Should I Let My Dog on the Furniture? Where Dogs Sleep and Why It Matters

The author with her pack and then some. photo: Heidi Langius

If you have a dog, you’ve probably debated whether they should be allowed on the furniture. Here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. It just comes down to your lifestyle, your dog’s behavior and preferences, and what works best for everyone in your household.

The Couch Debate

First, let’s set the record straight. Letting your dog on the couch won’t make them think they run the house. The old alpha theory about dogs vying for dominance has been thoroughly debunked. Your sofa isn’t a throne of power to your dog; it’s simply a soft, cozy spot. And in case it wasn’t obvious, a study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior confirmed that dogs generally prefer softer bedding, spending more time on cushioned surfaces (yes, someone actually studied this). Turns out most dogs, like humans, aren’t big fans of sleeping on hard surfaces, though on warmer days, many enjoy the coolness of a hardwood or tile floor.

So what are the pros of couch time? For starters, it’s bonding time. Sharing the couch is a cozy way to spend time together. Whether watching TV or reading, having your pup by your side can make the moment even better. And dogs love being close. They are social animals, and the couch offers them a way to be near their humans. Who doesn’t love a warm, snuggly pup on a cold day?

The cons of couch time are pretty clear, too. First, there’s the obvious mess and hair. Dirty paws, fur, and slobber can quickly turn your couch into a pet accessory, not an inviting spot for your own afternoon nap. Resource guarding may also be an issue, as some dogs will growl or snap to protect their spot on the furniture (If this is a problem at your house, a professional behavior consultant can help you manage the issue and teach your dog to feel more comfortable sharing space).

If sharing the couch isn’t your thing, consider putting a raised dog bed or a cushy ottoman near the sofa. Your dog gets a cozy spot to relax that’s right next to you, and your couch stays clean and available for human use - a win-win for everyone.

A Sleepover Every Night?

Now, onto the bed. This one’s a little more personal. Some people can’t imagine sleeping without their dog curled up beside them, while others value their fur-free space. Here’s what to consider.

Dogs love sleeping near or with us. As noted, they’re social animals, and most enjoy being near their humans or other dogs, whether fully asleep or just lounging. Contrary to popular belief, dogs are not true den animals; they don’t instinctively prefer confined spaces to sleep, as many assume. 

Since dogs sleep an average of 12–14 hours a day (even longer for puppies and senior dogs), their sleeping arrangements play a significant role in their overall well-being. This makes it especially important to provide options that suit their personal preferences and needs. 

Individual dogs have their own unique sleeping preferences. Some enjoy curling up in a secluded, tucked-away spot, while others prefer stretching out in open areas or on their dog bed. Some dogs gravitate toward elevated spots like raised dog beds or furniture, possibly for a better vantage point, improved airflow, or simply because they find it more comfortable.

Dogs are naturally social sleepers, resting close to their littermates for warmth, safety, and companionship. Sharing a bed is one way for your dog to feel like family. Even if you prefer to keep your bed dog-free, letting them sleep in the same room can help meet their social needs and provide them with a sense of security.

Of course, not all dogs want to sleep right next to their humans. Some want their own space while still being nearby. I desperately wanted my first dog to sleep in bed with me, even though she weighed 90 pounds. But she chose not to and I respected that.

If you’re welcoming a new puppy into your home, letting them sleep with you, at least in the beginning, can help ease their transition. Being separated from their mother and siblings for the first time is scary and overwhelming, and it’s a big adjustment. Allowing your puppy to sleep near you, or even in your bed, provides comfort and security during this vulnerable period. This doesn’t mean they’ll never sleep alone. Once they’re settled and feeling secure, you can transition them to their own bed if that’s your goal.

If you’re concerned that letting your dog sleep near or with you might undermine their training, don’t worry. Sharing a bed is about connection and comfort, not about “giving in” or losing control.

Sleeping with your dog may even promote better sleep. While there aren’t specific studies on co-sleeping with pets, research on humans provides clues. One study found that feelings of closeness and positive interactions, boosted by oxytocin, were linked to better sleep quality. Though focused on human couples, these principles of physical closeness and bonding likely apply to our relationships with dogs.

My two 80-pound dogs sleep on their own dog beds in our bedroom, but our chihuahua sleeps between us under the covers with her head on the pillow. It’s her favorite spot, and it works for everyone in our household (plus, our bed just isn’t big enough for two large dogs and us). It’s hard not to feel loved when I wake up and see her tiny face nestled happily next to us. 

So on the pro-side of bed sharing, we’ve got:

• Cuddles galore. There’s nothing like waking up to a happy, snuggly dog.

• Bonding. Sharing a bed can strengthen your connection with your dog.

• Comfort. A warm dog is like a living heating pad on cold nights.

Meanwhile, the cons include:

• Sleep disruptions. Dogs may toss, turn, and sometimes hog the blankets, disrupting your sleep.

• Heat issues. If you overheat easily, a warm pup pressed against you is not ideal.

• Allergies and hygiene. Allergies or concerns about dirt, fleas, or ticks might make bed sharing a no-go for you.

• Quirky bedtime habits. Burrowing under the blankets, doing endless twirls to find the perfect spot, or stretching out like a set of table legs may be funny at first but less so at 3 a.m.

Again, it’s all about finding the right balance for you and your dog. 

Resource Guarding: If Your Dog Won’t Share

If your dog growls or snaps to protect their spot on the couch or bed, you’ll need to take steps to ensure everyone can safely share the space. While not all dogs resource guard locations, some become possessive over things they see as valuable: food, bones, their favorite person, or a cozy spot on the furniture. Growling is a form of communication, and it’s important never to punish a growl (read more here about why growling should be addressed, not punished).

For dogs, possession is often nine-tenths of the law. Once they’ve claimed something, they may feel entitled to protect it. Never forcibly remove a dog who resource guards, as this increases the risk of being bitten. Instead, teach your dog a solid “hop off “ cue, so they’ll willingly leave the furniture in exchange for a treat. Once they’ve moved, you can sit or lie down first, then invite them back up. 

Providing alternatives - like a cozy dog bed nearby or even a raised bed like a cushy ottoman - can give your dog their own comfortable space to relax while still staying close to you. But if resource guarding persists, consult a professional trainer or behavior consultant. They can help you address the behavior safely and effectively while teaching your dog to feel less anxious about sharing the furniture.

When Couples Disagree

Furniture rules can be a surprising source of tension in relationships. One partner might love snuggling with the dog on the couch, while the other prefers to keep things fur-free. 

Sometimes, these differences stem from how each person grew up. Perhaps one household allowed dogs on the furniture while the other followed a rule based on outdated ideas, like the belief that furniture access makes a dog dominant or spoiled. Concerns about tidiness, allergies, or disrupted sleep can add to the disagreement.

If this is the case at your house, sit down with your partner and discuss your preferences and concerns. Is one of you worried about cleanliness or sleep quality? Does the other simply enjoy having the dog close for comfort? Where can you compromise? Washable or waterproof couch covers might be all that’s needed to keep the peace, and now there are plenty of stylish options that actually look good in your space. If odor is a concern, leather couches are a great choice because they don’t absorb smells like fabric.

The Bottom Line

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to dogs and furniture. It’s about what fits your lifestyle and what you and your dog prefer. Some people value clean furniture and uninterrupted sleep, while others prioritize cuddles and bonding.

If you’re unsure, remember: it’s easier to grant access later than to revoke it. A dog who’s never been on the couch likely won’t miss it, but a dog with free rein will not appreciate or understand new restrictions. Clear, consistent rules are key. If your dog is allowed on the couch one day but scolded the next, they’ll be confused. 

The bond you share with your dog is what matters most. Some dogs care deeply about being on the couch, while others are happy just to be near you: snuggled on their own bed, lying at your feet, or following you into the bathroom. 

Wherever they land, their devotion is unconditional. It’s just one of the many reasons we love them.