"Let Sleeping Dogs Lie...
But Not In Your Bed?"

Should sleeping dogs be allowed in human beds?

Opinion seems to be widely divided.

Many owners wouldn't dream of allowing their dogs on their bed and others couldn't bear the thought of moving them off the bed!

Allowing dogs on our beds raises many questions - there's the question of safety, hygiene, allergies and pack control.

However, there are other more favourable arguments, such as a strengthening of the relationship and bond between dog and owner, and the stress relieving calm created by sleeping with your dog.

There's also the straight forward and simple fact that many owners and their dogs love it!

Let's explore some of the issues surrounding sleeping dogs and where they should lie...

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie!

The term 'let sleeping dogs lie' came about because dogs can be unpredictable when woken.

(I know one or two humans who are particularly grumpy when woken!)

Because of this, many owners believe that it's potentially dangerous to allow your pet to sleep in or on your bed in case you accidently wake your dog and are injured in the process.

There are many incidents where humans, particularly children, have been seriously injured by a dog that's been approached when asleep.

So, why not let sleeping dogs lie, isn't it better to be safe than sorry?

Alpha Male Issues?

Allowing your dog to sleep on your bed may also throw up alpha male issues, particularly where there's an uncertainty in your 'pack' about who exactly is the alpha dog.

Believe it or not, there's a hierarchy even when dogs are sleeping!

In the wild, the alpha dog would always have the best sleeping area.

The alpha bed may be sited slightly away from the rest of the pack and usually higher up than the others because height reinforces the position of the alpha male (or alpha female).

However, in your Cocker Spaniel's domesticated world, you are the alpha male and your bed is the alpha bed.

If you let sleeping dogs on your bed, be aware of the potential for an alpha challenge.

If we are to take this theory to it's limit, your bed should be out of bounds to your dog.

In reality, we know that's not going to happen, however, if your dog tries to claim your bed as his own or he growls at others who approach your bed - move him - quickly and firmly!

Allergy Sufferers Beware!

There's also the issue of allergies.

If you or your family suffer from allergies, the chances are that allowing sleeping dogs in your bed won't help.

Such close proximity to our pets could make allergies worse.

Our dogs are alway shedding something or other, whether it's their coat, fleas or flea debris, (yuk!) dust, dirt or something else they've picked up on their coats.

Any one of these could aggrevate an existing allergy - another argument against sleeping dogs in human beds.

Lying With Sleeping Dogs - Is It Healthy?

As many of our Cockers often like to roll in carrion, or something equally disgusting, this raises the additional question of whether or not sleeping with our dogs could be dangerous to our health.

It's also thought that dogs can pass on diseases, however, I could find little evidence of this being any more than one or two isolated cases.

Although this questions shouldn't be dismissed out of hand, most owners keep their dogs clean and well-groomed, and wonder what harm a little exposure to a few germs from time to time can do?

Perhaps a limited exposure to germs can strengthen our immune system?

Is today's sterile society contributing to ever-increasing allergies in humans?

Food for thought!

You Need A Good Night's Sleep!

We all need a good night's rest but that's not always possible when we have sleeping dogs in our beds!

Not all dogs will lie quietly at the bottom of the bed - some will vie for pole position in the middle of the bed, with their head on the pillow, or will lie across the bed, pushing you towards the edge.

Some of us end up sleeping on about two inches of bed - if we're lucky - not condusive to a good night's sleep!

Sleeping With Your Dog Can Be Good For You!

It's said that sleeping with dogs can be beneficial to your well-being as it can help to calm your nerves.

Many doctors firmly believe that the act of stroking your pet definitely de-stresses you!

It's also argued that where dogs are sleeping in their owners' beds, it can help to build and strengthen the bond and relationship between pet and owner.

Aside from that, many owners feel that allowing their dog to sleep next to them is simply wonderful.

Many dogs are literally part of the family and their owners wouldn't have it any other way...and, most of all...your dog loves it too!

So, the $64,000 question is...

'Should your Cocker Spaniel be allowed to sleep in your bed?'

There are many, many, owners who allow their dogs to sleep on and in their beds and wouldn't have it any other way - no matter what.

On the other hand, there are those ownwers who wouldn't ever allow sleeping dogs in their beds.

That's why we believe it's a personal choice.

We've given you reasons for and against allowing sleeping dogs in your bed. You know your dog, his temperement, how well-trained he is and how he behaves around your family and others.

Only you can decide what's best for your family and your pets.

If you don't like the thought of your dog(s) sleeping in any other room than your bedroom, why not allow him sleep in his own bed, on the floor, by the side of your bed?

If you really can't bear the thought of your dog not sleeping on your bed, you may want to consider allowing him to sleep at the foot of your bed.

If you are going to allow your dog to sleep on your bed, only do so on your terms.

He must understand that he's only allowed on your bed when he's been invited to do so and he should leave when you ask him to - without hesitation or grumbling!

We don't recommend you allow sleeping dogs on your pillow, but that's entirely your decision.

If your dog begins to growl at you and/or your family, we strongly recommend you banish him from your bed immediately.

You must always retain the role of the alpha dog. You and your family are his leaders and he must never be allowed to challenge that position.

We don't recommend you allow your Cocker Spaniel to sleep in a child's bed, no matter how docile the dog is - it's just not worth the risk!

There are many different kinds of dog beds available, from the basic, pillow-type dog bed to trendy designer dog beds.

With so many dog beds to choose from, there's no excuse - your Cocker Spaniel can have just as comfortable a bed as yours!

Titles In The Dog Beds and Sleeping Arrangements Series

Separate arrangements should be made for sleeping dogs if you're to avoid challenges to your role as alpha dog. With such a diverse range of cosy dog beds and blankets available there's no excuse!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie!

The term 'let sleeping dogs lie' came about because dogs can be unpredictable when woken. Should your Cocker Spaniel be allowed to sleep in your bed?

Types Of Dog Beds

There are many styles of dog beds available; from designer dog beds, rugs, mats, nests, to plain blankets. However, before making your choice there are several points we recommend you consider...

Designer Dog Beds

There was a time when our dogs where happy with a couple of blankets thrown into a cardboard box! Today, however, novelty and designer dog beds are sold almost everywhere.

Choosing Dog Beds

With the vast array of dog beds available to choose from, it's easy get carried away and choose a bed simply on impulse - find out how to choose the right dog bed for your pet.

Dog Blankets

A couple of dog blankets will help to keep your Cocker Spaniel warm and cosy and, once his scent has permeated his blanket, it will become a source of comfort to him.

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