Where Dogs Should Sleep: Dog Basics6 min read
Dog Sleeping Patterns
Dogs sleep through half of the day – 12 hours! They spend half of their life playing, saying hello to you, eating, and being groomed. The other half of their lives they enjoy a comfortable rest. On average, dogs will sleep 12 to 14 hours a day. The larger the breed of the dog, the longer they will sleep. Larger dogs can sleep up to 18 hours a day. Similarly, puppies will sleep longer than adult dogs because they are growing. Ultimately, your dog’s breed will define how much sleep they need. For example, working and service dogs typically need less rest throughout the day because they are bred for longer amounts of activity.
Exercise and Your Dog’s Sleeping Patterns
Exercise is key to regulating your dog’s sleeping patterns. Through exercise dogs remain more engaged with the day. Active dogs sleep less than their inactive counterparts. With only a 30 minute daily walk, dogs can get the exercise they need to keep them active through the day, and ready for bed at night. Leaving your dog with an engaging dog toy or dog puzzle can offer your dog more mental stimulation throughout the day as well. Give your dog a job around the house to keep them engaged throughout the day. For example, your dog can pick up the newspaper for you each morning, they can pick up trash around the house, or close doors. A new toy, new visitors, or a new chore around the house can keep your dog mentally stimulated throughout the day. This engagement leads to a sleepy pup at the end of the day.
Where Dogs Should Sleep
There has been constant debate about where your dog should sleep. Should they have access to your bed? Should they sleep on the floor? Do they need a dog bed or mat? Curious dog owners often adapt to their and their dog’s preferences. Ultimately, your dog can sleep wherever is most comfortable for both you and your dog. For those that feel safe and comfortable with their dog in their bed, there is no need to send your loving pup to their own bed. In the case that the dog has accidentally bitten their owner, has become defensive of the bed, or displayed any other aggressive behaviors, it is not the best idea to allow your dog into your bed.
The following are a few additional scenarios in which your dog should not share a bed with you:
- Throughout house training
- If the dog is large and takes up too much room
- If your dog doesn’t care to share your bed
- If your dog is incontinent
- If your dog has a lot of flatulence
- If your dog snores loudly
- If your dog becomes aggressive
- If your dog sheds a lot of fur
- If your dog has a natural, distasteful odor
- If your dog is disturbed by your sleeping patterns
Physiologically dogs are capable of sleeping alone, either inside or outside. Although dogs sleep cuddled up next to each other as puppies, they can be trained to sleep with or without anyone by their side. The decision is purely made by choice!
Dog Sleeping Positions and Their Personality
You may have come across an article about what your own sleeping position says about you. Did you know your dog’s sleeping position says something about them as well? See a few dog sleeping positions below, there are more here.
In A Ball:
If your dog’s feet are tucked underneath their bodies and they wrap their tails around their bodies in a ball your dog is probably:
- Gentle
- Easy going
- Naturally sweet
On Their Back With Their Feet Up:
If your dog ends up falling asleep on their back and their legs sprawl upwards in every direction your dog is probably:
- Laid back
- Confident
- independent
On Their Stomach with Their Arms and Legs Stretched Outwards:
If your dog falls asleep in a superman position, then your dog is probably:
- High energy
- Playful
- Highly motivated
Types of Dog Beds
There are a wide variety of dog beds available on the market. Consider which might be the best fit based on your dog’s preferences and the space you have available. Will you have multiple dog beds in multiple rooms? Will you have a comfortable mat for your dog in the kitchen, and thicker dog bed in your bedroom? Will you choose a dog bed that matches your décor? Consider all of these questions while choosing the right bed for your furry friend.
Wicker Dog Basket
Wicker dog baskets are often more affordable than their counterparts. They also have a cozy, warm style that dog owners love. Wicker dog baskets may become damaged faster than other materials, but the wooden edges are enjoyable for dogs to scratch and use for itching. Penn Plax Wicker Dog Bed is an excellent example of a comfortable wicker style dog bed. This bed is not in the typical wicker basket style, but this raised dog bed uses wicker alongside a sleek and modern design.
Dog Blanket
Dog blankets are versatile and cozy. They can be used to protect your furniture, or to soften the floor your dog enjoys curling up on. Dog blankets are typically not as plush or thick, so they may not be the best option for senior dogs with arthritis and other joint problems. The Pet Fusion Premium Blanket is reversible, easy to clean, and has a comfortable polyester shell.
Dog Bean Bag
Dog bean bags are comfortable and luxurious places for your dog to coddle each night. Dog bean bags are plush and often a favorite of dogs. Although dog bean bags may break or become dirty with time, their owners love the bed for its cute and comfortable style. The comfy and cute Best Friends Sheri OrthoComfort Cuddler is a perfect dog bean bag for all dog owners.
Dog Crate
Dog crates are excellent training tools. They can help puppies become potty trained and offer your dog a cozy cove to curl up in at night. Similarly, dog crates make dogs feel safer during thunderstorms or firework shows. The Casual Home Crate End Table is a dog crate that doubles as a cute furniture piece in your home.
Raised Dog Platform
Raised platforms make your dog feel like a true king or queen. This dog bed style often has a more modern, simple, and classic appearance as compared to the cute appearance of dog bean bags and the cozy appearance of wicker dog baskets. The New Age Pet Dog House is sturdy and long lasting, offering its customers more bang for their buck; instead of purchasing many cheaper dog bed varieties, spend a bit more in the beginning for longer lasting quality.
