We all love our dogs, and they love us. For such cuddly, extroverted creatures, it’s no wonder our dogs often want to soak up every scrap of affection they possibly can, even when they are sleeping. It is no surprise that many dogs in America spend their nights cuddling up next to their owners. But how many? And what are the pros and cons of this? To learn more, keep reading.
How Many Dogs Sleep with Their Owners?
According to a study by the American Pet Products Association, 43% of dogs sleep in bed with their owners. That’s nearly half of all dogs in America! So, if your dog cuddles up to you at night, you are in good company.
The same survey also discovered that the numbers differ between small-breed, medium-breed, and large-breed dogs that sleep with their owners. Only 32% of large-breed dogs sleep in their owner’s beds. For medium dogs, the number is 41%. Small-breed dogs make up the largest portion of dogs sleeping in the same bed as their humans at 62%.
Pros and Cons of Sharing a Bed with Your Pet
Like most things in life, there are downsides and benefits to sharing a bed with your dog.
How to Get Your Dog to Stop Sleeping in Your Bed
If your dog sleeping in your bed is less than desirable, you may be looking for ways to break this habit. Dedicated training is one of the best ways to guarantee that your dog learns to stay out of bed, although this will require lots of patience and time.
One way to train this behavior out of your dog is to buy a dog bed. Tell your pet to get off your bed each time it climbs on and direct it to the dog bed. Then, reward your dog when it stays in its own bed. It may take several weeks for your dog to learn to sleep in its own bed.
If you enjoy sharing a bed with your dog, you will want to ensure that you do so as safely as possible. Creating boundaries is the first step to safely sharing a space with your dog. Only allow your dog on your bed when you invite it. Make sure your dog has its own bed to sleep in during nights you do not share.
Conclusion
Sharing a bed with your dog can be a great way to bond, and there are plenty of other benefits. However, issues may arise if your dog is not properly trained to accept boundaries and avoid aggression. Be sure to observe proper safety precautions to keep yourself and your dog safe and happy.
Featured Image Credit: Daniel Myjones, Shutterstock
