A lot of dog owners allow their furry, four-legged friends to make themselves at home in the comfort of their bed. Whether or not this is a good idea is a debate that continues.
Many dog behavior specialists will quickly tell you that one should never allow their dog to join them on the bed. One of the main reasons for this is the fact that dogs can host bugs such as fleas and ticks and contagious health issues such as ringworm.
Of course, a meteor can fall out of the sky and land on your house. It is in part a matter of playing the odds and only you can make the decision as to whether sleeping with Rover is a good idea.
Here are a few things to consider.
Does your dog snore? Are you a light sleeper that will toss and turn all night because the dog is making more noise than a whole symphonic orchestra? Obviously, if you answered “yes,” it may be best to keep Rover off of the bed – at least during the hours you sleep.
Do you have allergies to pet hair and dander? If so, you are not going to get a restful night of sleep if you have to cough and sneeze your way through the ordeal.
Consider the fact that your dog is rarely “squeaky clean.” He or she spends time lying around on the ground and on other dirty surfaces such as floors. Do you know what Rover might have rolled in earlier in the day? Again, only you can decide if sleeping with your dog is worth putting up with a little grit on the sheets and blankets.
Dogs, especially in the colder months when it is harder to bathe them, can develop a “doggie smell.” Keeping canines smelling fresh and clean may mean more frequent baths, which can easily lead to a dry skin problem.
Many dog training experts will tell you that allowing a dog in your bed is an open invitation to behavioral problems. They believe that a dog interprets this move as a power play in the pack. Thus, they recommend that dogs be kept off of the bed and all other furniture.
The experts say that allowing a dog to sleep on the bed at night won’t work if you expect the dog to obey you and stay off of the other furniture during the day. They believe you are sending a contradictory message.
Personally, I have never found that any of my dogs became more aggressive, displaying an alpha personality, because they were allowed to share my bed. In addition, being allowed to sleep on the bed did not affect how they acted during the waking hours. However, it is important to note that this may be because my dogs didn’t have any behavioral issues to begin with.
You and only you can make an informed decision for your household. If you are comfortable with a dog in the bed, throw an old blanket on top of the quilt and have Rover join you for a nap. It can be a form of quality time that puts a smile on your face and the dog’s.
Related posts:
- To Allow Your Dog to Sleep With You or Not? That Is the Question.
- How to Get Your Puppy to Sleep on the First Few Nights Home
- Puppy Tails – Oliver Finds a Place to Sleep
