Waking up next to a cute puppy sounds great, but is it actually a good idea?
It’s a question almost every new owner asks.
While it’s tempting to let the puppy into your bed, sharing it brings some real challenges.
You have to look at how it affects your sleep and how it changes the puppy’s training and independence.
Benefits of Letting Your Puppy Sleep in Your Bed
Sharing your bed with the puppy isn’t just about the cuddles, since it can actually make moving into a new home easier for both of you.
Here are some of the real benefits:
Warmth and Security: Puppies are used to sleeping in a pile with their littermates. Being close to you provides that familiar warmth, which helps a young dog feel safe during those first few weeks in a new home.
Less Loneliness: Many puppies howl or cry when left alone at night. Letting him stay in your bed helps him feel less lonely, which means better sleep for everyone.
Feeling Relaxed: It just feels good to have the puppy nearby at night. Having him right there helps you relax and makes it much easier to fall asleep.
Keeping an Eye on Him: When the puppy is right next to you, it’s much easier to notice if they are restless, breathing strangely, or need to go outside for a potty break in the middle of the night.
The Downsides of Sharing Your Bed with Puppy
Having the puppy nearby is nice, but it’s not always the best solution in practice.
There are some real challenges you should think about first.
Waking Up at Night: Puppies can be restless, even at night. Between his twitching and occasional barking, you might not get a good night’s sleep. If you are a light sleeper, this can become a real problem.
Dirt and Accidents: No matter how clean the puppy is, he will bring fur and sometimes dirt into your sheets. There’s also the risk of “accidents” before he is house-trained. Just imagine cleaning a mattress after that.
Running Out of Space: That small puppy won’t stay small for long. As he grows, he will take up more space and can easily push you to the edge of the bed. This is definitely true if you have a large breed like a Sarplaninac.
Learning to Sleep Alone: If the puppy never learns to sleep alone, he may struggle when left alone. This can make it hard to leave him at a kennel or with a sitter later on, as they won’t know how to settle without you right there.
When is the Right Time to Start?
If you decide to let your puppy into your bed, it’s important to pick the right moment. Most experts suggest waiting until the dog is at least 4 to 6 months old [1].
By this age, he can usually wait longer before going outside to potty and is more used to sleeping on his own.
Here’s what to look for before making the move:
Potty Training: Make sure the puppy already sleeps through the night without any accidents. You don’t want to mess up your mattress by rushing into this.
Size and Safety: A very young puppy might be too small to safely jump on or off the bed, or they might get stepped on during the night.
Sleeping Alone: Ensure he is already comfortable sleeping in his crate or dog bed first. This helps him stay calm and prevents whining whenever you leave the room.
In the end, every dog is different. Watch his behavior and don’t feel pressured to hurry.
Sarplaninac Puppies and Sleeping in Bed?
In my opinion, letting a Sarplaninac puppy sleep in your bed isn’t always the best idea.
This breed prefers the outdoors over being cooped up inside. They are hardy, independent dogs by nature.
However, if you are keeping the Sarplaninac in an apartment (or inside a house), things are different.
Personally, I wouldn’t mind if my dog dozed off on the bed after we’ve spent the evening watching a movie together.
Even so, I would always make sure the dog has his own spot.
In the end, it all depends on the dog’s size, temperament, and how well he is trained.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, there is no single right answer. What works for one owner and his puppy might not work for another.
The most important thing is to find a balance that suits your lifestyle.
Whether you decide to let the dog sleep in your bed or prefer to keep that space just for yourself, it’s all about training and sticking to your rules.
The Sarplaninac needs to know his place in the house, but he also needs to feel like part of the family.
Take your time, watch his behavior, and don’t be afraid to change things if it’s not working for you.
Happy sleeping (or training)!
Sources:
- When Is My Puppy Ready to Sleep with Me? (more information).
