Animal expert weighs in on whether you should let dogs sleep in your bed

While some dog owners train their pets to sleep in their own space downstairs, others invite them to share their bed for the night.

This has sparked a lively debate on social media, with users answering the question: “Do you let your dog sleep in your bed? Why or why not?”.

One user responded: “Our dog is crate trained, but we let her in the bed to get her ready for bed. Then around 20-30 minutes later, she usually hops off and stands in front of her crate, looking back like, ‘I’m ready now!’ Building that routine helped with her trusting us when we adopted her.”

Another user chimed in: “Got a king size bed so we’re extra comfy too! Like someone else said, life is too short and rubbish to not snuggle in bed with your dog.

“Plus, it really helps with my anxiety. My dog helps me feel safe and also helps reduce my stress at night when he cuddles his butt to my face and begs for scratchies.

“I will add, I do clean my dog extra well before we turn in, don’t need a dirty dog in my bed! I am single, can’t say what will happen if I ever couple up, but I am going to assume if my partner can’t sleep in bed with me and my dog, then relationship won’t last.”

A third user commented: “Love my dog but I find it incredibly unsanitary with the hair, slobber, and butt licking. I can’t do it, too much of a clean freak.

“He’s a large lab and labs so shed much more than other breeds though. If you wouldn’t sleep naked or have sex in those sheets after your dog has been in it… you probably shouldn’t sleep in it with clothes on either.”

Another user chimed in: “No. They have their own beds. I like my space and like my sleep. Husband is the same. As someone else replied – beds are for two things and dogs get in the way of both.”

Offering professional insight, Nathalie Ingham, canine behaviourist and training manager at Battersea, believes the choice should prioritise the dog’s needs above the owner’s wishes.

She explained to The Mirror: “Whether or not to let your dog sleep in your bed is a very personal decision. At Battersea, we always encourage owners to consider what’s best for their individual dog as well as their own preferences.

“Whilst numerous dogs may find solace sleeping near to their owners, and can settle more readily this way, it’s crucial to ensure your dog can also settle independently.

“This helps prevent separation anxiety if you ever need to leave them for brief periods.

“Certain dogs also experience sleep startle or struggle with resource guarding, which means having their own comfortable space to rest in can be safer and better for everyone.

“There are practical considerations too. As dogs age, mobility issues like arthritis can make jumping on and off beds difficult and stressful if they haven’t learned to settle elsewhere.

“Dogs can also bring into the home various elements from their time adventuring outside, so it can be more hygienic to avoid letting their outdoor paws on your bed.

“At the end of the day, there’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is finding a routine that keeps both you and your dog, happy, safe and well-rested.”