If you consider your German Shepherd to be a valued member of the family, it is only natural to consider allowing him or her to get on the furniture. Watching TV with your dog on the family sofa is one thing, but your bed belongs to you. Almost every dog-owner has contemplated this question when adding a new canine member to the family.
You should not let your German Shepherd dog sleep with you. Although there are might be co-sleeping benefits for both you and your dog, your pet deserves a separate bed. Additionally there are some factors to consider, such as pet allergies, bed size, and sleep schedule.
Read on to make an informed decision about whether it’s a good idea or the right thing to let your German Shepherd sleep with you. We’ll explore the pros and cons of co-sleeping with this breed of dog.
How Your Dog Benefits From Sleeping With You
There are many ways most breeds of dogs benefit from sleeping with their owners. The most significant benefit is that it forms and reinforces the bond between you and your dog. This statement is true with young puppies and mostly accurate with dogs adopted from a rescue or shelter. Allowing a dog to sleep with you is a clear sign to the dog that he or she is an accepted addition to your home.
- Dogs are pack animals. By nature, dogs sleep with their families. There’s safety in numbers, and you can all protect each other. Whether their priority is your safety or their own safety, co-sleeping fulfills a need for your dog.
- Certain types of dogs get cold often. Staying warm at night, especially in colder climates, is more difficult for short-haired dogs. This fact is especially so with smaller dogs and elderly dogs. Cuddling with their owners is a great way to keep warm at night.
- Some dogs have anxiety. Some dogs are naturally anxious and high-strung. Sleeping together every night is predictable, and dogs like that. There are also rescue dogs who have a history that makes them feel unsafe frequently. Sleeping with their owner can help build trust in humans and develop a strong bond. Eventually, the anxiety may lessen as the dog starts to feel unthreatened and protected.
- Many dogs have separation anxiety. Although the degree of separation anxiety may vary considerably, many dogs do experience it on some level. Sleeping together with their owners all night long makes everything right with their world.
How You Benefit From Sleeping With Your Dog
The benefits of allowing your dog to sleep with you are not one-sided. There are numerous physical and mental health benefits you get that result from sleeping with your dog. Among them are reduced blood pressure, depression, loneliness, insomnia, and stress.
- Laying next to a dog helps you fall asleep more easily. The warmth and the soft fur on your dog, combined with the steady sound of your dog’s breathing, can help to lull you to sleep.
- You sleep more soundly with your dog nearby because you feel safer. Some people are light sleepers because they feel like they need to be alert always. Knowing a dog is by your side, being alert on your behalf gives you an increased sense of security.
- Being near a dog helps you relax. A hormone called oxytocin increases its flow in your body when you are very close to a dog. This hormone makes you feel happy and loving.
Why German Shepherds Prefer To Sleep With Their Family
German Shepherds innately prefer to sleep with their owners. There are specific tendencies characteristic to this breed that fit with co-sleeping. For example, dog-owners in history bred German Shepherds to be herders. They are happiest when their people are settled in and all together.
If your German Shepherd experiences separation anxiety, he or she might refuse to leave your side at night. Members of this breed are also natural protectors of their pack. They will sleep better, knowing that they can watch over you to keep you safe.
Like other dogs, German Shepherds who are rescue dogs may have been allowed to sleep with their past owners. They may also have been in situations where they felt to be in danger repeatedly. Co-sleeping with you may be a way for your dog to feel safe and secure.
When Should You Not Sleep With Your Dog
There are many pros for having your generally well-behaved dog sleep with you. Despite all the benefits of co-sleeping we’ve discussed above, there are circumstances under which you should not let your dog sleep with you in your bed.
Do You Have Enough Space?
A practical thing to consider is whether your bed will fit yourself, your significant other, and your pet or pets. The average German Shepherd can weigh 65-90 lbs (29.5-40.8 kg) for a male and 50-70 lbs (22.7-31.8 kg) for a female. That’s the size of a large child or small adult. A queen-size bed would work for a single owner and a German Shepherd, but two adults plus a large dog require a king-size bed. (Read: German Shepherd Weight Guide)
What Is Your Dog’s Sleep Schedule?
The main thing dog-owners complain about when it comes to having their dog sleep with them is having their sleep disrupted. Some dogs bark at the smallest sound coming from outside. Some dogs move around on the bed frequently. Ideally, your dog will learn to mirror your sleep pattern.
Are Allergens An Issue?
Some dog-owners have mild pet allergies and still choose to own a dog anyway. German Shepherds are among the worst breeds when it comes to producing pet dander. They are prone to dry skin, which worsens when they get a bath too infrequently and if they get a bath too often. They also shed quite a lot. Adding these allergens to your bed may cause allergic reactions.
Does Your Dog Show Aggression Towards You?
If your dog continually challenges you, then you may not want to invite him or her onto your bed, which is your personal space. That would reinforce the notion that your dog is your equal or your superior. You need to maintain your place as the person in charge.
Alternatives To Co-Sleeping With Your Dog
If any of the challenges above apply to you, then you can try alternative ways to receive some of the benefits of co-sleeping without inviting your dog into your bed. One option is to crate-train your dog. Since the dog is inside the house, you will still be alerted to any intruders. The dog will feel comforted by being in a designated safe space and with the nightly routine. You can even put the crate inside your bedroom if there is enough space.
Another alternative is to place a dog lounger on the floor as close to your bed as possible. You and your dog will still be sleeping near each other. It is essential to make the dog bed as comfortable and inviting as possible. For a German Shepherd, a bed like the Friends Forever Orthopedic Dog Bed Lounge Sofa would be perfect. The XL and jumbo options will fit a German Shepherd nicely. This bed has a washable cover and a thick memory foam mattress. (Read more: Where Should My German Shepherd Sleep?)
Final Thoughts
Although it might be mutually beneficial, you should not let your German Shepherd sleep with you. Your dog will disrupt your sleep occasionally, and the drawbacks will outweigh the benefits in the long run. Your dog deserves it’s own space. You should consider adding a dog bed to your bedroom to offer your dog the next best thing.