German Shepherds are one of the most affectionate dog breeds out there, with an unwavering loyalty to their owners. They love nothing more than cuddling and snuggling up with their human companions, which can be super-cozy, but also a bit tricky.
As much as you adore your canine companion, sharing your bed with him might not be the best idea.
Although it’s easy to fall for those puppy eyes and let your GSD hop into bed with you, it’s important to understand the possible consequences.
From bad habits to potential health risks, there are several reasons why it’s not advisable to share your bed with your beloved pooch.
So, let’s take a closer look at why you should avoid letting your German Shepherd sleep with you!
1. Your German Shepherd Might Hog The Bed
Remember when your German Shepherd was a tiny puppy and could fit in the palm of your hand? It was all fun and games having him snuggle up on the bed with you.
But now that he has grown into a big, beautiful beast, it’s a whole different story!
As much as you love your lovely pup, sharing the bed with a German Shepherd is like sharing a bed with a wild animal! Those big paws and that huge body can easily take over the whole bed, leaving you with nothing but a teeny tiny piece of mattress to cling onto for dear life.
So, while it might seem like a good idea to let your pup snuggle up with you at night, remember that it won’t be long before they grow into a full-sized adult.
And trust us, you don’t want to be fighting for space with a 100-pound German Shepherd!
It’s time to set some boundaries and teach them that the bed is off-limits. Your back (and your sanity) will thank you!
2. You Need Your Beauty Sleep, But Your GSD Has Other Plans
Well, forget counting sheep, because your German Shepherd has other plans for your beauty sleep!
You might have thought that getting a big, fluffy dog to snuggle with at night would be a dream come true, but now you’re starting to think it’s more of a nightmare.
It’s like your GSD is determined to make sure you don’t get any shut-eye. It may take a while before he get useds to your night routine and your circadian rhythm.
So, he might whine, bark, and even stare at you like he is daring you to close your eyes. Your GSD might even lean on you until you’re practically falling out of bed, or sprawl out in weird positions that make it impossible to get comfortable.
And if you’re lucky enough to actually fall asleep, your GSD might decide that it’s the perfect time to take a midnight stroll around the room, stepping on you and knocking things off your nightstand in the process.
I mean, who needs sleep when you have such a doggy night owl for a pet!
3. You Don’t Want To Encourage Bad Behavior
As I previously mentioned, German Shepherds can be notorious bed hogs. But beyond the physical discomfort they may cause, there is another reason why you may want to avoid letting your furry friend sleep with you: encouraging bad behavior.
You see, once you let your German Shepherd sleep with you once, they may start to think it’s a regular occurrence and demand it every night.
This can lead to unnecessary whining, barking, and general stubbornness that can keep you up all night.
Allowing your dog to sleep in your bed could lead to him claiming it as his own, and trust me, you don’t want to get in the way of a GSD and their territory. As cute and cuddly as your pup may be, he might develop an innate drive to protect and defend his territory.
Plus, if your GSD thinks he’s the boss of the bed, he may start exhibiting dominant behavior or aggression in other areas of your life too.
Suddenly he will be calling the shots, demanding treats and belly rubs on his schedule, and soon enough, he will be the boss of you!
4. Your GSD Snores Louder Than A Freight Train
If you thought your partner’s snoring was bad, just wait until you hear your GSD’s!
German Shepherds are active dogs that require a lot of exercise, and when they finally get to sleep, they might start snoring. It’s no surprise that their snoring can sometimes sound like a freight train or a chainsaw!
While it may be cute at first, their snoring can quickly become a problem. Not only can it keep you up at night, but it could also indicate potential health problems in the respiratory system.
Therefore, it’s important to monitor your GSD’s snoring and consult with a veterinarian if you notice any concerning breathing patterns such as irregular or fast breathing.
5. You Want To Maintain Good Hygiene
These dogs are known to shed a lot, and their fur can get everywhere, including on your bed sheets, pillows, and even in your nose. Keeping your bed clean and hygienic can be a challenge with your fluffy GSD getting all cozy in it.
Not only that, but GSDs can also bring dirt, dust, and outdoor debris into your bed, which can make it uncomfortable and unsanitary. This is especially important if you or anyone in your household has allergies or respiratory problems.
To keep your bed clean and comfortable, it’s best to encourage your GSD to sleep in his own bed.
You can make his bed comfortable and cozy by using soft blankets and pillows, and placing it in a quiet, cozy corner of your bedroom.
This way, he can still be near you, but you can both enjoy a good night’s sleep in your own separate spaces.
Final Thoughts
While it may be tempting to let your German Shepherd sleep with you, these are the 5 main reasons why it might not be the best idea.
From hygiene concerns to dominance issues, there are many factors to consider.
Don’t feel bad about not letting your GSD sleep with you – there are still plenty of ways to show your canine companion that you love him and keep him close, without sacrificing your own sleep and comfort!
