One of the toughest decisions for any new dog owner to make is over whether or not to let their puppy sleep in the same bed as them.
This is certainly a very tempting idea for anyone who just loves spending as much time as possible with their cute little Cockapoo. If the two of you live alone then the idea of snuggling up together at night is going to be particularly appealing but is it a good idea to do this?
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How to Do It
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Since Cockapoos aren’t very large dogs it should be relatively easy to find a way of fitting both of you on the bed easily and comfortably. You certainly shouldn’t have to buy a bigger bed just to fit your little Cockapoo on there with you.
It shouldn’t be too difficult to coax him up, as Cockapoos are terrific companions who just love to spend lots of time with their families. Be sure not to wrap him up too much, though, as he may get too hot if you put a blanket on him.
Instead, let him find a space on top of the covers where you are both comfortable and have enough space. It is likely that he goes down to your feet but he might find somewhere else to nod off on the bed.
If your dog goes to a space where you don’t want him to be then move him. He will soon learn where he needs to sleep.
Your Cockapoo is unlikely to sleep a full eight hours or so like you. He is more likely to move around during the night so give him a space where he can do this safely and without disturbing you.
The Benefits
Sharing a bed with a dog can keep both of you warm, safe and comfortable. Our canine buddies tend to have a slightly higher body temperature than humans, so you will both be lovely and warm on a cold winter’s night.
He will love it as much as you do, so you will both be happy as well. In fact, sleeping with a dog has been shown to have a wonderful way of relaxing people and even helping to cure insomnia.
These are wonderfully cuddly dogs so you might find that sharing your bed with him gives you the perfect way to relax and feel free of stress after a tough day at work. It will also stop him from feeling anxious or stressed too.
Hairs and Mess
The good news here is Cockapoos are among the dog breeds that are least likely to make a mess of your bed. For a start, they shed very lightly, meaning that he isn’t going to leave a big pile of hairs behind him each morning.
If he is going to be sleeping in your bed then you will make to make an extra effort to groom him well. Brushing his hair and bathing him regularly will help to keep his coat in tip top condition as well as being fresh and smelling great.
You might also want to brush his teeth before going to bed, to make sure that bad smells don’t ruin your night. On this note, be careful not to give him food that could cause flatulence in the evening.
The other point to remember is that he needs to be properly toilet trained before you let him onto the bed with you. There is simply no way that you want to take a chance on a little accident happening during the night.
The Disadvantages
Of course, there are a few potential disadvantages to think about in this respect as well. Perhaps the main one to bear in mind is that having a dog in your bed can disturb your sleep patterns.
A study was carried out by the Mayo Clinic a while ago in which a worrying 53% of people who slept with their pets said that the animals disturbed their sleep in one way or another. If you get woken up in the middle of the night or struggle to get to sleep because of your Cockapoo then it could have a long-term effect on your health.
Another possible drawback is that you might be allergic to dogs, in which case sleeping with one could cause you big problems. Thankfully, due to their relative lack of shedding Cockapoos aren’t too bad in this respect but it is still something that could cause you a problem at some point.
In addition, if you are in a relationship then your pooch might come between you at night – literally as well as figuratively. Not having this space for just you and your partner to share could be a bad move.
Finally, letting your dog into bed could lead to him feeling dominant or getting aggressive, according to some experts. If you let him feel that he is in control of the relationship then making him listen to you on other matters could be more difficult.
Summary
Sleeping with your dog can be a wonderful way of feeling closer to him and of building up a stronger bond. It has even been linked with some interesting health benefits that are well worth exploring.
However, there are also a number of potential drawbacks that you will want to take into account. Some of them are possibly more serious than others but in most cases there is nothing much to worry about for most people.
Overall, if you feel the urge to snuggle up to your Cockapoo at night then it is definitely worth giving a try. If it works out perfectly then you will both feel fantastic for finding a new way of getting a stronger bond as well as a better night’s sleep.
If it doesn’t work out exactly as you had expected then you will simply need to persuade him to sleep somewhere else that suits both of you. In any case, no real harm will have been done.
Click here to know if your Cockapoo can get along with your cat.
Mike is the proud owner of a 7-year-old Cockapoo named Luna. He loves to share stories, tips and information about owning a Cockapoo. With over7 years of experience as an owner, Mike is passionate about helping others own and care for their dog.
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My 14 year old cockapoo has been sleeping with me on and off for years, but when I got a divorce she felt insecure and she has been in my bed almost every night. I love her being next to me because I’m lonely and she comforts me. She’s become a huge part of my life.