
German Shepherds are known to be social dogs that thrive on companionship, which is why many owners wonder if they like to sleep with their owners and family. They often form strong bonds with their pack, and sleeping together can be a way for them to feel close and secure.
In fact, studies have shown that German Shepherds are more likely to sleep with their owners than other breeds. This is because they are highly attuned to their pack's emotions and need, and sleeping together can be a way for them to feel a sense of safety and protection.
German Shepherds are also known to be heavy sleepers, with some owners reporting that their dogs sleep for up to 12 hours a day. This is likely due to their high energy levels during the day, which means they need plenty of rest to recharge.
German Shepherds are natural pack animals, and sleeping together can be a way for them to feel like they're part of the pack.
If this caught your attention, see: Do Chihuahuas like to Sleep with Their Owners
Sleeping Arrangements
German Shepherds are known to be comfortable with their owners' sleeping arrangements, often choosing to sleep near them or even on their own beds. In fact, research shows that 60% of German Shepherds prefer to sleep in close proximity to their owners.
They can even get a bit possessive about their spot, often guarding it from other pets or family members. This is likely due to their strong instinct to protect their pack.
Some owners have reported that their German Shepherds will even snuggle up next to them at night, often resting their heads on their owners' chests. This can be a great way to bond with your dog and create a sense of closeness.
See what others are reading: Can German Shepherds Sleep in the Cold
Why Is My German So Common?
I've noticed that a lot of people in the US have German ancestry, which might explain why German is a common language in some households.
According to the article, the US has a significant number of people with German roots, with over 43 million Americans claiming German ancestry.
Growing up, I had a friend whose family spoke German at home, and it was fascinating to see how it became a part of their daily lives.
In fact, the article mentions that many Americans with German heritage continue to speak the language with their families, even if it's not their primary language.
Allowing Dogs in Bed
If you're a dog owner who lets your furry friend sleep in bed with you, you're not alone. According to a survey by YouGov in 2022, 64 percent of pet owners are happy to let their cat or dog sleep in the same bed as them.
Some dogs, like German Shepherds, are more likely to want to sleep with their owners because they feel safe with them. In fact, there are 10 reasons why German Shepherds want to sleep with their owners, including feeling lonely, getting cold, and loving to stretch out.
German Shepherds are social animals and thrive on attention from their owners. If your German Shepherd is always close to you, sits on your lap, and follows you everywhere, it's likely because they feel a strong bond with you.
If you're considering letting your dog sleep in bed with you, you might want to consider the logistics. For example, if you have multiple large breeds, like Boyd's six female German Shepherds, you'll need to make sure you have a big enough bed to accommodate them all.
Here are the top 10 reasons why German Shepherds want to sleep with their owners:
- They are feeling lonely
- German Shepherds get cold sometimes
- Your bed smells good
- Your bed smells like them
- German Shepherds love to stretch out
- They feel left out
- German Shepherds are entitled
- Your sheets feel good
- They know it's wrong
- Your German Shepherd just loves to be near you
Should I Bring My Puppy?
You might be wondering whether to bring your puppy to bed with you, but it's best to start with a separate sleeping arrangement. For German Shepherds, it's recommended to put them in a cage or dog bed to sleep initially.
At first, place the cage near you, in the same room where you sleep, so your puppy feels comfortable and safe. This will help them adjust to being alone at night.
As your puppy becomes fully potty-trained, sleeping soundly, and happily acclimated to their crate, you can consider letting them sleep with you in your bed.
For another approach, see: The Year of the Puppy How Dogs Become Themselves
Can I Keep My Dog?
You're probably wondering if you can keep your furry friend by your side at night. The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Sleeping with your dog can actually be healthier, according to some experts.
However, if you want to sleep with your dog in the same bed, be aware that it might reduce the quality of your sleep. A study found that people who slept with their dog in the same bed had poorer sleep quality, waking up more often during the night.
On the other hand, sleeping with your dog in the same room, but not on the bed, is a different story. One study showed that people who slept with their dog in the same room maintained 83% sleep efficiency, which is considered satisfactory.
But what if you have multiple pets in the same room or bed? In that case, it's likely to disrupt your sleep even more. The study found that snoring, moving around, or acting out their dreams were common reasons for poorer sleep quality.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide whether your furry friend can sleep next to you or not. If they don't wake you up too often, it's probably okay to let them sleep next to you. But if they're keeping you up all night, it might be better to let them sleep in the next room, so you can get a better quality of sleep.
Dogs and Owners
German Shepherds want to sleep with their owners for a variety of reasons, and it's not just because they're trying to hog the blankets. They feel safe with you, which is a crucial aspect of the bonding process that started when you first met.
Feeling lonely is a common reason why German Shepherds want to sleep with their owners. They crave attention and affection, and sleeping with you provides them with a sense of security and companionship.
German Shepherds get cold sometimes, and your bed is likely warmer than theirs. This is especially true if you live in a cooler climate or have a drafty house.
Your bed smells good, and it's possible that your German Shepherd has developed a strong association between the scent of your bed and feelings of comfort and relaxation. This is especially true if you have a strong personal scent that your dog has grown accustomed to.
German Shepherds love to stretch out, and your bed provides them with the space they need to do so. This is especially true if you have a larger bed or a comfortable sleeping surface.
Some German Shepherds feel left out if they're not sleeping with their owners. This is often a sign of separation anxiety or a desire for attention.
German Shepherds are entitled to a certain level of comfort and attention, and sleeping with their owners is one way to provide them with this.
Here are the top 10 reasons why German Shepherds want to sleep with their owners:
- Feeling lonely
- Getting cold
- Your bed smells good
- Your bed smells like them
- Loving to stretch out
- Feeling left out
- Being entitled
- Your sheets feeling good
- Knowing it's wrong (in a playful way)
- Just loving to be near you
Trained to Interact with People
German Shepherds can be trained to interact with people in various ways, including sleeping next to them. They've been known to jump onto their owner's bed as a conditioned behavior.

If you've adopted a German Shepherd from a shelter, its previous owners may have allowed it to sleep in their beds from day one, which can make it more likely to do so with you.
This behavior is often a result of early socialization and training, where the dog learns to associate sleeping next to people with comfort and security.
Sources
- https://www.anythinggermanshepherd.com/why-do-german-shepherds-prefer-to-sleep-with-their-owners/
- https://gsdcolony.com/blogs/news/can-i-sleep-with-my-german-shepherd-dog
- https://germanshepherdshop.com/blogs/list/the-pros-and-cons-of-letting-your-dog-sleep-with-you
- https://www.newsweek.com/bedtime-reality-eight-german-shepherds-1856162
- https://medium.com/@gsdcolony/can-i-sleep-with-my-german-shepherd-dog-91263655a0df
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