One of the intriguing questions that all the dog owners bring together is “Why does my dog sleep in another room?” Being a caring and responsible pet owner, everyone wants what is best for their pet.
When you bring a dog home, you ultimately start working on their comfort. You provide all the necessary things that are essential for a quality lifestyle. However still sometimes you notice some questionable behavior of a dog like sleeping in another room despite having the “comfort corner” or bed.
But you don’t need to worry about this anymore, I have got you covered.
So,
Why Does My Dog Sleep In Another Room?
Dogs are descendants of wolves, creatures known for their pack mentality. In the wild, wolves exhibit denning behavior, where they seek out cozy spaces for sleep. This instinctual influences dog’s preference for sleeping in another room. To make your dog sleep next to you, maintain the same environment in your bedroom.
Your dog might sleep in another room due to discomfort, such as noise, temperature, or light. Separation anxiety, fear, or feeling safer in solitude could also be reasons. Also, your dog might be on a mission to mark the territory in other rooms and puberty can also be the reason.
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When we look closer at this situation and why a dog sleeps in another room, there could be many valid reasons that explain the situation well. Dogs have different perspectives on everything. So have a detailed overview of the following 9 reasons;
1# Your Dog is not Comfortable with the Temperature
Different dogs have different preferred temperature ranges. Some dogs feel comfortable at cold temperatures while others like to have a comfortable warm spot. If your dog’s sleeping corner is not providing the required temperature to your dog, then he/she may move to another room to get the temperature comfortable. To avoid this, you can adjust the temperature of your bedroom or dog’s room according to the needs.
2# Your Dog is Disturbed with the Noise
Dogs have a good sense of hearing and they can get alert to the slightest sound. Any sudden sound can disturb their sleep. The noise sensitivity also varies from one dog to another. When a dog is getting disturbed again and again because of noise, then he/she will change sleeping place. Try to reduce noise from your beedroom or place the dog bed in a noise-free area. So your dog can sleep peacefully without changing the room.
3# Your Dog doesn’t like Personal Space Invaded
Dogs living in a wild area choose a safe and quiet spot to sleep. Similarly, when they are living in a house, they like to rest in a private place. So they can have quality sleep. They like to sleep away from the hustle and bustle. That could be one of the valid reasons for changing the room.
4# Your Dog Might be in Pain
Sometimes your dog goes through pain because of various reasons. In such a situation, a dog may not find comfort in the usual sleeping spot. He/she keeps shifting from one spot to another to get more comfort and peace to rest and heal. You should monitor the behavior of your dog. If your dog is going through any pain, consult your vet to get the right treatment.
5# Sleeping Pattern of your Dog is Changed
Change in routine such as daily exercise or feeding time can disturb the comfort of the dog. This disturbance can also change the sleeping pattern. A dog may not find the desired comfort from the usual sleeping place. To get more comfort, dog tries to change sleeping spot. If you have changed your dog’s routine, make sure that your dog is having a quality sleep.
5# Your Dog Might be Suffering Separation Anxiety
Some dogs suffer from separation anxiety due to the long-term absence of the owner. Dogs suffering from separation anxiety try to find the spots that smell like their owner. This helps them to feel secure and closer to the owner. That’s why some dogs move to another room for sleeping as a coping mechanism.
6# Your Dog is Disturbed with the Lights
During the daytime, dogs are active and spend their time playing. For dogs, light is a symbol of activity time. That’s the reason many dogs prefer to sleep in darkness. Darkness triggers their instinct to sleep. It also helps them to have a more comfortable and quality sleep.
7# Your Dog is Feared
Sometimes many stressful events happen and your dog can get terrified or stressed. Too much noise, thunderstorms, or any other unusual situation can trigger anxiety. To avoid such a situation, your dog will prefer to sleep in another room. If you notice such behavior in a dog, try to comfort your pup.
8# The Sleeping Habits of Your Dog is Changed
The sleeping habits of dogs change as they age. A young dog is more likely to change his sleeping places as compared to the old one. An older dog tends to find comfort in their fixed spot. But at a younger age, dogs explore different spots to find which spot fits them the best.
9# Your Dog is Going through Puberty:
Just like humans, dogs go through hormonal changes during puberty. These changes can affect their behavior, including their sleeping habits. Your dog may seek out different sleeping spots as they navigate through this developmental stage, searching for comfort and security amidst the hormonal shifts.
Is It OK for My Dog To Sleep In Another Room?
Generally, it is normal for a dog to sleep in another room that is not confined for the sleeping. Things go well unless there is any underlying problem like stress, anxiety, or discomfort. Make sure that your dog’s sleeping space is safe, comfortable, clean, and ventilated.
How To Get Your Dog To Sleep In Your Room
I get it, you’re reading till here because you want you furr baby to sleep near you. To get your dog to sleep in your room you have to put some effort into it. It creates a strong bond between you and your dog. You just need to follow some steps and you are all set to get your dog to sleep in your room.
1# Maintain the Cozy Temperature
As discussed before, every dog has its own temperature preferences. It becomes essential to maintain the temperature according to your dog’s comfort. If your dog prefers the warm temperature then adjust the temperature accordingly. If your dog is heat-sensitive then provide the proper ventilation or place a fan near his bed.
2# Prepare a Comfortable Sleeping Space
A comfortable sleeping space is a crucial part of this process. The bed or crate of your dog should be cozy and soft. It should consist of soft padding and cushioning. If your dog is older or suffering from any health problem, then make sure to provide extra support. The bed size should also be kept into consideration, so your dog doesn’t need to squeeze to adjust in the bed. There should be enough room to stretch easily.
3# Reduce Noise
If your room is filled with disturbing sounds like the sound of traffic from the window or any other noise that can disrupt your dog’s sleep, then you need to cover up that noise.
According to Dr. Laura Visser, “Dogs are more sensitive to noise than humans, so even if we don’t notice the noise, it could be causing our dogs to become agitated or anxious.” They find it difficult to distract themselves from the noise and sleep calmly. Whenever you plan to shift your dog in your room, find a proper solution to deal with the noise. You can mask the loud noises by using the “white noise”.
4# Create Dark Environment
Darkness promotes better sleep and that’s why many dogs prefer to sleep in darkness. If your dog is also one of them, then set up the bed in an area with less lighting. You can avoid light by using black or dark color curtains. Don’t use artificial lights in your dog’s sleeping area.
5# Maintain a Privacy for Your Dog
No one likes being interrupted during their resting time. Similarly, dogs also do not prefer to sleep in such spots that are filled with a lot of noise or disturbance. They don’t feel secure and comfortable. Private and quiet spots help to give them a relaxed sleep and also reduce the chance of anxiety and stress.
6# Create Easy Access to Water
Dogs can feel the urge to drink water at night. To avoid discomfort for you and your dog, give access to water. Place the water near the bed, so your dog can drink easily. But the amount of water should be appropriate and it should be clean. Too much water can cause trouble.
7# Keep the Food at Some Distance
It is better to keep the eating and sleeping area at some distance. Eating near the sleeping area can be an indication for them to be active and this can confuse them. Moreover, maintaining the distance can also help to maintain hygiene.
8# Add Personal Items
There are many personal items like toys that dogs prefer to sleep with. Some dogs get attached to their specific toy and find comfort while sleeping with them. It is necessary to consider this if your dog prefers to have his favorite toy nearby. It will give your dog a sense of comfort, support, and security.
9# Teach your Dog ‘go to bed’ Commands
Being a dog owner, you use commands for various purposes. It could be for training purposes or teaching them something positive. You can also use commands to adjust your dog in your room. Use commands like ‘go to bed’ to encourage your dog. Keep your tone soft and body language friendly, so your dog can follow up easily instead of getting stressed.
Why Does Your Dog Sleep In The Kitchen?
Dogs get their meal from the kitchen. Usually, dogs sit side by side with the family during mealtime, it provides a sense of familiarity. Familiarity makes the kitchen an appealing place to rest. Kitchens are enclosed and there is less exposure to sound and night, which makes it a peaceful resting area for dogs.
One thing about the kitchen is that it is made up of cool tiles. In hot weather, these tiles provide a cooling effect that helps to sleep better.
Water and food belongings lie in the kitchen. So dogs are attracted to it to have easy access to everything. Habits and routines can also be the reasons. If your dog likes to sleep in the kitchen then you should provide a safe and secure sleeping area according to the dog’s desires.
Why Does Your Dog Sleep In The Living Room?
Living rooms are top-tier when it comes to comfort. They are well-furnished and hold a cozy aura. A living room consists of better temperature conditions, furniture, and bedding. That’s the reason dogs are attracted to sleep in the living room.
In an era of having separate rooms, all the family members tend to spend time together in the living room. It naturally gravitates dogs to the living room to get the comfort of companionship.
The living room offers a darker and quieter atmosphere for sleeping as compared to other rooms in the house. If your dog finds comfort in the living room, then set up his/her sleeping space in the living room.
Why Does Your Dog Sleep In The Bathroom?
Just like kitchens, bathrooms are also built with cool tiles. Cool tiles are appealing to dogs to cope with the heat in hot weather. The bathroom is also a private and less trafficked area, providing a quieter space for sleeping. It provides an isolated and peaceful atmosphere.
Lights in the bathroom are naturally reduced enhancing the sleep quality. Bathrooms are enclosed spaces that create a safe and secure space for sleeping.
Dogs prefer to sleep in the bathroom when they are feeling anxious because of the secure enclosure. Monitor your dog’s behavior and make sure the dog is doing well. If the dog sleeping in the bathroom without any potential reason then try to provide the same environment outside the bathroom.
Common Question:
Should dogs sleep in your bed?
It depends on the personal preference of the dog owner. Most people set up a separate bed for dogs because of hygiene and maintenance. If you think you think you can maintain hygiene, then your dog can sleep in your bed.
Can dogs sleep outside?
Dogs can sleep outside, however, you should consider their safety while leaving them out to sleep. Factors like temperature, weather, comfort, and privacy can have a great impact on it. Dogs with thick coats can survive outdoor sleeping. But still, when the weather is too hot or cold, you should not let your dog sleep outside.
What to consider if your dog sleeps outside?
If your dog likes to sleep outside then it’s your responsibility to take care of his comfort and well-being. Provide your dog with adequate shelter, set up the sleeping area with warm bedding, and use preventive measures for pests. Also, monitor your dog’s health before letting him/her sleep outside.
Why does my dog sleep in my child’s room?
Dogs have sharp protective instincts. They share a strong bond with children and sleep in their rooms to protect them. They also feel companionship and safety in a child’s room. If your dog is not causing any harm to your child, then it is alright. It indicates the sign of strong bonding between the child and the dog.
Takeaway
Everyone wants to sleep in a comfortable, secure, peaceful, and isolated space to get a quality space. Being a dog owner, you need to learn what your dog’s preference is when it comes to choosing a sleeping area.
Various reasons like comfort, darkness, noise sensitivity, and noise, etc can make a dog to change their sleeping area and keeps shifting from one room to another, living room, kitchen, or bathroom.
Dogs are our loyal companions and their well-being is our responsibility. Don’t neglect their preferences and help them to live a healthy and quality life.
