For many people, a pup is far more than “just a dog”—they are treated like family, which often means making sure that they are as comfortable as possible.
For 46 percent of Americans, that includes sharing their bed with a pet, according to a study conducted by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Despite the common complaints about dogs hogging the covers or cats sprawling across pillows, only 19 percent of people who sleep with a pet say it makes their rest worse. Almost the same number—46 percent—report sleeping better with their furry companion beside them.
But does sharing a bed actually strengthen the bond between an owner and their dog? Not necessarily, according to Dr. Jo Myers, a veterinarian who lives in the High Rockies of Colorado. She told Newsweek: “Sleeping arrangements influence the human-animal bond; sleeping in a shared bed isn’t critical for bonding.”
Feeding routines, training, play, walks, and spending calm time together all contribute more significantly to forming secure attachment.
Myers, who works at Vetster, added: “Consistency in daily care, rather than shared sleep space alone, is what most strongly supports a strong human-animal bond.”
‘The Key Is Predictability’
“Whether your dog sleeps in your bed or not, the key is predictability,” said Myers.
When a pup’s sleeping arrangements are consistent, they become less reactive to movement, sounds, or changes in their surroundings. This steadiness helps the animal rest more fully, supporting healthier physical recovery and more stable behavior while awake.
In contrast, irregular or overly stimulating sleep setups can keep a canine on alert, affecting both their well-being and their day-to-day interactions.
“Inconsistent rules further interfere with rest,” Myers said. “A dog that is sometimes allowed on the bed, sometimes pushed off, and sometimes moved based on the owner’s mood is not learning comfort.
“They are learning uncertainty, which can maintain vigilance rather than promote restorative sleep.”
The Importance of Rest
Like humans, sleep is more than just downtime for dogs. Most sleep 10 to 14 hours across the day and night.
Myers said: “From a health and behavior standpoint, adequate rest and sleep play an important role in a dog’s overall well-being.
“Sleep supports normal immune function, pain modulation, and regulation of stress responses.”
Long-term stress can influence immune function, digestion, and inflammation, contributing to a range of health concerns in canines.
Myers added: “Dogs that have a consistent, designated place to rest tend to settle more efficiently and tolerate routine changes with less reactivity.
“Knowing where they belong creates predictability, which supports calm behavior and physiologic stability.”
How To Decide Where Your Dog Should Sleep
Dogs value comfort, and, for some, that might mean their own bed or a crate.
Myers said: “The main thing to consider when choosing where your dog is allowed to sleep is that most dogs do best when they have a designated, recognizable sleeping space of their own.
“Ideally, it should feel den-like and be paired with a consistent bedtime routine,” the veterinarian added.
“Their sleeping space might be in your bed or elsewhere, including a crate, under a desk or table, a quiet corner of the bedroom, or a separate room.
“What matters most is that the location is predictable, away from activity, and allows the dog to disengage and settle.”
A canine’s needs may not always match an owner’s preferences. Signs that a dog isn’t in the right state for rest include:
- Panting
- Yawning
- Lip licking
- Pacing
- Staying unusually alert
Myers said the dog is reacting to pressure rather than truly settling, remaining “on duty” instead of resting. As a result, it needs a separate space where it can disengage and sleep properly.
While sharing a bed isn’t essential for bonding, teaching a canine to rest independently is key to supporting its overall well‑being and confidence.
“Dogs that learn they can settle safely on their own tend to cope better with everyday separations and changes in routine,” told Myers.
“In contrast, dogs that come to rely on constant physical contact to rest may struggle when that contact is unavailable, which can set them up for stress-related behavior challenges later on.”