09/01/2025
Bringing a new puppy or dog into your life is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it also comes with important decisions that will determine its adult life. The topic about whether your dog should sleep in your on your bed is a deeply personal one and many pro’s avoid it due to the sensitivity of the topic.
This being said I’m sharing with you 15 years of various customers’ experiences, to share some insights with you. I’m definitely not telling you what to do or how to do and there are so many variables on this topic, I just want to provide information that perhaps make you think of something you may not have or battle test your thinking on the subject.
To start, let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Studies show that the top three most common behavioural issues reported by owners about their dogs ….
1. Aggression towards people,
2. Excessive barking, and
3. Anxiety.
Another study by researchers at the University of Lincoln in England identified four key forms of distress for dogs when separated from their owners. They found that problem behaviours often result from a mix of factors, including a dog’s temperament, the relationship with its owner, and how they interact. Interestingly, these behaviours are not necessarily linked to “over-attachment” but rather to emotional predispositions shaped by the owner's care style. So the above problems are a manifestation of undesirable behaviours are influenced by how dogs are raised and conditioned that impacts their ability to handle different situations. So, while it’s tempting to keep your fur baby close at all times, it’s worth considering the long-term effects that hyper-attachment can have on their adult behaviour and independence.
Key Points to Consider for Your Dog’s Development
Pack Structure
Dogs thrive on understanding their role within the "pack." Sleeping in your room might send mixed signals about boundaries, particularly for larger or working breeds that can have dominant tendencies.
Adapting to Lifestyle Changes
Changes like welcoming a new partner, baby, or family member can become challenging if your dog is used to always being by your side. Over the years, we’ve seen cases where dogs struggled to accept new additions to the household or even became highly territorial of the bed.
Preventing Separation Anxiety
Teaching your dog that being alone is normal helps them feel secure when you're away. Over-bonding can make separations stressful for both you and your dog, so fostering independence early on is key.
Providing Purpose and Structure
Many dogs were bred for specific purposes, from guarding to herding. Offering them a designated space of their own helps create a sense of territory, structure, and mental stimulation.
Solutions to Help Your Dog Feel Secure Alone
Here are some actionable tips to build your dog’s independence and keep them content when they’re on their own:
Create a Cozy Space
Set up a designated area with a comfortable bed, blankets, and their favorite toys. This space can serve as their "safe zone" where they can relax.
Use Toys, Stumilation props and Treat Dispensers
Mental stimulation is just as important as physical exercise. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing games can keep your dog entertained and engaged while you're away.
Establish a Routine
Dogs thrive on predictability. A consistent schedule for feeding, walks, and rest helps reduce anxiety and gives them a sense of stability.
Puppies Need Rest
Did you know puppies under five months old need about 18-20 hours of sleep per day? Ensuring your puppy gets enough rest is crucial for their development and helps them stay calm and balanced.
Practice Gradual Departures
Start with short periods of leaving your dog alone, then gradually increase the time. This teaches them that you’ll always come back, reducing anxiety.
Consider White Noise or Soothing Sounds
Background noise, like soft music or white noise, can help your dog feel less isolated and more at ease when they’re alone.
The Benefits of Crate Training
Crating your puppy gives them a safe space of their own. Your puppy’s crate is essential especially when you need to keep them in a contained area when unsupervised but also gets them used to other situations like being in a crate or kennel at the vet, daycare, groomer or for travel.
It also helps to instil a sense of independence and confidence being alone and away from you. When puppies are constantly with you, it makes it harder for them to be without you, which can cause more whining, barking, and destructive undesirable behaviours when you do need to leave them alone.
Introducing crate time while they're young can help shape and manage all of this while preventing separation anxiety from ever forming. One of the easiest times to do this is overnight while they're sleeping!
Crates also add instant structure and boundaries into a puppy’s life, and can help significantly speed up the toilet training process! Building independence in your dog takes time, but there are extra advantages if you understand the critical imprinting phase of pups is up to around 20 weeks so your window of opportunity can be planned and maximised.
The benefits are well worth it. A confident, self-assured dog is not only happier but also more adaptable to life’s inevitable changes.
We do recommend you consult with a dog trainer or behaviourist however it helps to do your own research on this topic hence this email.
Wishing you and your pup a wonderful journey together!
Wendell
RR
The Dog Dons ♛
