Should I Let My Golden Retriever Sleep With Me?

After you get a dog, you might be wondering, should I let my Golden Retriever sleep with me? Letting your Golden Retriever sleep on your bed shouldn’t be a decision you take lightly. Read for the pros and cons of letting your dog sleep with you.

I’ve learned this lesson the hard way with my own two dogs. You might see a bed as just a comfy bed. But dogs see beds as positions of power.

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If your dog has behavioral issues allowing them on the bed might not benefit you. This was the first thing a dog expert pointed out to me. Dogs need boundaries and that includes boundaries around allowing them on the bed.

Golden Retriever Sleeping in Bed

Before you let your Golden Retriever sleep on your bed you should consider a few factors. 

1. Your Dog’s Behavior

Consider important issues like your dog’s behavior, aggressiveness, or other behavioral problems. This is a red flag to the idea of letting them sleep with you at night.

I have two dogs, they are not Golden Retrievers, one has guarding and aggression issues so she is not allowed on my bed because she sees it as her territory. 

Talk to a dog trainer about how to correct such behaviors before allowing them to sleep on your bed.

2. Age of your Golden Retriever

It is not a good idea to keep dogs on your bed as this may be dangerous to them. Instead, please keep them in a crate next to your bed as they tend to get lonely quickly, which isn’t healthy for them.

Also, it may not be ideal for keeping your old dogs on your bed as they may have a hard time getting up there at their fragile age. Getting down quickly from the bed, if need be, may also be challenging.

3. Allergies

If you or your partner is mildly allergic, it is best not to keep them on your bed as this can worsen your symptoms and make it difficult for you or your partner to function correctly.

It might be challenging to break the habit when started. When the Golden Retriever gets used to sleeping on a bed at night, bringing it to a stop may be somewhat tricky.

Where can my Golden Retriever Sleep?

You might have questions about Golden Retrievers sleeping. If you feel it is not a good idea for your Golden Retriever to sleep in your bed at night, there are other options.

Lots of people have their dogs sleep in dog beds in their bedroom. If you don’t want them in your room or a child’s room consider these options.

Golden Retrievers can be comfortable in different locations in your home. One crucial factor is to know your dog. Some may be pretty okay sleeping on the living room couch with a warm blanket, or some prefer crates.

It is also essential to take into account their age or personality. Golden Retriever puppies need more attention. It is, therefore, better to have them sleep in your room in a crate.

• They can sleep in a dog bed in another room
• They can sleep on the sofa
• They can sleep in a crate in another room

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Reasons you should let your dog sleep in your bed?

You probably have decided to let your Golden Retriever sleep on your bed, but you want to know the impact this will have.

Studies have shown that there are many benefits associated with the act, not just for your Golden Retriever but for you – the owner as well.

1. Separation Anxiety Decreases

Separation anxiety is common in some dogs; however, it is unclear why this happens. Studies have shown it may be an emotional response to a traumatic experience in the past.

When your Golden Retriever spends adequate fun time with you and the experience being close to you most of the time, including during bedtime, they would less likely to develop separation anxiety because of the feeling of being with them most times.

2. Bonding and Companionship 

Golden Retrievers are attention seekers; they were bred to accompany their owners. It is no surprise that this trait has been passed to newer generations of Golden Retrievers. 

Sleeping with them in bed at night is a great way to ensure companionship and improve bonding.

3. Helping them Feel Safe

Most dogs are scared of thunderclaps and lightning flashes, and your Golden Retriever may be no different.

When your dog sleeps with you at night, it gives them the feeling of safety and extra warmth. It probably gives you a feeling of safety too!

Also, most Golden Retrievers are heavy sleepers; they tend to sleep upwards of 10 hours a day and will most likely not move around a lot during the night.

Hence they will not disrupt your sleeping and prevent you from getting a good night’s rest. 

How many hours do golden retrievers sleep?

Golden Retrievers need 10 hours of sleep a day. Give them somewhere they are comfortable sleeping.