Not Allow Your Pets in the Bed

Many people have been sleeping comfortably with their dogs for years and claim to never have had a problem, physically for them nor behaviorally for their dogs.

You allow your dog onto the bed (especially if he’s still a puppy), there are a few things to consider as you stop in.

Dominance- If your pet already has a dominance issue, co-sleeping is not a good decision. An animal will see sleeping together as another element that they are able to control. Also, an animal will exert their dominance even more because of the vulnerable state sleep puts an owner in. Veterinarians have published studies saying if your pet doesn’t have any dominance issues then this should not be a problem.

Allergy– you may not be allergic to your dog, but all dogs carry allergens. Every time your dog goes outside for a pee break or out for a walk, he’s exposed to a number of allergens, such as pollen and dust. They stick in his fur or on his paws, follow him to your bed, and cause your allergies to go haywire. Stuffy noses and sneezing does not make for a good night’s sleep.

House Training Accidents– Have you ever had to steam clean your mattress? Let me tell you, there’s nothing fun or inexpensive about it. It’s a lot easier to throw a dog bed or cover into the wash than it is regular bedding. And if your bed doesn’t have a rubber sheet covering the mattress, there’s a good chance you may get some leakage.

Aggressive Behavior- Does your dog growl at your partner when he or she comes to bed? It may be because he thinks he’s protecting you in this vulnerable position. The bed can become the dog’s territory, and anyone who’s unwanted in his eyes won’t be welcome in his domain.

Night Watch- There are many dogs that need a job to do even at night. His crate is situated right by the stairs, so he can alert you if he hears anything suspicious. This task gives him purpose he loves to keep our house safe.

Lifetime Commitment– It’s hard for a dog to go back to sleeping in a crate or on the floor once he’s had a taste of the bed. And who can blame him he had a comfy mattress, a pillow to rest his head on and his favorite human by his side. If you go back to crate training, be prepared for sleepless nights, as your pooch will probably keep you up with whining and crying.