As dog owners, we love our furry friends and enjoy spending quality time with them.
However, it can be frustrating when you come home to find your dog has jumped on your bed while you were away.
While this behavior may seem harmless, it can indicate some underlying issues you must address.
There are several reasons why your dog might jump on your bed when you’re not home. The most common factors include separation anxiety, boredom, and a desire for comfort or security.
In this article, we will explore these and other possible explanations for this behavior and offer some tips on how you can help your dog feel more comfortable and secure when you’re not around.
Why Your Dog Gets on Your Bed When You’re Not Home
1. Protection
Have you ever wondered why your dog jumps on your bed when you’re not home?
Well, one possible reason is that they feel more secure on the bed and use it as a vantage point to monitor their surroundings.
From this elevated position, they can see and hear better, which may help them feel more in control of their environment.
This behavior can be especially common in dogs with a protective instinct, such as my dog, the mighty German Shepherd. They feel they must keep an eye on their territory and potential threats.
So, if your dog is prone to jumping on your bed, it could be a sign that they see themselves as the protector of the household, even when you’re not there.
2. Dominance
Why does your dog insists on jumping on your bed even though you’ve told them not to? One possible reason is that they are trying to assert dominance or control over the household.
Being on the bed is a sign of status for some dogs, who may see it as their right to be there.
This behavior can be especially common in dogs with a strong desire for control or trying to establish themselves as the pack’s leader.
By jumping on the bed, they may be trying to message you and other household members that they are in charge.
So, suppose your dog seems to be showing dominant behaviors like jumping on the bed. In that case, it may be important to work on establishing clear boundaries and rules to help them understand their place in the household hierarchy.
3. Comforting
We all know dogs have their preferences, just like us humans. And when it comes to sleeping, some dogs prefer the good old human bed.
And can we blame them? It’s soft, cozy, and smells like their favorite person – you!
Plus, they stretch out and hog all the space they want without any pesky siblings or human family members to bother them.
And let’s not forget about the temperature factor – some dogs just run hot and feel more comfortable on a cool, breathable surface like a human bed.
Or perhaps they enjoy the warmth of the blankets and pillows unavailable on their dog bed.
But don’t worry if you don’t want your furry friend to take over your bed. There are ways to make their bed more comfortable and appealing.
Luckily, plenty of high-quality dog beds offer comfort and support for your furry friend.
And if your dog struggles with joint pain or arthritis, a comfortable bed can be especially important for its health and well-being.
For example, in a clinical study by the University of Pennsylvania, the Big Barker Bed reduced joint pain and stiffness, improved joint function and gait, and improved nighttime restfulness in large dogs with arthritis. This is the bed my dog sleeps on, and you can find my personal review here.
So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your dog comfortable and healthy, investing in a high-quality dog bed may be worth considering.
After all, your furry friend deserves the same level of comfort and support that you do!
You can also ensure their sleeping area is clean and smells fresh by regularly washing their bedding and vacuuming the area around it.
And, of course, don’t forget to give your dog plenty of love, cuddles, and attention – after all, they just want to be close to you, no matter where they sleep!
4. Scent
Have you ever noticed your dog sniffing or curling up on your bed?
Well, one possible reason for this behavior is that dogs have a keen sense of smell and may be drawn to their owner’s or their scent on the bed.
In fact, dogs can detect scents that are 1,000 to 10,000 times weaker than humans!
Being surrounded by your scent can be incredibly comforting and reassuring for your furry friend, especially when you’re not around.
So, if your dog seems to have a particular affinity for your bed, it could be because they feel closer to you when they can smell your scent.
And who knows, maybe they even like to leave their scent behind to mark their territory!
5. Separation Anxiety
Did you notice your dog acting anxious or stressed when you’re about to leave the house?
They may jump on your bed when you’re not home because it helps alleviate their separation anxiety.
Dogs are social animals and rely on their owners for comfort and security, so being alone can be distressing.
By jumping on the bed, your dog may feel closer to you and more connected to your scent, which can help ease their anxiety. It’s like having a security blanket or stuffed animal when you’re scared or lonely.
So, if you notice your dog jumping on the bed more frequently when you’re not home, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing separation anxiety and could benefit from some extra TLC and support.
Further, it’s essential to train your dog to cope with alone time. Otherwise, it can get destructive over time. Here are a few things you can do before you leave:
- Equip your dog with toys and cartoons if he/she is trained that way.
- Ensure that you take your dog for a walk to complete his nature calls before you leave.
- There are videoconferencing tools available online to monitor and stay in touch with your dog.
Above is a pet monitoring camera combined with a treat dispenser to keep your dog’s tummy full and heart glued to you even when you’re out of the home. I love the idea of these gadgets, and although pricey, I’m all for them if it helps.
6. Curiosity
Have you ever caught your dog sneaking onto your bed and just kind of…sniffing around? Well, one possible reason for this behavior is simply curiosity.
Dogs are naturally curious creatures and love to explore and investigate their surroundings, including your bed.
“Don’t be surprised even when your dog turns the house/bed upside down when you return as that’s a clear sign of curiosity and entertainment to them.”
For your furry friend, your bed may seem like a fun and interesting place to check out, with lots of interesting smells and textures to investigate.
And who knows, maybe they even like to get a bird’s eye view of the room up high! So, if you catch your dog exploring your bed, it’s likely just their natural curiosity at work.
Of course, it’s always important to set clear boundaries and rules for your dog regarding furniture, so they don’t get too comfortable and start thinking they own the place!
But for the most part, if your dog jumps on the bed out of curiosity, it’s nothing to worry about.
7. Heat
When you’re at home, it’s easier for a dog to sleep by your side, and he/she also displays attention-seeking behaviors to get their needs fulfilled. However, what happens when you’re out of the home?
What happens when the weather is hot outside? Some dogs prefer using the bed to cool their bodies and feel comfortable.
Did you know that dogs are prone to heat stroke when the external temperature goes beyond the tolerance level?
Dogs with thick and long fur choose to protect their bodies from the heat by sleeping on the bed or in a warmer place.
If the temperature is hot outside and your dog rushes to bed as soon as you leave home, it’s time to keep your dog cool. This can control the behavior and also protect their health conditions.
8. Boredom
You know how it is – sometimes, when you’re bored, you just want to curl up in bed and take a nap.
Well, it turns out that dogs feel the same way! If your furry friend jumps on the bed when you’re not around, it could be a sign that they’re feeling a little bored and looking for something to do.
Of course, it’s important to ensure that your dog has plenty of engaging activities to keep them occupied during the day, whether playing with toys, going for walks, or spending time with other furry friends.
But sometimes, even with all the best intentions, our dogs can still get restless and start looking for ways to entertain themselves.
And what better way to pass the time than by taking a quick nap on a nice, soft bed? So, if you catch your pup snoozing on your bed, it may just be a sign that they need more stimulation in their daily routine.
9. Habit
Just like humans, dogs can develop habits, and jumping on the bed may be one of them.
If your dog has been allowed to jump on the bed since they were a puppy, it may continue out of habit even when you’re not home.
This behavior can become ingrained in their routine and may be challenging to break.
Similarly, if you encourage your dog to jump on the bed for affection or play, they may see it as a fun activity and continue to do so even when you’re not around.
Establishing clear rules and boundaries with your dog to avoid confusion and ensure they understand acceptable behavior is essential.
If you don’t want your dog to jump on the bed, you must consistently reinforce this rule, even when you’re not home, to break the habit.
FAQs
Is It Normal For My Dog To Prefer My Bed Over Their Own?
Dogs are social animals and enjoy being close to their human companions. Yes, it’s not uncommon for dogs to prefer sleeping on their owner’s bed over their own. Additionally, your bed may be more comfortable or smell nice, which can comfort your furry friend.
However, providing your dog with its own comfortable sleeping area is important to prevent behavior issues.
Can Jumping On The Bed Cause Any Health Issues For My Dog?
Jumping on the bed can potentially cause health issues for your dog, especially if they have joint problems or are prone to injury. Repeated jumping can stress your dog’s joints and increase the risk of developing arthritis or other joint-related issues.
Additionally, jumping on and off a high bed can lead to injuries or falls, which can be dangerous, especially for smaller or older dogs. Providing your dog with a safe and comfortable sleeping area is important to prevent any potential health problems.
How To Keep A Dog Off The Bed When You’re Not Home
There are a few ways to keep your dog off the bed when you’re not home. You can start by training your dog to stay off the bed using positive reinforcement techniques.
Additionally, you can provide your dog with a comfortable sleeping area, such as a dog bed or crate, and make it a positive and inviting space for them.
You can also use physical barriers, such as baby gates or closed doors, to prevent your dog from accessing your bed when you’re not home.
Consistency is key when training your dog, so reinforce the rules whenever you leave the house.
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