Choosing a sleeping spot for the dog depends mostly on his size and coat. If you have a small breed like a Maltese, you’ll probably clear a corner in the bedroom for a soft bed away from cold tile floors and open doors.
For a large dog, especially a guardian breed, a thick mat on a cool floor or a wooden kennel with a raised floor in the yard is much better for his joints and thick coat.
You will spend the first few nights listening to a puppy whine at the crate door or watching your pet try to hog the entire sofa … But these are sweet troubles.
Using a Crate at Night
Crates give dogs a secure spot where they can finally settle down and sleep.
The dog needs a place where slamming doors or other pets won’t disturb him.
Use one to keep the puppy from chewing cables or making a mess while you are away. Put the dog inside for short periods first, and pick a size that allows him to stand up, turn around, and stretch out.
Never use it for punishment, or it ruins the trust and creates a fear of that spot.
Choosing Dog Bed for Joint Support
Many dogs prefer a soft surface, whether in a quiet corner or the bedroom.
A quality bed cushions joints against hard floors and helps prevent calluses by reducing pressure on the elbows.
Thick padding keeps the puppy off cold tiles, which is vital for long-term health.
Avoid thin pads that flatten out immediately; they offer no support for a heavy pet and lead to restless sleeping.
Finding Dog Sleeping Spot
A quiet corner helps the dog settle down and stay calm. Keeping the bed in one spot prevents the puppy from wandering and chewing on furniture or shoes.
Choose a pillow large enough for the dog to stretch out fully without touching the floor.
A familiar blanket or putting the pillow in the crate creates a secure corner where the pet feels safe.
Sharing the Bed: Pros and Cons
Sleeping next to the dog provides warmth and a sense of security during the night.
Many owners feel calmer and fall asleep faster when they feel the presence of a loyal companion nearby. This closeness can lower stress levels after a long day.
However, a heavy dog takes up mattress space and pants during the night. Snoring, licking paws, or moving on the mattress ruins the owner’s sleep.
Allowing this habit every night also creates a behavioral problem. The dog can become overly dependent, which triggers separation anxiety when sleeping in another room or a kennel becomes necessary.
Benefits and Risks of Outdoor Sleeping
Staying outside satisfies the instinct to guard the yard and watch for intruders. This open space allows the dog to move freely without hitting walls or furniture.
Cooler night temperatures often help heavy-coated breeds sleep more comfortably than inside a heated room.
However, leaving the dog outdoors requires a secure fence to stop wandering or chasing cats. Checking for holes under the wire prevents digging out and getting lost.
Sleeping on wet ground or in the mud causes stiff joints and health issues (a wooden house with a raised floor keeps the dog awayfrom the cold ground and rain).
Night dog barking at a passerby or a stray cat can also disturb neighbors when guarding the property.
Where Are My Dogs Sleeping?
As my champions are sheepdogs, these dogs stay outside to guard the property and move freely.
On the other hand, some my friends allow a Sarplaninac to choose between the house and the yard. This choice shows respect for the dog as a loyal partner and a family member.
Socialization for my puppies remains a priority. After completing training at Trešnjevica, the puppies come to my apartment.
So they won’t just be outside …
Conclusion
My Sarplaninacs stay outdoors to watch the property, but also learn to stay calm inside an apartment.
The goal is a well-balanced dog ready for any environment.
Where does your dog spend the night? Share your experience in the comments below!
