Why Do Dogs Only Sleep in Their Own Beds During the Day?

As pet parents, one of our greatest joys is watching our dogs snooze. Whether they like to curl up like a donut or snore at a deafening volume, a sleeping dog is simply an adorable thing to witness. Your dog might even have funny little habits or quirks in how they sleep, such as only sleeping in their own bed during the day, despite wanting to snuggle with you at night. 

According to dog trainer Nicole Ellis, this is very common. The reasons for the behavior vary dog to dog, as each one is an individual spirit all their own. “Many dogs choose their own beds (or specific spots) during the day because those areas feel predictable, quiet, and undisturbed,” says Ellis. “Some may choose spots for comfort, i.e. a dog that runs hot may always prefer laying on tile or a cooling mat, while a dog that runs cold may prefer a warm cozy bed to bury in.”

One reason for this, explains Ellis, is that daytime sleep is usually lighter and more fragmented for dogs. “This means that they often pick spots where they won’t be accidentally bumped or disturbed, they can regulate temperature, they have a clear view of the room, and the routine is familiar and low-stress.” For most dogs, their own bed checks those boxes. Dog behaviorist Sarah Easterbrook says that the reason for this varies. “A lot of dogs will prefer their own bed, especially if they have been trained with a ‘place’ command or just generally been trained to love their beds,” she says. Additionally, dogs like to sleep in areas that smell strongly of themselves, and also of their owners. “They prefer to sleep in the place that they feel most safe and secure. This means that they will choose the bed they had as a puppy due to habit, conditioning and the safety of their own scent.”

Many dogs will prefer to be on the couch or human bed only when their human is present, because they see them as social spots. “Many dogs associate them with comfort plus companionship, safety through proximity, and shared rest rather than solo rest,” explains Ellis. Without the human there, those spaces lose part of their appeal, and some dogs will default back to their own bed where expectations are clear. Often, dogs will want to be near to their owners as a way of bonding with the pack through scent, but also for warmth and security, says Easterbrook. “Insecure dogs in particular will be very clingy and want to be near their owners all the time. This is not really a good thing and can lead to separation anxiety issues and other problems caused by insecurity.”

At night, on the other hand, dogs seek closeness for security and bonding. They will also follow learned habits, which may mean sleeping when you sleep, and close to you. Because their sleep is less fragmented, they want somewhere that is comfortable to spend the night. Easterbrook reminds us that what a dog wants and what is good for them is not always the same thing. That means it’s up to us as the parents to ensure that our dog feels secure in their own bed and doesn’t feel the need to be clingy all the time.

A dog’s reasons aren’t always straightforward, and where they wants to sleep may be the fault of a negative association as much as a positive one. Perhaps it’s something that seems innocuous, says Easterbrook, such as hearing a loud bang, or someone dropping something near the bed. In this case, it’s important to reinforce positive associations.

If your dog seems perfectly happy in their own bed during the day but refuses to sleep in it at night, there are ways you can make it more appealing to them. Look at what position your dog naturally sleeps in–are they sleeping round like a doughnut, stretched out, or with their head raised? You can then pick a bed that best supports their sleep style. Ellis adds that you can consider giving them a shirt or blanket that smells like you to sleep with. Additionally, you can make the bed more attractive by changing the location or even creating a consistent bedtime routine. When you’ve tried that, reward them calmly settling in their bed with praise and even treats. If you need to, you can prevent access to human sofas or beds at night without scolding them.

The best way to encourage a dog to sleep where you want them to is to make it a very positive place, says Easterbrook: “I always recommend the owner to get their own scent on the bed by putting an old jumper or dressing gown on it, or just by regularly sitting on it themselves.” You could also try feeding them while they’re in their bed, or giving fuss and affection when they’re sitting in it. “If you want to prevent the dog always sleeping on the couch or the owner’s bed then calmly put them back on the floor any time they jump on the furniture and train them to sleep in their own area such as a crate or small room where the comfiest place to lay is on their own bed,” she adds. By doing this over time, your dog will choose their own bed. 

“Dogs choose sleep locations based on safety, comfort, location, social connection, and habit—not stubbornness. When we meet those needs thoughtfully, dogs are usually very happy to sleep in their own space,” says Ellis. Wherever your dog chooses to sleep, you can make sure that they feel safe and secure.