space downstairs, others encourage them to climb onto their own bed with them for the night. It has sparked a debate on social media as users answer: “Do you let your dog sleep in your bed? Why or why not?”
In response, one user said: “Our dog is crate trained, but we let her in the bed to get her ready for bed. Then around 20-30 minutes later, she usually hops off and stands in front of her crate, looking back like, ‘I’m ready now!’ Building that routine helped with her trusting us when we adopted her.” Another user added: “Got a king size bed so we’re extra comfy too! Like someone else said, life is too short and crappy to not snuggle in bed with your dog.
“Plus, it really helps with my anxiety. My dog helps me feel safe and also helps reduce my stress at night when he cuddles his butt to my face and begs for scratchies.
“I will add, I do clean my dog extra well before we turn in, don’t need a dirty dog in my bed! I am single, can’t say what will happen if I ever couple up, but I am going to assume if my partner can’t sleep in bed with me and my dog, then relationship won’t last.”
A third user said: Love my dog but I find it incredibly unsanitary with the hair, slobber, and butt licking. I can’t do it, too much of a clean freak.
“He’s a large lab and labs so shed much more than other breeds though. If you wouldn’t sleep naked or have sex in those sheets after your dog has been in it… you probably shouldn’t sleep in it with clothes on either.”
One more user added: “No. They have their own beds. I like my space and like my sleep. Husband is the same. As someone else replied – beds are for two things and dogs get in the way of both.”
Sharing an expert stance, Nathalie Ingham, canine behaviourist and training manager at Battersea says the decision should come down to the dog first, not the owner.
He told The Mirror: “Whether or not to let your dog sleep in your bed is a very personal decision. At Battersea, we always encourage owners to consider what’s best for their individual dog as well as their own preferences.
“While many dogs may find comfort sleeping close to their owners, and can settle more easily this way, it’s important to ensure your dog can also settle independently.
“This helps prevent separation anxiety if you ever need to leave them for brief periods.
“Some dogs also experience sleep startle or struggle with resource guarding, which means having their own comfortable space to rest in can be safer and better for everyone.
“There are practical considerations too. As dogs age, mobility issues like arthritis can make jumping on and off beds difficult and stressful if they haven’t learned to settle elsewhere.
“Dogs can also bring into the home various elements from their time adventuring outside, so it can be more hygienic to avoid letting their outdoor paws on your bed.
“At the end of the day, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is finding a routine that keeps both you and your dog, happy, safe and well-rested.”