20/09/2026
One question I get asked a lot is: “Should I let my dog sleep on the bed?”
Sometimes clients even admit it to me like it’s some sort of dirty secret 😅
I think this picture firmly shows my opinions on the matter.
There’s a lot of very outdated advice out there about how dogs shouldn’t be allowed on the bed, but there’s no scientific basis for the idea that letting your dog sleep with you will somehow “spoil” them or cause behavioural problems.
That said, the answer to “Should my dog sleep on my bed?” is a little more nuanced.
Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference, your circumstances, and your individual dog’s behaviour.
For me, I love having my dogs sleep on my bed. But I also teach them to be comfortable sleeping independently. (Which was particularly useful during the hot nights this summer!)
Jasper was a very different story. He was categorically NOT allowed to sleep on my bed.
Jasper had a sleep startle and was also known to resource guard. That meant it simply wasn’t safe for him to sleep in the bed with me. In fact, I eventually got a bed that was 4ft off the floor so he could still sleep in my bedroom without the risk of him getting into bed with me while I was asleep.
There are plenty of other reasons your dog might not be the best bedtime companion, too. For example, if they:
- Are easily startled or woken from sleep
- Struggle to settle
- Find it difficult when asked to get off the bed
- Guard the bed, themselves, or you
- Have a condition that means jumping on/off the bed or you moving about in bed could be painful or unsafe for them
And if your dog is allowed on the bed, it’s a good idea to make sure you have clear, comfortable ways to communicate when it’s time to get on and off, and that your dog can do this without worry or conflict.
So, can your dog sleep on your bed?
Ask yourself: "Does sleeping on the bed work safely and comfortably for both of us?”
If the answer is yes… enjoy the cuddles, and extra heat this winter.
