Where Does Your Dog Sleep?

New claims have surfaced that dogs are actually better off sleeping in bed with their owners than out in the yard…

In an article in The Herald Sun, animal behaviorist Dr Robert Holmes has made the bold statement that ‘problem  dogs’ (that is, dogs displaying destructive or annoying behaviour when left alone in the yard) are not ‘bored’, but are actually suffering from separation anxiety at not being allowed to ‘lie with the family pack, where they belong’.

Holmes argues that the yard is not a dog’s natural habitat and that as pack animals they need to sleep with the rest of the family. He even claims that letting your dog snuggle down in the same bed as you is a surefire way to having a contented dog, as the bed is ‘the best pacifying and stress-reducing area’.

Sure, maybe for the dog, but how stress-reducing can 1000 shed dog hairs really be to the couple whose bed has been overtaken? Of course we don’t want to cause our pooches any stress, but surely a well-placed doggy bed in the hall – or even in the bedroom – is a decent enough compromise to make your furry friend feel loved?

• What do you think? Where does your dog sleep? Would you let him share the doona if you suspected separation anxiety? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

Image Sourced from: Animal Discovery and Iooginyihs