The haven
Also known as a kennel or crate, this is a good solution particularly for small dogs when they need a safe place to snooze away from prying childish hands or other potential predators (e.g. feline vs. Chihuahua). Crates are excellent for training large-breed dogs, because it teaches them to go to bed at night like the rest of the family and not roam the house for adventure, intrigue and messes. It also helps house-train your dog, since it typically won’t soil its sleeping quarters.
Comfort rules
Some cannier canines have figured out those big soft things that humans sit and lie on are pretty darn comfortable. The more domesticated our pets become, the more likely they are to see themselves as equal members of the family, and that includes curling up on the sofa next to you. It’s pretty hard to resist. I mean haven’t we all heard of some distant relative or friend of a friend who lets their pet eat at the table with them? At least you can pat yourself on the back that you’ve never gone that far with your precious.
Bed hogs
Be very careful about allowing your dog on your bed because you could be creating a monster. If your dog is taking over your bed, it’s a sign that it sees itself as the alpha of your home. You’re not doing your dog any favours by letting it run the show—including crowding you out of your own bed. Also, depending on your stage in life, you could be creating some pretty horrific turf wars between your latest romantic partner and your pet. I mean, really, does anyone want four-legged competition when it comes to space in the bed? Maybe we’d better not go there.
Scent of the master or mistress
Ever notice how your dog likes to curl up near whatever dirty laundry may be tossed around your bedroom. It appears to take great comfort in the very scents that we humans find so stinky and gross. Smells like canine spirit. Part of the charm of sleeping on the floor for many dogs is the thrill of being surrounded by your dirty clothes. Go figure.
Old faithful
Can you blame your dog if it would rather flop down on the floor than go within a million miles of your uncomfortable cutesy designer doggie bed? As long as they get to be near you, most dogs are perfectly content to flop down on any patch of floor. Whether it’s under the kitchen table, so they can still be part of the action without getting in the way, or beside your bed to rest assured that you’re not going anywhere without them, the floor will always be the most convenient and favoured doggie sleeping spot.