A Five Dog Night

There is a children’s book called The Five Dog Night, which takes place as fall turns to winter. Each night, it gets progressively colder, and each night the main character adds another dog into bed to keep warm. The night that requires five dogs is certainly a cold one. This is a timely book because of the colder weather, but the best place for your dog to sleep is always an important issue. What is best for your dog?

Many people say that a crate is the best place for dogs to sleep. When dogs are crate-trained, they feel that their crate is their own space – like a teenager having her own room. They can relax and de-stress there. Many dogs even go into their crates unprompted or when they simply need a break. This method has the advantage of keeping your dog in one place so he doesn’t chew, have accidents, or whine. It can provide him with a sense of security.

Some dogs have not been crate-trained, and some owners choose not to do it. The dogs then have a few different options: they can sleep on a dog bed in the living room or bedroom, they can lie on the floor or blanket, they can sleep outside in a dog house (not advisable for those five dog nights), or they can sleep in the bed. Any of these options can work, but it really depends on how you have raised your dog and what his needs are. If the dog will be on the floor, make sure that he has a regular spot that he can go to for sleeping. A simple blanket or pad will be enough to create his own space.

Many people are hesitant to allow their dogs to sleep in bed with them. That is definitely fine. If you would like to allow your dog to do this, you may have some concerns. Many think that if a dog sleeps on your bed, he will start behaving aggressively. Why? Because he sees that he is now on equal footing with you. Dogs are pack animals, and they follow the strongest leader – which should be you. The fear is that some dogs will try to usurp you as top dog.

Allowing your pet to sleep in your bed will not make him aggressive. He should be just fine, but there are a few things to watch out for. If your dog has an existing aggression problem, it is best to avoid the bed altogether and have him sleep in a crate or on the floor. If you find that your dog begins taking over your spot, hogging the covers and blanket, and leaving you clinging to the edge of the bed, then you have an issue.

Most likely, he’s just trying to get comfortable, and you’ve made a nice warm spot. But it is also possible that he is trying to push you away and assert his dominance. If this is the case, put him back at the foot of the bed. If he tries to do it again, then make the bed off-limits and establish a new sleeping spot. If he sleeps on the floor, let him do it in style with a great dog bed. Sleep tight!