There’s something wonderfully comforting about a dog curled up beside you at bedtime. For many of us, sharing the sofa — or even the bed — with our dogs is simply part of having them in the family.

But is sleeping beside your dog actually good for them? Can they become too dependent on us? And what should you do if your four-legged friend starts growling when you try to move them?

The good news is that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It’s much more about your individual dog, their behaviour and whether everyone is getting a good night’s sleep. I spoke to Saga Magazine about this topic and here are some questions I prepared.

Why do dogs and cats want to sleep beside us?

Quite simply, we’re warm, familiar and comfortable!

Dogs are naturally social animals, so being close to their person can provide warmth and companionship. Our beds also happen to be very comfortable — and they smell like us, which can be reassuring.

Cats have similar reasons for seeking out a cosy sleeping spot, although they also tend to enjoy being up high. A raised bed, shelf or another elevated sleeping area can give a cat somewhere comfortable to rest while also allowing them to keep an eye on what’s happening around them.

Does sleeping together strengthen the bond?

It potentially can. Dogs often seek warmth and companionship from their humans, and choosing to sleep close to you can be a lovely part of your relationship.

However, it’s important that your dog also learns that they can be comfortable and relaxed when they aren't right beside you.

If a dog is constantly looking for human contact, it can potentially contribute to difficulties being separated from their owner. So, even if your dog sleeps on your bed every night, I recommend making sure they are also comfortable spending time away from you.

This is one reason I recommend crate training regardless of whether your dog will actually spend long periods sleeping in their crate. A crate, when introduced positively and used appropriately, can become a familiar safe space rather than simply somewhere a dog is shut away.

The aim is to give your dog choices and teach them that being alone is perfectly okay.

Can a dog become too dependent on sleeping beside you?

Potentially. It isn't about whether your dog sleeps on your bed or sofa; it's about whether they can cope when they aren't beside you.

For example, if your puppy loves being right next to you on the sofa, try putting a cushion beside you rather than always having them pressed against your body. You're still offering closeness, but you're gently managing their expectations that they don't need constant physical contact.

Think of it as teaching your dog an important life skill: I can relax near my person, and I can also relax when my person isn't right beside me.

Dogs and cats make very different bed companions

Whether a pet makes a good bed companion depends enormously on the individual animal.

Some dogs are wonderfully still sleepers. Others move around all night, react to noises, scratch, snore or decide that 3am is an excellent time for an adventure.

It can help to think about your pet's activity budget. Are they getting enough physical exercise, mental stimulation, play and enrichment during the day?

The same applies to cats. Cats need opportunities for play, exploration and enrichment, and they're naturally crepuscular, meaning they're most active around dawn and dusk.

If your cat is regularly waking you up in the early hours, ask yourself why. Are they hungry? Would a timed feeder help? Could they benefit from more play and enrichment before bedtime? Depending on your home and your cat, access to a cat flap can also give them more opportunities to explore and behave naturally.

Sometimes what looks like a bedtime problem is actually an unmet need elsewhere in their daily routine.

Which behaviours suggest bed-sharing isn't working?

The biggest red flags are behaviours such as growling, snapping or biting, particularly if your pet is becoming defensive about the bed or about being moved.

The important thing is not to wait for a serious incident before making changes. If you're seeing signs that your pet is uncomfortable, speak to your vet or an appropriately qualified behaviour professional for advice.

What should you do if your dog growls or refuses to move?

Don't physically drag, push or shake your dog off the bed.

Instead, teach them that moving away from the bed is a positive thing.

You can shake some treats and use a cheerful cue such as "this way", encouraging your dog to follow you away from the bed. Importantly, practise this at other times too — not just when you need your dog to get off the bed.

If the only time your dog hears "this way" is when you're about to remove them from something they value, they'll quickly learn that the cue predicts something unpleasant.

By practising when nothing is at stake, you can build a positive association with the behaviour.

And remember: a growl is useful communication. Your dog is telling you that they're uncomfortable. Punishing the growl may suppress the warning without changing the underlying emotion, potentially making the situation more dangerous.

Does letting your dog on the bed make them dominant?

No. The idea that allowing a dog on your bed makes them dominant is a myth.

The old idea of a dog constantly trying to become the "alpha" or "pack leader" doesn't reflect our modern understanding of canine behaviour. Dominance isn't a fixed character trait that a dog possesses, and dogs don't live in a simple, permanent hierarchy where one individual is always "top dog".

Instead, behaviour is influenced by relationships, context and consequences.

If a dog discovers that pushing another dog gets them access to food, for example, they're more likely to repeat that behaviour if it works. That's learning — not a bid for world domination!

I'd also be cautious about trainers who rely heavily on terms such as "correction", "balanced approach", "pack leader" and "dominance".

Punishment can suppress behaviour without addressing the reason behind it and can sometimes make underlying emotional problems worse.

So let your dog sleep on the bed if that's right for your household. Just don't mistake a comfortable dog for a dog plotting a coup.

How can you make your pet's own bed more appealing?

The secret is to make their bed somewhere they'd actually choose to be.

Think about:

• Warmth: sunny spots can be appealing, while a cosy bed near a safe heat source may be useful in colder weather. Take extra care with kittens and avoid overheating.
• Comfort: choose a deep, comfortable bed appropriate for your pet, particularly if they have stiff joints or arthritis.
• Location: some pets prefer a quiet spot away from busy areas, while others want to be able to see what's happening.
• Height: cats often appreciate having different options, including elevated sleeping areas.
• Choice: offering more than one suitable sleeping spot allows your pet to choose where they feel most comfortable.
• Resources: don't put a bed right next to food, water or toileting areas if your pet prefers separation between these spaces.

What if your dog cries at the door or your cat keeps jumping back onto the bed?

First, work out why they're doing it.

Is your dog genuinely distressed, or are they frustrated because they've suddenly lost access to you?

With cats, think about whether you've provided enough alternative options. A cat may want to be near you but also want somewhere high to retreat to.

Could you provide a comfortable bed in another room? Would some steps or a ramp help an older pet reach a favourite sleeping area?

Rather than simply trying to stop the behaviour, ask what need your pet is trying to meet and see whether you can provide an appropriate alternative.

And finally: keeping the bed clean

If your pet sleeps on your bed, good hygiene matters.

Regularly change and wash your bedding, keep your pet well groomed and brush them regularly. Dogs spend time outdoors, so it's particularly important to keep on top of grooming and general cleanliness.

A washable blanket placed over the part of the bed where your dog sleeps can make life much easier. You can simply remove and wash it regularly rather than washing all your bedding every time your dog comes in from a muddy walk.

If you have a smaller dog, an individual bed or blanket on top of your bed can also create a little bit of separation and reduce the risk of them falling off.