Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews (90 Count)

Help your dog manage stress and anxiety naturally with Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews. These savory, chicken-flavored chews are made with all-natural, vegetable-sourced ingredients like l-theanine, chamomile, passion flower, valerian root, ginger root, and melatonin to promote relaxation. Safe for dogs with chicken sensitivities, these chews are free from GMOs, gluten, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives. Each jar offers a three-month supply for pets up to 30lbs, making it a wholesome, easy solution for calming your pet during stressful times like car rides, thunderstorms, or vet visits.

Dr. Jones’ Complete Digestive Care Soft Chews are a yummy treat your pet will love! Made to boost digestion and overall gut health, these chews are packed with essential Digestive Enzymes and 2 Billion CFUs of good Probiotics.

Sleeping With Your Dog: Good or Bad?

Hi, Dr. Andrew Jones here. In today’s edition of “Veterinary Secrets," we’re going to tackle a burning question that many pet owners have: Should you let your dog sleep in your bed? It’s a great question, and I’ll give you some insight based on my experience and thoughts on the matter.

Before we dive in, let me set the scene for you. I’m currently at my brother’s house, farm-sitting for the next couple of weeks. He might not be too thrilled I’m using his bedroom for this video, but here I am! I’ll give you a quick tour so you can get a sense of where I’m at. In the distance, you’ll spot some cows—I’ve been checking on their calves, and I’ve even helped out two so far. There’s also irrigation sprinklers, sheep grazing, a farm truck, and of course, more farm things happening around here. But, let’s get back to the topic at hand: Should your dog be allowed to sleep in your bed?

The Big Debate: Should Your Dog Be in Your Bed?

There are two main schools of thought when it comes to allowing your dog in your bed. On one side, you have the more traditional and conservative dog trainers. These trainers argue that dogs should not sleep in your bed as it undermines your authority. They believe that dogs need to know their place in the household hierarchy, and sleeping on the bed can be seen as a challenge to that hierarchy.

On the other side, you have a more progressive approach, which I align with. I believe that your dog simply wants to be close to you because you are their most significant attachment. It’s natural for your dog to want to sleep near you because of the bond you share. That being said, training is still essential. Your dog should understand the basic rules of obedience, respect, and hierarchy. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t sleep in your bed.

When It’s Okay: Bonding and Training Matter

For example, my first dog that I truly bonded with was a dog named Hoochie. He was adopted past the age of six months and was an SBCA dog that nobody really wanted. He always slept in my bed, and our bond was incredible. As I started my veterinary practice, I traveled all over, and Hoochie was by my side through it all. He was my constant companion, and he was well-trained, so there were no issues with him being in my bed.

When It’s Not Okay: Behavioral Issues and Training

Of course, there are situations where it’s not appropriate for your dog to sleep in your bed. If there are behavioral problems—like dominance aggression—this needs to be addressed. For instance, if your dog growls when you move your foot while they’re on the bed, or if they become aggressive when another person enters the room, then it’s important to address these issues. In such cases, it’s best to not allow your dog to sleep in your bed until the behavior is corrected.

Another example is my dog Lewis, who has anxiety, especially as he’s gotten older. He tends to lick and lick excessively, which disturbs our sleep. This kind of behavior is a sign that he’s stressed, and it can interfere with your rest. If your dog’s behavior negatively affects your sleep or well-being, then it’s best to keep them off the bed.

The Middle Ground: Finding a Compromise

If your dog is well-trained and their behavior is manageable, there’s no reason they can’t sleep in your bed—especially if it works for you and your family. For instance, Lewis sleeps in the bedroom but not necessarily on the bed. He’s too big and often too dirty for that, but he likes to be close. When I’m away at my brother’s farm, Lewis sleeps beside me, not in the bed, but he’s always near.

The Importance of Training and Consistency

From my experience working with thousands of dogs and their owners, I’ve noticed that many dogs who sleep in their owners’ beds are well-behaved. These dogs often have owners who are invested in their pets’ training and well-being. If you’re consistent with training and maintaining clear boundaries, allowing your dog to sleep in your bed can work just fine.

The Warmth Factor: A Cozy Benefit

And here’s a little bonus I’ll add—dogs can be great sources of warmth! On the first night at my brother’s place, it was freezing, and yes, Lewis ended up in the bed for a bit to keep me warm. It’s nice to have that extra heat, especially when the temperature drops at night.

Conclusion: It’s Up to You and Your Dog

In conclusion, whether your dog sleeps in your bed is a personal choice, and it depends on your dog’s behavior and your preferences. If it works for you and your dog is well-trained, there’s no harm in letting them sleep in your bed. However, if there are behavioral issues, such as aggression or anxiety, those need to be addressed before allowing them into your bed. Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that works for both you and your dog.

Thanks for watching this edition of Veterinary Secrets on the topic of whether your dog should sleep in your bed. Louis and I are going to take a nap now. Bye!

Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews (90 Count)

Help your dog manage stress and anxiety naturally with Dr. Jones’ Complete Canine Calming Chews. These savory, chicken-flavored chews are made with all-natural, vegetable-sourced ingredients like l-theanine, chamomile, passion flower, valerian root, ginger root, and melatonin to promote relaxation. Safe for dogs with chicken sensitivities, these chews are free from GMOs, gluten, wheat, corn, soy, and artificial additives. Each jar offers a three-month supply for pets up to 30lbs, making it a wholesome, easy solution for calming your pet during stressful times like car rides, thunderstorms, or vet visits.