| Many dog owners are extremely bonded with their | | | | introduced into a home where a dog sleeps in the |
| pets. The animal is more than just a pet - it is a furry | | | | bed. The dog, because he or she sleeps with the |
| family member and companion. Since pets and | | | | human pack leaders, may feel that he or she is of a |
| humans are so closely bonded, many dogs and cats | | | | higher status than the new infant. The dog also may |
| want to spend the night with their owners. Humans | | | | begin to feel resentful towards the infant, or feel |
| too, can enjoy the comfort and companionship of | | | | that they need to protect their place within the pack. |
| having a purring cat curled up at the side or a snuggly | | | | These circumstances are rare and do not happen |
| dog sleeping at their feet. | | | | with all dogs, but they can and do occur especially in |
| The benefits of allowing the dog or cat to sleep in | | | | dogs that have an elevated level of status as a |
| your bed go beyond just having a companion in bed. | | | | result of sleeping with their owners. It is these types |
| This co-sleeping can be an important bonding | | | | of circumstances that can lead to surrender of pets |
| experience for pets and owners, as animal packs | | | | to shelters, or in worst case scenarios to the |
| generally tend to sleep together. For a dog or cat | | | | premature death of a dog due to aggression. Owners |
| that is new to the home and separated form his or | | | | who want to ensure a long life and delay the |
| her littermates for the first time, the comfort of a | | | | purchase of pet urns or pet headstones for as long |
| human companion during sleep can be essential to | | | | as possible, want to do everything they can to avoid |
| helping the dog or cat feel safe and secure. A young | | | | this situation. |
| puppy who cries when left to sleep alone will often | | | | While there are potential problems, as long as the |
| feel comforted by the sound of a human heartbeat | | | | bed is introduced properly, for most dogs there are |
| and will happily drift off to sleep. | | | | no issues with co-sleeping with owners. Typically, a |
| However, there are some questions remaining as to | | | | dog should not be invited to co-sleep with their |
| whether it is a good idea, for the development of | | | | owners until their place in the pack is already |
| your pet, to allow your pet to sleep in your bed. | | | | established. This can occur around six months of age, |
| Allowing a pet to sleep in your bed, especially a dog, | | | | once a dog is trained and understands that he or she |
| can make that pet feel as though he or she is equal | | | | must obey. In addition, requiring the dog to sit and be |
| to a human. This can create dominance problems in | | | | invited into the bed before entering can also help to |
| the dog. A dog that feels that he or she is equal to | | | | maintain the proper pack order within the household |
| their owner may be less likely to submit to | | | | and minimize any potential behavior problems caused |
| commands or be trainable. Dogs that feel that they | | | | by co-sleeping. |
| are equal or in charge within the relationship, may | | | | In general, owners can enjoy this practice of having |
| become tense and fearful as they assume the | | | | their canine companions close to them as they sleep, |
| responsibility of being a pack leader, in a pack that | | | | as long as the privilege is introduced properly. These |
| contains an unfamiliar human member. Dogs may also | | | | hours of bonding and cuddling can add a wonderful |
| become aggressive and overly protective of their | | | | level of enrichment to the relationship, and when the |
| human, if they feel that they are in charge of their | | | | day eventually comes to say goodbye to your pet |
| human or responsible for their human. | | | | and write pet memorials, it may be a strong comfort |
| These issues of dominance and submission problems | | | | to know that you and your companion had this extra |
| can become especially pronounced if a new baby is | | | | time together to share love. |