When a dog jumps on your bed in the middle of the night, it’s because they find it comfortable and want to be next to you. If you want your dog to stop jumping on the bed, provide a comfy dog bed and a “comfort toy” they can chew on in the middle of the night.
Dogs and humans alike enjoy a warm, cozy cuddle with their pack mates. Letting your dog join you in bed at night might seem like the perfect opportunity for some bonding time.
But sometimes, co-sleeping can get problematic, whether your dog keeps you awake, develops an attitude problem, or makes a mess. Your dog’s training and mental health are more important than a cuddle, so don’t feel bad if you need to take a step back from sleeping together to address an issue.
If you used to let your dog sleep on the bed with you but have recently decided they’re no longer allowed up, they might start jumping on your bed in the middle of the night while you’re asleep.
Jumping On The Bed In The Middle of The Night
A peaceful night’s sleep can be rudely interrupted by the bouncing of your restless dog jumping on and off the bed. The steps to address the issue vary depending on whether the dog is supposed to be on the bed at all.
If Your Dog is Allowed On The Bed
If your dog is allowed to co-sleep with you but is being a nuisance and waking you up, there are several approaches you can take.
Start by reducing the stimulus in the room. Draw the curtains to cut out light and play soft music or a white noise machine to keep outside noises from waking up your dog.
Ensure that other people in the house are not making loud noises in the morning while you and your dog are still asleep.
Any access to furniture should have clear boundaries, even if they are generous ones. Teach your dog to wait for a clear invitation to get up and teach him that “off” means “off until I invite you up again”.
This can help prevent your pup from jumping on and off the bed repeatedly. Even when your dog gets free rein of the house, structure and boundaries can help him feel confident and comfortable.
Provide your dog with a comfortable secondary resting place on the floor near you, whether it is a crate or a bed and blanket. Some dogs get uncomfortable and hot in the night and want a break.
If your dog has a backup location to rest, he won’t pace around and jump up and down. A bed on the floor is also very important if your dog wakes you up by growling.
Sometimes your movement can make your dog grumpy and confused. Calmly coax him off the bed with a treat and tell him to sleep in his own bed for the rest of the night.
If Your Dog is Not Allowed On The Bed
It can be very frustrating if your dog takes advantage of your sleep to jump on furniture he isn’t allowed to access.
If your dog is allowed on the couch but not the bed, he can get confused. Consider getting a blanket that is only for him and teach him he can only use furniture that is covered by his blanket. If you don’t place his blanket on the bed, he should avoid that piece of furniture.
Your dog might continue to struggle with understanding what furniture is ok and which isn’t. Dogs have a hard time generalizing. In that case, it’s better for everyone’s sanity to prevent all furniture usage and teach him to use his own bed.
Consistency is the key to teaching your dog to stay off furniture, especially if he used to have free access.
No matter how adorable your dog is, never make an exception. Instead, focus on making his own bed as delightful as it can be.
You can save a delicious treat to give him only at bedtime when he goes to his crate or bed. If he has separation anxiety, try putting a piece of your used clothing in his bed to provide a comforting scent.
Advice for Any Situation
Whether your dog is allowed on the bed or not, you need to make sure that your jumping dog understands boundaries and respects your leadership. Ensure that no one in the household is undermining the rules you set for your dog, even in the middle of the night when it is hard to be persistent.
Some dogs will throw tantrums if they are unhappy with a change in the household, such as being banned from the bed or asked to sleep in another room.
These tantrums can range from annoying to scary, as some dogs will hurt themselves to get their way.
It’s important to never give in to the dog in this situation, no matter what. If your dog is becoming frantic or dangerous to itself, work hard on training during the day to diffuse the issue and turn the negative into a positive.
Some proactive measures can help diffuse the tension when trying to change your dog’s behavior and routine. Make sure he gets lots of exercise before bed. This can reduce restlessness and improve your dog’s mood.
If you remove your bed from the dog’s nighttime routine and teach him to sleep on the floor, consider adding a delightful toy, game, or chew to distract him from what he is missing out on.
Dogs need consistent stimulation, so try to replace the bed with a fun new aspect of his routine.
Should My Dog Even Sleep With Me?
Co-sleeping is fine for many dogs, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Dogs with specific issues might not do well with being allowed on the bed.
Puppies who are still being housebroken should stick to a strict routine and not be allowed to share your bed.
If your puppy is cuddled up with you in a soft bed, he will probably ignore his body’s potty signals because he doesn’t want to get up. His toilet routine will be interrupted, and he will more likely have an accident in the house or, even worse, in the bed. Consider crate training your puppy or teaching him to sleep in a bed on the floor until he is fully housebroken.
Certain dogs are prone to emotional difficulties such as dominance, aggression, resource guarding, and separation anxiety.
If your dog struggles with any of these problems, avoid letting him share the bed. Sleeping is a very vulnerable time for dogs. Some loving pets can’t handle the excitement and stimulation of co-sleeping.
A cozy crate on the floor can make your anxious dog feel secure not only in his resting place, but also in his place in the household hierarchy. If your dog develops these problems after sharing the bed, don’t be afraid to change tactics and train him to sleep on the floor. Everyone will probably be safer and happier as a result.
If your dog has back problems or is prone to injuries, co-sleeping with him might endanger his health. Many pet stores sell orthopedic or memory foam dog beds that can really ease your pet’s discomfort and keep him safe.
Lastly, if you have a dog that spends a lot of time outdoors or sheds heavily, be sure to brush and clean him consistently before allowing him into bed. Keeping your dog fresh and parasite free can reduce allergies, promote health, and avoid pest outbreaks in your bed.
Deciding whether to sleep with your dog is a personal decision that should take into account your dog’s personality and physical health. Even the best behaved dogs aren’t always the politest sleeping buddies. In addition to teaching your dog to only jump on the bed on command, every dog should have a bed or crate that is solely for them. Rather than being lonely, these safe spots can make your dog feel confident and comfortable.
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