Reasons Why Your Dog Likes to Sleep With You
You may have wondered why your dog likes to sleep with you, and not in their bed or somewhere else. Well, in this article, we’re going to explain some of the reasons that may be behind this behavior.
This may vary depending on the relationship that the dog has with its owner. If they’re very close to you, then it’s quite normal that your dog likes to sleep with you and share all the time they can with you.
The 6 reasons why your dog likes to sleep with you
Some dogs sleep in the same room as their owners, others do it in their own bedroom, and there are those who sleep totally next to their owners. The attitude they take will depend a lot on the level of attachment that they feel.
In fact, scientific studies have determined that some dogs that don’t have a reference figure show attachment behavior similar to those that children develop with their parents.
Is this the type of relationship you usually have with your pet? Do you want to know the reasons why your dog prefers to sleep close to you? If so, then read on.
1. They’re a very social dog
Dogs are very social animals by nature, they live in groups and usually have an alpha or dominant figure. If they lived in the wild, they would probably sleep with their pack, so the first reason why your dog likes to sleep with you is that they’re acting instinct.
If you have more than one dog and they get along well with each other, you’ll notice that they always sleep together, with or without their owner.
2. They feel safer by your side
When your dog looks for you to sleep with you they’re letting you know that they feel safe and confident by your side. It’s likely that you are their reference figure, so they’ll seek you out and want to do everyday things with you.
You will also notice that your dog follows you everywhere and feels very comfortable. However, you should be careful because they could develop separation anxiety when you are not by their side.
3. Your dog wants to protect you
Another reason why your dog likes to sleep with you is that they want to protect you. Again, being a pack animal, it’s in their instinct to take care of their own.
For dogs, sleep time is the time when they’re most exposed, and it’s at that time when they’re most vulnerable to a predator. By being part of their group, they’ll seek to make you feel safe by their side because they’ll take care of you.
4. They want to share your warmth
It’s one thing for your dog to want to sleep with you, but it’s another for them to lie almost on top of you. This behavior can happen for the simple reason of wanting to feel your warmth.
This can happen at different times of the year because dogs love to feel warmth, but it can intensify during the winter.
5. They’re not comfortable with their own bed
Make no mistake, even if your pet is a dog, they can be very picky. If they have a bed that they don’t find to be too comfortable, your dog will prefer to lie on yours and share some special moments together.
To correct this behavior, you should check their mattress and provide them with one that’s to their liking. Start by placing it next to your dresser so they can understand that this is their place.
6. They’re simply showing you their love
The last of the reasons why your dog likes to sleep with you is because they want to show you all their love. They’re telling you that they love to feel you near them, share time with you, take care of you and enjoy security.
Undoubtedly, this act greatly strengthens the bond with your pet and will strengthen it over time.
Do you think there are other reasons for your dog to sleep with you?
If you think there are other reasons why your dog wants to sleep with you, apart from the ones we’ve mentioned, and you’re worried about it, then the best thing to do is to consult an ethologist.
These professionals in pet behavior will analyze your dog’s behavior and will help you understand them and correct whatever should be necessary for their welfare.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Topál, J., Miklósi, Á., Csányi, V., & Dóka, A. (1998). Attachment behavior in dogs (Canis familiaris): A new application of Ainsworth’s (1969) Strange Situation Test. Journal of Comparative Psychology, 112(3), 219-229.