Most dog owners would go above and beyond for their pets – and for some, this includes letting them sleep in their bed with them.
However, other owners can’t imagine anything worse than getting under the covers with their pooch. In a Reddit post, people were asked whether they thought sharing a bed with their dog was a good idea.
Responding to the question: ‘Should I let my dog sleep on my bed?’, 2,800 admitted they allow their dogs in their bed, while another 1,300 said they keep their bedroom a dog-free zone.
One Reddit user said: “Our rule is she can sleep in the bed only when she’s invited. Otherwise she sleeps in her crate.”
Another user added: “If you intend to always let them sleep in your bed, then I say go for it. Otherwise I’d say be consistent and do not allow them to sleep in the bed.”
It comes after a 2017 study looked at the effects of a ‘multispecies approach to co-sleeping’ and found some surprising benefits.
According to the study, there are actually many pros to sharing a bed with your pet, including an increased feeling of “comfort and companionship” with your dog.
A statement on American Kennel Club reads: “Co-sleeping with your dog can also ease anxiety and provide a feeling of safety and security.
“Your light-sleeping canine will alert you to anything out of the ordinary, so you can rest easy through the night.
“Dogs are also perfect bed warmers, keeping you toasty on a cold night. And finally, there is no substitute for waking up to a tail-wagging dog.”
However, some people argue it can result in disturbed sleep and bring unwanted germs and bacteria into the bedroom.
But on this, the American Kennel Club adds: “Despite the drawbacks to co-sleeping with a dog, the researchers explain that so many owners do it because the benefits likely outweigh the disadvantages.
“Studies have shown many physical and mental health advantages to owning a pet, and co-sleeping increases the amount of time spent with that pet, potentially increasing those benefits.”
However, to ensure you both get a good nights’ sleep, the American Kennel Club says you should only let you dog sleep in your bed “by invitation only”.
Not only this but they can you should set up an alternative spot in the room for them to retreat to during the night and keep in mind the size different between you and your pet.
Commenting on the topic, one user said: “My dog is very cosy and loves to snuggle so my vote is yes, but whatever you do be consistent. We have taught our dog that when we get in bed we will either invite her to ‘hop up’ or tell her to ‘go lay down’ and go to her own bed.”
Another user added: “If it doesn’t hurt you or the dog or anyone else involved and won’t cause any behaviour issues, it’s fine. Though, always give your dog their own ‘bed’ or crate that they can go in for comfort.”
A final user said: “Honestly, train them to sleep on but also off the bed. If you have guests or sometimes my dog just likes to be in his fluffy kennel or on the dog bed! But it’s good for them to be comfortable with being on the bed though too, so do both.”