The Great Debate: Is It Okay to Let Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?

Last Updated: February 3, 2025

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dog sleeping in bed with owner

Dog owners can agree on many things, including their intense love for furry friends. But if there's one thing that has the dog world split, it's whether or not it's okay to let dogs sleep in the bed with their owner at night.

It's a huge point of contention among owners! Some are adamantly against sharing a bed with a dog. Others can't imagine sleeping any other way.

Several studies show that the reality is pretty evenly split. Nearly half of respondents in surveys conducted by the American Kennel Club (AKC), American Pet Products Association and American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) say they sleep with their dogs while the other half don't.

Ultimately, there's no right or wrong side to this debate. What's right for you and your dog depends on many factors. In this blog, we'll explore both sides of the argument and review some considerations you should make before inviting your dog to snuggle on the bed or relegate them to their own sleeping space.

Debunking the Myth About Dominance

First things first, let's demystify the act of sharing a bed with your dog. One old belief about this subject was that it would lead to dominance issues.

In the past, many thought that allowing a dog to share a bed with you would create confusion among pups about who the pack leader truly is. Even today, detractors say that allowing dogs to sleep in bed with humans eventually leads to dominating and potentially aggressive behavior.

But is any of that true?

Spoiler alert: It's not!

The "dominance theory" often cited by critics is outdated. We know much more about canine behavior today than we did decades ago.

Many past training approaches revolved around the belief that owners always had to assert their dominance. Otherwise, dogs would get confused about their place in the pack. However, we know better now, understanding that canine behavior is far more complex than pack leader/follower mentality.

While it's true that you must assert yourself as a pack leader, that happens through consistent training and boundaries. Where a dog sleeps has nothing to do with the equation. Inviting your dog to cuddle at night will have no bounds on where it thinks its place in your "pack" is.

If aggressive or domineering behavior arises, you can bet that something deeper is going on. In those cases, working with a trainer or behavioralist will help you get to the bottom of the issue, and you'll find that sharing a bed has nothing to do with it.

Puppy dog in bed with human

Do Dogs Even Like to Sleep with Their Humans?

All dogs are different. Canines are like humans in that they have distinct preferences and personalities. Whether or not a dog even wants to sleep in your bed depends on many factors.

Most dogs are eager to hop into bed with you for the night!  Sleeping is a very intimate act, especially in the eyes of a dog. It's when they're most vulnerable. In the wild, most canines sleep in a pack for protection, security and warmth.

In a domestic setting, the same principles apply. They want that safety, and what better source to get it from than their favorite human?

Dogs also typically love the emotional comfort of sleeping with a human. Your dog loves you, regardless of where they sleep. However, sharing a bed with you is just another opportunity to bond. 

Of course, there's no guarantee that your dog wants to sleep in your bed with you. Some prefer the comfort of a dedicated bed it can call its own.

Related article: 8 Reasons Why your Dog is Suddenly Sleeping on the Floor

You may also find that your dog isn't too keen on your nighttime behaviors. For example, constant tossing and turning on your end may make a dog want to sleep separately. They'll love to be nearby, but some pups prefer to sleep solo.

6 Reasons to Share a Bed with Your Dog

There are many reasons to consider opening your bed to your dogs. Let's review some of the most commonly cited reasons owners on this side of the debate love.

1. It's an Opportunity to Make Up for a Day of Being Apart

If you work throughout the day, the separation between you and your dog can feel like torture. That feeling goes both ways!

Dogs hate being apart from you just as much as you do. What better way to make things up to your pup than a night of cuddling?

Sleeping in the same bed at night ensures you spend as much time together as possible. 

Related: 18 Ways to Keep Your Dog Entertained While You’re At Work

2. Having a Dog So Close Is Great for Protection

Canines are much more astute to sounds and movement than you are. Their hearing is better, and many dogs can sense the presence of others long before their owners do. You want your dog to react if an intruder comes around at night. The problem is that if your pup sleeps in another room, you may be unaware of their fussing. Those alerts could go unheard.

Having your dog in the same bed makes it much easier for you to wake up when they do. It's like having a cute, furry alarm system sleeping right next to you!

3. Sleeping with Dogs Is an Excellent Way to Stay Warm

Let's face it: There's nothing better than cuddling with your dog on a cold night. Now imagine sleeping throughout the night with that added warmth!

A dog's body temperature is about three to four degrees higher than yours. Therefore, they give off a lot of warmth, especially under the covers.

Sleeping in your bed with your dog in tow is a fantastic way to stay warm; the same applies to your dog.

4. Sharing a Bed Strengthens Your Bond

There's no denying that physical closeness strengthens your bond. Occasional cuddling on the couch or floor is great. However, all-night cuddles are far better. Plus, you get to wake up to a wagging tail, slobbery kisses and plenty of affection. What beats that?

5. Sleeping Together Makes It Easier to Meet a Dog's Needs

Another reason why many dog owners share a bed with their pups is to ensure they can awake whenever a certain need arises. Make no mistake: You should never let a puppy sleep in your bed before it goes through housetraining. More on that later. However, adult and senior dogs also need late-night or early-morning potty breaks.

As dogs get older, they can't hold things in as well as they could when they were younger. If your pup sleeps in a separate room, they may struggle to wake you to go outside. But if you sleep in the same bed, you can wake up whenever your pup gets restless, ensuring you're always there to meet its needs.

6. It's Good for Your Health

Finally, sleeping with your dog can be beneficial for your health. Many studies show that cuddling with a pet can lower your blood pressure, alleviate stress and reduce anxiety.

The theory is that physical closeness triggers the release of oxytocin, the "love hormone" that promotes positive feelings and emotional bonding.

Sleeping with your dog in the same bed could be just what you need to relax, find peace and revel in happiness.

4 Reasons Why Letting Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed May Not Be the Best Choice

man sleeping in bed with dog

Now that you understand why some dog owners openly invite their dogs to share a bed let's review some points made by those who oppose it.

While those who prefer sleeping with dogs can't imagine any world where things would change, you can't deny that detractors do have good points to consider.

1. Sharing a Bed Can Be a Messy Affair

Dogs are naturally filthy. Even with great grooming, dogs release danger and fur everywhere. Plus, their coats can harbor all types of smells. If you let your dog share a bed with you, all that is coming into your sleeping space!

For some dog owners, that's a small price to pay for the benefits. But for others, it's a deal-breaker.

Expect to change the sheets more often. Sheets will get filthier faster. Depending on your dog's breed, picking up tufts of fur may also become part of your new morning routine! If you have any allergies or sensitivities, you'll have to deal with the effects of dander.

There's also another thing to consider: Parasites. 

Many parasites, including fleas, ticks, tapeworms and more, can affect your dog. In many cases, parasitic infections could go unnoticed. In the meantime, they can lay eggs and spread to your bed, affecting you.

If you plan to let your pup snooze in your bed, be vigilant about their hygiene and health to avoid gross or potentially risky issues.

2. Dogs Can Be Bed Hogs

Not all dogs will share your bed fairly! Canines are notorious for sleeping in super awkward positions, especially when they feel secure and comfortable.

While you might expect your dog to curl up in a ball next to you, they may sprawl over your mattress and take up every inch they can.

It's not exactly the most comfortable way to sleep. If you have a partner, inviting your dog into the mix may leave little room for anyone to get a good night's rest. In the worst-case scenario, dogs may even get protective of the bed and start taking up more and more space away from you.

3. Allowing a Dog to Sleep in Your Bed Could Be Dangerous

Sleeping in a human bed could increase the risk of injury for some dogs. Some dogs are frailer than others. While a huge Great Dane will have no problem if you accidentally roll onto them during the night, smaller teacup breeds or pint-sized pooches can suffer major injuries.

That's something to keep in mind. You should think about your dog's body and your sleeping habits. If you're a notorious tosser and turner, there's too great of a risk of accidentally smothering your dog.

Broken bones and fatal smothering are real concerns. Furthermore, some dogs may struggle to get in and out. Hopping onto a tall bed can be dangerous for smaller dogs or seniors.

4. You Might Lose Sleep

Dogs typically don't sleep uninterrupted throughout the night. They might get accustomed to your sleep schedule, but many will wake up at some point.

General restlessness can be disruptive for you. Hearing and feeling your dog reposition itself could be a problem if you're a light sleeper.

Think about your sleep habits before inviting your dog in. They could prevent you from getting uninterrupted rest, resulting in a foul mood in the morning!

What About Puppies?

No matter what you think about allowing a dog to sleep in your bed, you shouldn't even consider this debate until your pup is an adult. Sleeping with a pup is never a good idea.

For one, puppies are more accident-prone. Even after housetraining, accidents can occur. No one wants to clean up urine or feces from the bed they sleep in!

Secondly, puppies are more susceptible to physical injuries. Their small statures make jumping on and off the bed risky. It's best to wait until your dog is a full-grown adult before inviting them to snooze with you.

Should Dogs Have Their Own Bed?

Contrary to what some believe, sharing a bed with a dog isn't an excuse not to provide a bed of their own.

If you're okay with your dog climbing into your bed, you should allow them to do so or not. Not every dog will want to sleep with you every night.

Some may find your nighttime activity uncomfortable, or they might find the collective heat too much. Whatever the case, your dog must have its own dedicated space to sleep should it choose to do so.

Keep their bed in your room nearby. That way, they can decide how they want to snooze. 

Related: Do Dogs Really Need a Bed?

Where Do You Fall in This Great Debate?

To sum up, whether you allow your dog to sleep in bed with you is up to you! Consider the advantages and disadvantages while taking health and safety factors into account. Opinions on this hotly debated topic are all over the place.

Ultimately, what's right for you and your precious pup is nobody else's business! As long as you leave your dog's options open, provide a dedicated bed and prioritize safety, the choice is yours

Also read:

thank you for sharing pup

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About the author 

Steve

Steve is a writer with over 10 years of experience in dog training and nutritiion.

His goal is to educate dog owners about the ins and outs of canine behavior as well as keeping up with the latest scientific research in the field.