New owners often have a set plan for how they will raise their dog. This may involve implementing a strict routine, starting rigorous training immediately, and strictly prohibiting their dog from furniture, especially the bed. However, these plans may shift once the dog comes home.
For a young dog, the initial nights in a different setting can be overwhelming. It is common for them to experience separation from their mother and siblings, which can lead to excessive noise, crying, and restlessness. As a result, owners may also find themselves losing sleep.
Tips from MASTER OF PUPPIES Pet Trainers:
At this stage, puppies have not yet developed the ability to calm themselves down. This moment is crucial and often determines the success or failure of the owners’ original plans.
Option A: With the owner’s perseverance, the puppy will soon adapt to his new sleeping arrangement and feel at ease in his crate.
Option B: Instead of suffering another hour of sleep deprivation, the owner will bid farewell to the crate, accept defeat, and allow the puppy to snuggle up next to them in bed.
However, it is crucial to keep in mind a few significant factors before welcoming your dog into your bed.
Transform the Significance of Your Bed!
While you may find it insignificant to share your bed with your furry friend, it’s worth considering that this may not always be the case for your canine companion.
In the world of dogs, being elevated is considered a privilege and can reflect their status within your household.
Having your furry companion perched on your lap, cradled in your arms, lounging on the couch, or snoozing on the bed all fall under the category of elevation.
However, this can lead to confusion for your dog. The problem lies not with them being up high, but rather the significance they attach to this privilege. Sadly, many of the dog bite cases we encounter involve dogs who have been granted this privilege.
Encounters with a dog who is guarding a bed or sofa can result in unexpected bites, whether it be a person trying to move the dog off the furniture, a child jumping onto their parents’ bed and encountering the dog, or a partner unknowingly rolling towards the other and getting bitten by the dog.
We are not discouraging you from enjoying your dog, but we recommend setting up clear rules and boundaries before granting privileges. If you notice any changes in your dog’s behavior when it is elevated, consider adjusting its level of elevation.
It should be noted that owning multiple dogs means establishing a social hierarchy within the pack. To maintain harmony in the home, privileges must be carefully distributed.
Simply allowing a dog on the bed or sofa will not automatically lead to aggression or territorial behavior, but the elevated status may contribute to an inflated ego and potential territorial tendencies. Your canine companion is missing out on chances to develop their independence.
The top behavior problem we encounter is Separation anxiety, which arises when a dog has excessive access to its owner and insufficient chances to learn how to handle being alone. It is crucial for your dog’s growth, self-esteem, and autonomy that you give them alone time while you are present at home.
Bedtime is an ideal chance to put that space into action:
Consider this scenario: You let your dog sleep next to you every night, but then suddenly you go on a trip, or have a family visit, or welcome a new child and need the bassinet next to your bed. In other words, situations can quickly change. The abrupt change in schedule may trigger anxiety in your dog, particularly if they do not have the same level of access to you.
While not all dogs who share a bed with their owners will experience separation anxiety (as some may be naturally independent and handle being alone without much distress), there are certain breeds that are more prone to anxious behaviors. If your dog falls into this category and struggles with being left alone, allowing them to sleep in your bed can exacerbate their difficulty in coping with solo time.
Ultimately, deciding whether or not to allow your dog to sleep with you is a personal choice. While it brings immense happiness to some, we suggest considering if it truly benefits the dog as well.
Should the heightened contact lead to Separation anxiety, it is essential to address the dog’s mental well-being. At MASTER OF PUPPIES, we strongly prioritize the health and welfare of all dogs.
Crate training for sleep may be recommended in various situations where alternative arrangements are necessary.
Please do not hesitate to contact the MASTER OF PUPPIES for more information and assistance with this transition.
