Let’s get a few things straight before we get started.
You may have heard that letting your pup sleep on your bed will turn them into the boss of the household. That’s not true.
Another piece of outdated advice is that you should just let your puppy cry it out or cry themselves to sleep when you tuck them away for a nap. Nope.
And the last mistruth regarding sleep and nighttime routines is that letting your pup sleep on your bed or in the same area as you will lead to separation anxiety. Studies show the opposite is true.
Now that we have that out of the way, let’s talk about what we DO know.
Social Sleeping
For dogs, sleeping together is a social behaviour that creates a sense of security. It fosters a sense of well-being and belonging. And although it may seem contradictory, it is a crucial part of developing confidence and independence.
Sleeping with others provides warmth, comfort and reassurance. Remember that your pup was social sleeping right up until the first night in your home. We may see those puppy piles as cute, but they also serve a vital purpose.
So although your long-term plan may be to have your dog sleeping in another area of your home at night, or at least not with you on the bed, it is important to consider what is best for your puppy now.
Allowing your puppy to sleep with you for their first nights at home may help everyone have a better night’s sleep and stay on top of your pup’s potty needs.
If sleeping in the same bed isn’t possible for you, you have a couple of other positive options. One choice is to set up a cozy crate next to you at bed height. That way, your puppy can still see you, and you can quickly reassure them when necessary.
Another option is to sleep with your pup in the area where you can for them to be. Camping out with them in the family room will also allow one parent to get a good night’s rest while the other is on puppy duty.
Over the coming weeks, as your puppy gets settled in and you have had a chance to build value into their resting areas, then you and your pup will be better equipped to move forward with your long-term plan.
