German Shepherds can become so attached to their owners that they rarely let them out of their sight. Separation anxiety could be one factor to consider when deciding where your dog should sleep.
Your German Shepherd deserves a separate bed to sleep in at night, in close enough proximity to you to allow security and comfort while also allowing for the dog and owner’s independence. As puppies, they will need to sleep inside with you, but they may start sleeping outside once they turn four months old.
Continue reading to find out more about incorporating this breed into your home, where they should sleep, and the type of bed you should provide.
Should German Shepherds Sleep Inside?
Originally bred for herding, then trained for tracking and protection, German Shepherds have earned themselves an enviable place in history. Many have received recognition for meritorious military service.
Your German Shepherd is a highly intelligent dog that requires regular mental stimulation. They should spend plenty of time outside, and they require regular exercise. Without sufficient activity, a German Shepherd can become neurotic. After a thorough day of physical and mental activity, they will be ready to settle down.
Their activity requirements make them a less-than-ideal inside dog, but they can adapt to that environment if you train them properly. For more on this topic, you can read our article: “Can German Shepherds Be An Inside Dogs?”
German Shepherd Puppies And Crate-Training
As an owner of a German Shepherd puppy, you would be ill-advised to let your puppy sleep outside because the puppy will be unable to regulate their body temperature before four months of age. It will also undermine your attempts to socialize them in this formative period. (Source)
For a puppy, the best first bed is a crate. For sure, it is not your cozy bed, but it’s what is necessary. Your puppy will need crate training to adjust alongside socialization and house training, typically within the first 8 to 12 weeks.
Not only will your German Shepherd puppy associate the crate with a place to be on its own, but it will also give you as owner some time for yourself. Acclimatizing to crate use should not be limited to night times for sleep, but associated with other activities such as feeding or resting at times in the day. (Source)
It’s best to ensure the crate has comfortable, washable bedding in it. German Shepherd puppies like to be in the mix of things, so find a busy spot like the family room, rather than some isolated area, for the crate’s location.
Some dog owners recommend that the crate have an adjustable partition to make the sleeping space larger as the puppy grows.
Introducing your puppy to the crate and getting him to use it requires perseverance, and there will be times when you will be tempted to bring your puppy into the bed with you. However, this will create a problem as they get older.
Adult German Shepherds
As most large dogs prefer to sleep outdoors, it’s best if you allow them to choose to sleep inside or outside once they’re past the puppy stage. In most households, doggy-door access gives them the freedom to come and go, but full-grown German Shepherds are too big for these doors.
German Shepherd training typically starts after eight weeks, and most trained dogs in the military have further specialized training. (Source)
Handlers become their masters, and they look up to them, want to obey them, and become loyal and attached to them. You would want to have the same relationship with your German Shepherd.
Since German Shepherds tend to form particularly strong bonds with one person, you may wonder how they will fare if they go from sleeping inside to outside when they get older. However, German Shepherds in the military do just fine sleeping in outdoor kennels without issues.
You can facilitate the transition from inside to outside sleeping by gradually introducing your puppy to the outside environment. First, wait until after completing vaccinations around 14 to 16 months of age. Help your puppy explore and meet other dogs, ensuring each time that it’s an enjoyable experience.
By doing so, your dog will be well balanced, thereby helping make outside sleeping anxiety-free. Also, when your German Shepherd does sleep outside, consider the kind of outdoor sleeping accommodation that will suit their needs.
Should German Shepherds Sleep With You?
Despite their level of attachment to you, they can’t be with you all the time, and you both need to sleep. German Shepherds can sleep with you or near you, but not in your bed. Give your German Shepherd their own place to sleep at night and avoid letting them sleep in your bed.
Doing so creates independence, discipline, and routine, and also prevents unwanted behavioral issues.
This will also help both you and your dog get a peaceful night’s sleep. By giving them their own sleeping spot, you will give them the independence they need for their development. To the dog, their bed will become a familiar place with the smells they know are their own. The dog will probably do the usual few circles, and then curl up and go to sleep easily.
Also, and most importantly, you will avert the prospect of having to change their sleeping patterns at a later stage by starting with this arrangement straight away. No separation anxiety will arise as a result of moving him out of your bed if he’s been used to sleeping in it.
Applying these principles to the sleeping patterns of your German Shepherd is sure to help your dog develop a balanced temperament. Also, your dog will respect your leadership, which is especially important to him.
Your German Shepherd will naturally be very protective of you. Your dog will want to have you in their view all the time, and even when sleeping, they’d like to know you are in their range. So, let them do so; it is part of their nature.
A German Shepherd respects firmness, consistency, and calmness in their owner. Note that for this breed, severe punishment or harsh training methods don’t go down well at all. It’s about mutual respect and the building of trust and confidence in each other. Any abuse undermines this principle.
A German Shepherd will quickly usurp your pack leadership if you show some form of weakness in leadership. This principle should apply without hesitation from the first night your puppy has to go to sleep, no matter the whimpers in the beginning, because it’s best for both of you. You need to be firm and establish a routine as these dogs thrive on consistency.
Best Bedding For A German Shepherd
Now that you have decided where your companion would like to sleep, and you recognize their instinctive need to protect you, let’s look at the kind of bed that would be best for them. This is a vital decision and is as important as buying your own bed.
While German Shepherds are a highly active breed, they also love sleeping. They can sleep up to 14 hours a day, so the bed you provide for them needs to give them the comfort they deserve.
Adults that sleep outside will require a well-insulated kennel, and you can even provide them with a memory foam bed if you really want to spoil them.
They will need quality support because one very unfortunate ailment common to German Shepherds is hip dysplasia. In fact, more than 20% of the breed is found to suffer from it. Memory foam will really help improve sleeping comfort by offering body-contouring sleep comfort.
Keep in mind that German Shepherds shed twice a season, which means their bed becomes a hair collector. Look for one that is easy to clean or one that resists the collection of molting hair as it will help you both.
The coat will help insulate him against the cold in winter, while in summer, they will need an aerated kennel, so some airflow is recommended for the kennel you choose.
You want your dog to be a happy and well-balanced family member that sleeps through the night and brings lots of love to the household. Read more on how to have a happy dog in your household: “How Do I Know If My German Shepherd Is Happy?”
Final Thoughts
Having a German Shepherd in your life is a privilege and a pleasure. With proper training, you could not wish for a more loyal dog that is willing to give their lives to protect you. As their respected leader, your dog will obey your commands and will require a lot of your attention and love.
You will love having your German Shepherd near to you, but not so close to you that he’s in your bed. By giving your dog a comfortable bed, with access to you, you will be assured of a happy, well-socialized German Shepherd in your household.