Have you heard the controversy over whether letting your dog sleep with you is a good thing or a bad thing? There are actually good arguments for both letting them sleep with you and having them sleep in their own bed.
First things first, let’s address the health concerns. Yes, allergies can flare up, and there’s a slim chance you or your Chihuahua could transmit diseases to each other, but it’s quite rare.
Now, let’s dive into the benefits and considerations of letting your furry friend share your bed.
Benefits to Dog Owners of Sleeping with your Dog
Dogs are Warm
As a matter of fact, dogs have a body temperature about 3-6 degrees higher than humans and so, it just may feel good to sleep close to a dog on a cold night since they can really be an efficient means of getting the bed warm.
Such practices like this brought the term “three dog night” in Canadian Maritime Provinces where nights were usually very cold and it was a standard practice to keep dogs around you on your bed to keep you warm.
Dogs Help Us to Relax
Dogs have this magic power to chill us out. Feeling their calm breathing can help you drift off to dreamland faster, and they even release oxytocin – the “cuddle chemical”. So, they’re basically furry little therapists.
The cuddle chemical is a hormone that is associated with affection, happiness, relaxation, trust, and psychological stability.
A Feeling of Safety
Some people feel that sleeping with a dog beside them helps them to feel safe and gives them a sense of protection.
It doesn’t matter the size of the dog, especially when they lie in a dark room alone.
With your light-sleeping canine right by your side, he will alert you of anything out of the ordinary around your home, so you have little or nothing to worry throughout the night.
Health Benefits for Humans
Health Benefits for Humans
Improved Mental Health
Sleeping with your dog can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The presence of your dog can provide emotional comfort and improve your overall mental well-being.
Better Sleep Quality
Some studies suggest that having a pet nearby can improve sleep quality. The rhythmic breathing of a dog can be soothing and help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Benefits for Your Dogs
It Makes Dogs Happy
Some people say that they notice feelings of happiness from their dogs ever since they allowed their dogs to join them on the bed.
Dogs in the wild are known to sleep in packs. And you are the leader of their pack. So they must feel much better having their leader sleeping with them.
They Want to Stretch Out
Most dog beds are designed for circle or curled sleepers. If your dog doesn’t like the doughnut form of her bed as she lies down for the night, she definitely will seek an alternative.
Health Benefits for Dogs
Bonding and Attachment
Sharing a bed can strengthen the bond between you and your dog. This close physical proximity can reinforce your dog’s sense of security and deepen your emotional connection.
Reduced Anxiety
Dogs that suffer from separation anxiety or other forms of stress may find comfort in sleeping close to their owner, leading to a calmer and happier pet.
Concerns of Sleeping with a Dog
Disease and Parasites
Possibly, the greatest concern dog owner will have about sleeping with their dog is the possibility of contracting a disease or parasites (such as fleas, ticks or worms) from their dogs.
As long as both of you are healthy and free of parasites, you’re good to go!
Hurting Your Dog
Given that Chihuahuas are small, you might fear rolling over or kicking them in your sleep. If you’re an active sleeper, consider having them sleep in your room but in their own crate to avoid any accidents.
Snoring
It’s normal for some chihuahuas to snore. If you are a light sleeper, it will probably keep you up.
If you are an active sleeper, that’s a real possibility. So if you are afraid you will hurt your chi, maybe it would be best to have them sleep in your room, but in their own crate.
Deterrent to Romance:
If you sleep with a partner, having dogs in your bed, can make love making awkward. It’s something to consider if you share your bed with someone else.
Practical Tips for Co-Sleeping
Create Boundaries
Establish clear boundaries to ensure both you and your dog are comfortable. For example, designate a specific part of the bed for your dog.
In my case, I myself share a queen size bed with my 4 dogs. Bear, Lucy, and Ziggy each have their own little bed with their own soft blanket and they take up much of one side of my bed. Lucas sleeps on the pillow beside me.
They are all good about sleeping their space and are kind enough to leave me the other half of the bed. But on cold nights, or during thunderstorms I may have one or more snuggling under the covers with me.
Regular Vet Visits
Ensure your dog is healthy and free from parasites by scheduling regular veterinary check-ups. Keeping up with vaccinations and preventative treatments is crucial.
Grooming and Cleanliness
Regular grooming can reduce shedding and minimize the amount of dirt and allergens your dog brings into the bed.
I found this out the hard way when I was a little lax about keeping the hair around Lucy’s private parts trimmed. One night after we were tucked in bed, I smelled poop. No, she didn’t poop in the bed but she did have some stuck on her hind quarters which got all over my comforter. Gross! I had to put the comforter in the washing machine and give Lucy a bath at midnight. Not fun but who wants to sleep in a poopy bed?
Wash your dog’s bedding and your own regularly to maintain hygiene.
Consider a Dog Bed in Your Room
If you’re concerned about space or disruptions, consider placing a comfortable dog bed next to your bed. This way, your dog can still be close without taking up bed space.
Monitor for Allergies
Be mindful of any signs of allergies, both in yourself and your dog. If you notice symptoms, it might be best to reconsider co-sleeping.
Addressing Common Myths
Myth: Dogs Will Become Dominant
Some people believe that allowing a dog to sleep in your bed will make them think they are the pack leader. However, this is largely a myth. Consistent training and boundaries will prevent dominance issues.
Myth: Dogs Always Sleep Peacefully
Not all dogs are restful sleepers. Some may move around a lot, dream, or even have nightmares, which can disrupt your sleep.
A Few more Things to Consider
Here are some more points to ponder:
- Obedience Training: Co-sleeping might complicate training and lead to behavior issues.
- Sleep Disruptions: Your dog’s movements could disrupt your sleep.
- Allergies: Make sure no one in the house has allergies that could be aggravated by having a dog in bed.
- Space: Larger breeds or multiple dogs can take up a lot of space, which could be uncomfortable.
- Cleanliness: Dogs can bring dirt into the bed, so regular grooming and washing of bedding are essential.
Bottom Line: Letting Your Chihuahua on the Bed is Your Choice!
Even though society as a whole may not necessarily approve of co-sleeping with your dog, due to the many benefits you may gain, I’d go for it if you want to.
If it is your choice whether to allow your Chihuahua on your bed with you, case closed!
So what are your views on letting your dog (or dogs) sleep with you? Do they sleep with you or not? Leave a comment and let us know.
ALSO READ:
How Long Do Chihuahuas Live?
How Much Sleep Do Dogs Need Each Day?
Cathy Bendzunas
Pet Blogger
Yes, my girls sleep with me. Duchess likes to curl up behind my knees. Kissy will climb up on my hip and stay for maybe 5-10 minutes, then she moves to the other side of the bed. Occasionally she will lay with her head on my knee, but not very often. If I get up to potty, both girls will slide right into my warm spot and I have to sleep on the other side of the bed. But I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Lucas takes my place when I get up in the middle of the night too but strangely the other ones don’t. So I have to physically put him back in his little bed on my bed.
Both my chi’s sleep with my husband and I every night under the covers. Between us not so good but love to sleep with them anyway.
Does your husband love sleeping with them too or does he just tolerate them Sandra?
My little Buttons is a stray found by a neighbor…she now owns my room..lol!!! Sometimes we sleep together or she will sleep in her crate that she loves with her bed and blanket…
I’m glad Buttons found such a good home with you Jeanne!
I have 3 fur babies and they sleep in the beds, but my one year old usually jumps on my bed. The baby, 10 months old starts scratching on my mattress so I can pick him up. I love when they sleep with me.
I love it too Maria and find it hard to sleep without them.
My chi sleeps with me every nite. He is like a heater. He loves the heating pad even if it is 103 outside. I live in Texas.
He is a real sweetheart.
They do love the heat.
My Daisy loves the heating pad too! They are just so sweet and the best little sleeping buddies.
Yes, all my dogs and cats have slept with us. When my son was young, our 10# pug mutt slept with him in his single water bed. Some mornings, I’d find him crammed into the side of the bed with Elsa sprawled out on the rest of it paws on his back!
LOL. What is it about dogs that they end getting most of the bed.
@Cathy,
@Cathmy nina is a min pin chi in she live sleeping in the bed with me in my husband but if she could have it her way he would be on the bed thats for her in her in his spot she loves him but its seems as though she loves me more his is the more strick one in im the good guys
Too funny Brittany!
@Cathy, but I love my baby sleeping with me there no kids in the house but my min pin chi she is the only baby left in she have brought so much joy in love in laughter in my home it is really amazing there little attitudes is super cute she loves to be love in I love to be love bye her. she really completely gets me in my husband she love licking in he hates it but I love it so now I start to see my husband on the u der like come here nina just so she could lick him he be like u can get the nose I just sit back in laugh now he doesn’t mind a kiss from her as long as its on the cheek funny
Zoey sleeps with my husband and Milo sleeps in his crate.
Some dogs do seem to prefer sleeping alone. I bet Zoey is a daddy’s girl.
This is so funny because I have a Zoey and she sleeps in a crate and my boy Miho sleeps next to me every night
All three – Daisy, Biscuit, and Spanky all sleep with me. Daisy cuddles Behring my knees on top of the covers, Biscuit is on my right under the covers and Spanky sleeps close to my back under the covers. I wouldn’t have it any other way. Oh yes – the cat keeps is all safe on the end of the bed!
LOL. What happens when you need to turn over?
I had three adult chihuahuas and one had a litter of four puppies mother and pups sleeped one night next to the bed, after that all sleep with me and I never hurt any. A few years later I had 11 dogs in my bed from a 5 pound chi to a 100 pound pit/great dane and love the warmth from all of them.
Wow Kevin! Hope you have a big bed!
Both my girls (when I had 3, 3 did) sleep with me. We often have cats visitors at night and for sure in the morning I have at least 3 of my critters in bed with me. Wouldn’t have it any other way. I keep a cup of water on my bedside table….I know when my little Chi, Zoe, climbs on top of me (no matter what position I am in), I know she wants water. If she does that then heads to end of bed…she needs to go out..now!
I love how your pup lets you know when she needs something. Thanks for sharing Janet.
Yes , our baby girl Trixie sleeps between my husband and I. Most of the time she lays right up against her popie, so he has to move her before he can move. I’m a stay at home fur momma , so she’s with me 24/7.
I bet Trixie is a happy little girl being so loved by both of you.
My name is Lisa and yes my two little ones sleep with me every time I lay my head down even in the lazy boy and I wouldn’t have it any other way !
Mine do that too Lisa. I find I can’t sleep well when they aren’t with me.
All 3 of my girls sleep under my covers with me. I wouldn’t have it ant other way 🙂
Mine never want to sleep under the covers but they do sleep in their little beds on top of the covers.
Atctgw beginning ,you mentioned dogs can contract diseases from humans but never said what kind they are. What can dogs contract by sleeping with their owners?
Humans can pas on these diseases: Salmonella, Giardia, Ringworm, Mumps, H1N1 influenza, MRSA, and Tuberculosis. I probably should add these to the post.
I have (4) chi’s, every night I say, ok it’s nite nite time and (3) chi’s march into my
bedroom, up the ramp and on the bed. The 4th chi sleeps and keeps watch on her bed in the living room.
I can just picture them all marching up the ramp Judy. I bet they are cute.
I have two Chihuahuas and two chiweenies. All four sleep with me and they all have to be under the covers. Coco my smallest chi always sleeps on me she rotates between my hip, chest and the side of my neck. Minnie my other chi sleeps right next to my right side. Pipkin sleeps by my feet or on top of my legs and scribbles sleeps on my left side. They all have to be touching me when we go to sleep lol.
LOL, do you have trouble trying to turn over?
Yes. The struggle is real, but they are so worth it!
LOL
Yes our little five pound chihuahua has slept with us since the day we brought her home! Sometimes she comes in after we are in bed a few hours and snuggles next to one of us! I was two when my family got our first cat and she slept with me, at my feet until I was fifteen when she passed away! I grew up loving the bonding effect of pet cuddles! We had two cats for years. One slept above my head the other in the crook of my knees! No one ever got sick from parasites etc. we had our kitties groomed monthly and our sweet Bella is bathed by a groomer regularly as well!
I love cuddling with my pets too. When I had a cat, she liked to sleep on my face, which made it hard to breathe sometimes.
Both our chi’s sleep with my husband and I. Wouldn’t have it any other way!♡♡
I don’t blame you Monika.
My 4 lb Chihuahua, Brandi, lets my husband and me sleep in the split king bed with her.
How kind of her! LOL
My Baby Chester’s sleeps as close to me as he can squeeze. I can’t bear to even take a nap without him in my bed.
Are you ever afraid your’e going to squish him Hengela?
I have Sneakers, a Libertine poodle 6lbs & Ladybug a 5lb Papillon/Chihuahua mix & yes they both sleep with me. Lady was a rescue pup. Sneakers was a present from my husband 1 month before he passed away. I had to bottle feed her because her momma died. She actually saved my life……she kept waking me up by jumping on my chest at night. I went to my heart doctor & told him I was going to put her out of my room at night so I could sleep……I have sleep apnea & when I would stop breathing she would jump on my chest waking me up. I still work so I got Ladybug to keep Sneakers company while I’m gone. She was being tortured by some creep who was dropping hot oil on her so the creeps neighbor took her away from him. She was at a mutual friends house trying to find her a home, so I took her. She is the sweetest love bug who loves to cuddle at night. I can not sleep without my girls. They are my family & my grown kids just love them as much as I do.
It’s so hard to think about how some people can be so cruel to these little ones. So glad Ladybug has a good home now. Sounds like you have a wonderful little fur family.
My chihuahua, Poncho, always sleeps with me. He usually is pressed against me all night.
He is a real cuddlebug.
They are definitely cuddlebugs.
Our chi demands to sleep in our bed even though my husband and I are so terrified to roll on top of her. We decided to compromise and give her the best of both worlds — we got her a circle bed and put it in between our pillows at the top of the bed so it is almost impossible to roll on top of her especially since there’s a lot of cushion in it and its very raised up. This is convenient for her bc she can peer down at us and get our attention or request pets and kisses pretty easily if she notices us waking up in the morning or right before bed. We’ve slept a lot more soundly through the night since getting the circle bed since we both used to wake up in a panic in the middle of the night to see if she was ok. We love getting to go to bed and wake up seeing her loving smiling face <3
That’s a great solution Kat!
My little Daisy loves being up high on my bed and under an electric blanket and next to me more than anything.
Yeah they do love being near us at all times, don’t they?
We have (6) Chi’s. My husband sleeps in another room, he likes total quiet.
Five of my Chi’s sleep with me. Some under, some on top of the covers and
One who sleeps on the pillow. The sixth Chi sleeps in the recliner in the
Living room by herself, she is the oldest, unknown age, rescue dog.
We have beds for all of them in the living room, but at night they will not
Leave my side.
Do you ever have trouble turning over at night with that many pups?
Nope, they move when I move, even the new ones
I have 3 Chi’s and two Boston’s in my bed every nite. Our dogs always start sleeping in bed when we get them.
My husband passed away Dec 3. They sleep extra close to protect their mama.
I’m so sorry you lost your husband!
Do you ever worry about turning over on them Susan?
So sorry for your Loss, I bet your pets sleep a little closer now, they
Feel our love and our sorrow. Especially chi’s, they seem to know when
something is wrong and try very hard to comfort you. I do believe
They should give a chi to everyone suffering from depression.
Honestly that made me smile to say you think everyone should get a chi that has depression. I’m 16 btw.
I have a chi he is 2# and Tbh just the best cinnamon roll every sleeps with me every night.
I got him when he was around a year old.
I suffer from depression and Insomnia so having a warm pup with me is a great feeling.
Some nights he sleeps with my mom but the nights he sleeps with me are so very calming.
They do make great sleeping buddies. I’m glad you got your little chi buddy to help you.
i got 5 dogs sleep with me in my bed 3 chi and one pit and one mix two are big and i love them to sleep with me
I hope you have a big bed Sharon.
We have one incredible chi named Willy. He has slept in our bed since day one when he was just 8 weeks old. So loving and kind. The happiest dog I have ever had. Willy sleeps along my spine when I sleep on my side. I can not sleep in a hotel without him. So I put a pillow there to try to trick me into thinking it’s him. Love him deeply, can not imagine life with out him. My favorite time of day is bedtime when we pile into our fabulous bed and Willy quickly finds his spot next to me under the covers. It’s truly happiest time of my day. I feel his love. He is 7 now, and don’t know what I will do if someday he is taken from me.
Aww, he sounds like a sweetheart Steve. Just curious, do you ever have a problem when turning over in the middle of the night?
When I first got him he was only 1 pound. I was SO worried I might crush him by accident. But that I know of I have never rolled over on him. Instinctively he will get up if he thinks I might be about to.
I happen to have a Chorkie which is a Yorkshire terrier and a Chihuahua mix. His name is Chico and yes, he sleeps in our bed. I never in a million years would have thought this would happen, but it did!! He’s so little that he doesn’t take up much room and he is parasite free so I guess it’s fine.
Sure it’s fine. I have a Chorkie too.
I’ll let my puppy sleep with me and my cat
I let all my four-legged babies sleep with me I enjoy sleeping with my four-legged babies
I do too Sherryle and find it hard to sleep without them.
The back of her chair leans against the foot of my bed she comes and goes as she wants. But in the winter she’s mostly under the bed covers.
My little bichone fries sleeps on my bed but never under the covers,she seems quite happy with that,…..
2 out of 3 of mine usually won’t get under the covers either.
I love sleeping with my Chihuahua. She has to be touching at all times. I can’t sleep without her!
I’m the same way with mine. Just can’t sleep without my babies.
My chihuahua fancy is two and she has always slept with me. She has several soft blankets on her side of the bed and she gets under them but she still snuggles up to where she is touching me. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Me too Gaye. I love having my fur babies in my bed.
Hi yes !!! I just got a beautiful teacup chihuahua during this pandemic and since day 1 she has slept with me in bed like a person!! It’s the cutest thing ever. I did get worried about rolling on to her … but I think whenever I move she must move to ! LOL her name is Chanel and I love her so much. Chihuahuas love to cuddle.
They definitely are cuddlers!
I love my little girl Belle to sleep with me and I believe it’s a great comfort for both of us even my hubby loves when she’s sleeping with us and it makes him more at ease since he works 3rd shift so having Little Belle with me he worries a little less about me.
Yes, I’m sure Belle would be your alarm system and protector if need be.
Both of my girls sleep right along side of me. I take time to make sure my little Shy is tucked in and my bigger girl Bear is on the pillow beside me. I don’t currently have a boyfriend, but I will say if I get one, he’s going to have to adjust, not my girls! My love for them is as unconditional as theirs is for me😀
P.S. loved this article
LOL, I can just picture that. I personally sleep much better with my babies beside me than another human.
I love sleeping with my four little dogs they sleep on top and then get under the covers when they get cold, I don’t know how people can let their dogs sleep outside, it breaks my heart when I hear of it
Me too Maxine, I feel so bad for those dogs. I always worry about them in the winter.
The only exception is some big dogs actually prefer sleeping outside. Our Australian Shepherd who recently passed away at 16, loved sleeping outside. But we have a doggy door so she could come in anytime she wanted.
i was wonderign if i shoould let kozy on my bed i will!🐕
All three chihuahuas sleep with us in a queen bed. 🙂
Mine do too in my queen bed.
I don’t let my little spitz sleep with me I think she would love to though.
She loses a lot of hair which I would not like to have all in my bed.
I live in a warm country so no warming benefit.
But really it’s a lot because I find it extremely awkward to even have my Roxy in the room when making love. Once she just happened to be there and started howling -_-‘ super distracting and awkward to me, as if it was my child watch me having sex 😶
Does this not disturb anyone ?
Yeah I can see how that would be awkward. LOL
@Roxy, Yes, Yes, Yes! I have had many times where my dog would not leave the room or would scratch and bark at the door if locked out. It is very uncomfortable sometimes or just so funny you have to laugh. Plus if you have any towels or wash cloths you used afterwards and they grab them it is horrifying. Your chasing a dog in your birthday suit. Haven’t had any problems with my chi yet but we typically enjoy ourselves earlier in the day. So when we go to bed at night it is to go to sleep. Were older so multiple times a day is in our younger years so we are doing fine with our little puppy. I agree with you that dogs should go somewhere else during intimate time. Our dogs may make it difficult sometimes but we just have to be smarter than them.
My chi sleeps with my husband and I on the bottom of the bed in between us under his own soft blankets. If he gets cold he may move up in the bed and get up against us. When Charlie is ready for bed he will pester me to go to bed and take him with me weather I’m ready for bed or not.
LOL, yeah mine do that too. When they are ready for bed, they pester me til I stop working and we go to bed.
I have an almost 3 year old little apple head chi and I adore her, she sleeps with me every night and goes between myself and my life partner, Layla lays with me to sleep but randomly gets up and goes to check on my partner we sleep in diff beds since I am 60 and health issues and he is 69 and health issues, if he is fine she trots right back to bed and if I get awake she looks at me then over her shoulder as if to say I checked on him mom he’s fine…If Layla is not laying on my bed somewhere I find I am restless and end up going to look for her. Since I am agoraphobic she is my bestie and she knows it and I would move heaven and earth to make her happy(except when she barks at everything that moves outside then I am the one that gets loud.
What a sweetie! It’s her job to keep you two safe.
I live very near Pittsburgh Pa and I would like to get another chi that won’t cost me an arm and a leg a rescue would be great but I don’t know where to look the pound says they have them and magically always gone when I get there
Check https://chihuahua.rescueme.org/Pennsylvania and https://www.petfinder.com/
My boy used to every night, he’s older, now & sleeps in his bed beside my bed ❗️
Does he ever get in bed with you if it’s chilly?
My Chi sleeps with me every night. He has his own bed and blanket but it’s up on my bed. I feel safer with him there every night. He’s a 10 yr old good boy, very affectionate and loves to cuddle. I love it too!
I do the same thing with my dogs. They each have their own little bed with their own blanket on my bed.
I am such a light sleeper that I keep my 2 chi mixes, Nike and Chanel in their Ex large kennel where they love to go in and share a big soft dog bed with 4 or 5 soft fleece baby blankets.
We do have snuggle times on the couch many mornings.
That’s good too that they have each other to snuggle with.
My husband and I have always let our dogs sleep with us. We have had a Weimaraner, a Dachshund and now a Chihuahua. We have loved and love them all. Our Weimaraner would go get in bed and sleep with my son and his girlfriend, now wife in a Queen size bed and he weighed a good 75 lbs. This was when my son came back home after leaving from High School to serve in the Navy. Our Dachshund always jumped off our king size bed that had big mattresses so the bed is up pretty high from the floor. We had a tweenie Dachshund and he never had a back problem. Now our little chihuahua sleeps with me most of the time. She has slept with my husband a few times. Dogs in the bed actually keep me awake at times. I wake up to all their noises and movements, especially when they dream they are running. They make the bed dirty sometimes. They will go outside and get in the bed. Not a problem with a chi. We haven’t put up the steps for our chi yet to get in the bed or out when wanting to. Right now he only gets in the bed when I let him. He knows what the word night night mean. He instantly gets under the covers to go to bed. I love knowing were all together and going to sleep together. It just makes your bond closer.
It definitely helps with bonding. When you do get him steps, you will probably need to train him how to use them. For some reason many are afraid of them at first. I did it by putting a tiny treat on each step and encouraging them to go up on the step. Praise them every time they do and let them eat the treat, then encourage him to go on the next step. After he’s comfortable with going up, work on going down.
Yes, my two littles sleep with me. They have to be touching me. And the kick too! And one snores!!! They push me to the edge of a king size bed. They have their own blankets and I have mine.
I always find it funny how such tiny dogs can take up so much room.
Im currently single and adopted my chi Stewy in November and he is such a snuggly pup! Ive always had my dogs sleep in my bed, and don’t mind sharing space for the snuggles! I love when he gets under the covers with me, which is rare! I will say Stewy wont sleep in a crate (his foster mom warned me and said he just whined and cried), so the first night I gave him a spot at the end of my bed with extra blankets and woke up to him plopping down on my neck/face that night! lol Ever since, he HAS to sleep as close to my face as possible. Sometimes im just too tired to fight it and he ends up laying across my pillow and i lose my pillow, and wake up to his face rested on top of mine! I don’t know how to stop this so i just roll with it haha. Even if we’re laying on the couch, he wants to come up and lay across my neck!! lol I typically wake up to him moving back and forth across my pillow before laying down and licking my face, best alarm clock ever!
I’m glad Stewy has you as his pet parent. I remember seeing wild dogs in a pack sleep like that with one of their head’s laying across the other’s head or neck. It must mean something. Maybe a sign of affection or his way of protecting you.
I did have a bulmastif cross rottweiler for 10yrs & she slept on my bed, she sadly passed away in march 2019, but in September 2019 I adopted Jesus who was about a year old, we call him G (yes I know Jesus starts with a J but sounds like a G) well if had him nearly 2 yrs now & he is the sweetest boy I have ever met, he learns to bark about 6mths after I got him & he sleeps in my bed with me, he goes everywhere with me, but in bed he will either be the little spoon if he wants a cuddle or he will shimmy down under the quilt behind me & lay back to back, I’m going to be making him some steps so he can get on my bed easier (when I get my new house) he uses a blanket at the moment, but he does the scratching at the side of the bed sometimes so I pick him up, I’m so lucky to have him & I am truly blessed to have jesus in my life, I’m sure someone was looking out for me, because he came at just the right time & snuggles in bed are the best
G sounds like a great little guy! Yeah steps are a great idea. Sometimes it takes a little while before they will use them. You can train them by putting a tiny treat on each step to encourage them to go up and then do it again to get them to go down.
I love sleeping with my dogs. Always have every since I was kid. I’m not a freak about germs so it’s never bothered me. Also I don’t have any allergies so that’s a plus.
I feel the same way Natalie. Always had at least 1 dog bed buddy so its hard to sleep without one.
For health reasons my husband and I sleep in separate beds my little Layla (about to be a momma again in July)gives me a complete feeling of love and peace I can’t imagine her sleeping anywhere else, it started when she absolutely refused no matter what I did crate training, then of course it became habit now when mommy goes to bed if daddy is in bed already she lies next to me if I am too warm or under the blankets is too warm for her otherwise she lies near my belly and all is right with my world I highly recommend this if like me you have anxiety issues it forces a relaxation bond unlike any other.
I agree Tonda.
We love sleeping with our Chi and she loves cuddling and sleeping with us….we wouldn’t have it any other way🥰
I feel the same way CD.
Lucy sleeps with us as she was a rescue and not knowing her history was a little agresive so has now calmed down. She has a calming bed which sometimes she will go to when the weather is warmer.
A good home often does wonders for these little ones!
Wouldn’t have it any other way 😌🥰♥️🐶❤️❤️
Me either!
I do let my three Chihuahuas sleep in my bed. They keep me warm and bark at any strange sound around the house. The down side is that I have to open the door if they want to go pee.
Yes that is a downside.
I’m 64 and retired. I wanted to get a dog when i retired, which I did, and was looking through many different rescues for a “MANLY” dog. I wanted one for a “buddy” to have around while my wife was at work and son was at school.
As I searched for this “MANLY” dog, I pictured all kinds of large, rough and rubble dogs until I walked into a shelter in Pasadena, Texas one day. I didn’t find my dog, she found me. A little light brown Chihuahua with a black muzzle around her mouth.
The rest, like they say, is history. She is my best Bud. And she is spoilt beyond the definition of the word. And yes, she sleeps with me and my wife. The first night she slept with us I told my wife that I had finally got my wish. My wife said, “I’m glad you found a buddy”. I said, “NO, not that ! I finally got 2 women in bed with me !” LOL 🙂
LOL, Thanks for the laugh Tom and I’m so glad you got your little “buddy”.
My chi was my daughters dog, when she passed away 3 years ago I took him home with me. Finnegan has slept in my arms from that day till now. He is truly an ESA emotional support animal to me!
That’s good you and Finnegan have each other now. They make great ESAs. I’m so sorry you lost your daughter. As a mother to 3 myslef, I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a child.
Not only does my deer head Chihuahua sleep in my bed but sleep on top of me. I am a side. Sleeper so His name is Harold. He sleep on me on my right side of me.ever since we got him.
What happens if you need to turn over?
My husband and I have two Chihuahuas and they have slept in the bed with us ever since we brought them home. They are warm and snuggly and just seem to know if we’re feeling bad or hurting. We love our fur babies.
Yep, they are total snuggle bugs!
in the past chis were used as bed warmers in Mexico near Mt Chihuahua. Seems to part of their inherent nature. My chis can sleep anywhere in the house but not in my bed.
Yeah I have heard that. They do make great little warmers.
Becoming a dog Mom has been the single best thing that has ever occurred in my life. My pup, Duke, a rescue dog who adopted me as his parent in 2012, is literally my child. He’s a mix of a Chihuahua and an Italian Greyhound, and he’s approximately 12-13 years old. He didn’t sleep in my bed with me for about a year. But after going on a vacation, in which I was missing him like crazy-one night I let him up onto my bed to sleep. Now I cannot imagine him not sleeping at night with me in my bed-he’s such a comfort to have sleeping besides me. I would highly recommend letting your pup sleep in your bed with you!! Pets are our babies!!
Yes they are our babies and should sleep with us if they want to.
Yep! My little Chihuahua, Henry, sleeps with me. We’re both light sleepers so I’ve never rolled over on him. Besides, he’d give me the evil eye if i took more than the 1/3 of the bed he so graciously gives me. Lately though as he’s reached his 19th year and incontinence has become an issue he has to sleep in his own bed. I miss the little bed hog. And his snorting when he decides to go under the covers and gets the blanket fuzz in his mouth. But as for body warmth nope, his little body doesn’t seem to give off much heat. It’s my heat he’s after.
Have you thought of putting a doggy diaper on him at night so he can still sleep with you?
My chihuahua sleeps whit me and thats fine she cuddles close and keeps warm shes my baby !
I’m sure she loves cuddling with you at night.
My Chi Missy slept with me for 15 years. From the first day she came home with me as a puppy thru the last night she lived, she had to be either on top of me or snug up against me. Even if I just laid down for a nap, she was there. She and I both loved it. She passed a few weeks ago, and without her snuggles and the sound of her breathing, I have trouble going to sleep. My other dog Toby (who I am told is probably a PomChi) joined us from a rescue at the age of 3 years, is now 14.5 years old. Apparently his original owner was very strict. I had to teach Toby that he is welcome on the couch and bed, and can come to me for attention whenever he wants. But even after 11.5 years, he still will not sleep with me. He will sit or lay on the couch with me, but as soon as I lay down, he wants his afghan piled on the floor near my bed. Each dog has their own personality and needs.
Yes they definitely have their own personalities.
I can imagine how hard it is to sleep without your Missy. I’m so sorry you lost her.
We have a 2 pound Chi named Bella who sleeps right up against me. If go potty durin the nite, shes right with me. Then we have our 160 pound Great Pyr that sleeps in hallway. Our cat Blu that sleeps only on my husbands side between his ankles. We thankfully have a Cali king bed so all stay comfy with plenty of room.
Noway could i sleep any other way. I suffer from from debilitating insomnia for yrs. If i got 2 hours sleep a night, i was thankful. Havin the cat purr so loud soon put me right to sleep. Then Bellas heat against me did it! I now get 4 to 5 hours sleep each night. Animals really are so comforting & bring so much calmness & serenity to the human soul. They are a blessing like no other!!
~Amanda~
Oklahoma City💗
🐶🐱
They are indeed a blessing like no other. Thanks for sharing Amanda!
My Carly is a Deer head Chihuahua and the day I got her she has been in my bed sleeping with me, and I love it because I have a cold bedroom and that is fine with me. We keep each other warm.
Yeah they are great little warmers!
My lil dude sleeps with me. He cuddles & helps me keep warm. I know where he is. Thatis very calming to me. I think he is a apple head. I have a stroller to take him in doctors appointments & walmart. In billings Montana they won’t let dogs ride in carts. Someones dog did a no no in a cart. Ruined it for the rest of us. He is very well behaved when in his stroller (buggy). He was very crate trained before I adopted him from a rescue. He does not let me get far from him. I sure love him. Wish I could put a picture in this letter.
He sounds like a great little guy Laura!
My lil dude, was a rescue, they said from Texas. Someone dropped a bunch of them at a place. I drove 1000 miles to get him. First dog I ever paid for. He is worth it.
I can’t sleep without my girl next to me. She automatically nudges the covers so she can go under them every night and curl up next to me. She is my, she is the most important thing in my life.
All my 4 chi’s sleep with me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
But since there is no other place to say this, I just want to say that I LOVE the Chi Funnies on Tuesdays. They are pretty dorky, but that’s what makes them so funny. Please keep them coming.
Oh good Peggy! I haven’t had many reactions to the funnies so I wasn’t sure anyone liked them. I have been adding them mostly for myself and hoped others enjoyed them too. They are definitely dorky but then I’m a dork at heart.
I would not mind if my chi slept with me, and would love the cuddling, but I am an active and restless sleeper. I have no concerns about cleanliness or bugs or anything like that, as we cuddle in our favorite chair. I adopted my girl when she was 7-8 years old and she had been outside much of her life. She prefers sleeping in her own dog bed, which is on the floor right next to my bed. As with most chis, she wants to be completely covered. She is a senior now, and sleeps solidly for 10 hours or so. This is a good situation for both of us.
Yep, it sounds like it works perfectly you two.
Our two dogs sleep with my Daughter and what an arrangement they have!? The little girl sleeps on a pile of clothes she puts together on the bed. The little boy goes into a hammock made by the blanket on my Daughter’s legs. Everyone is comfy and gets a lot of rest. Thank you for the good article!
I bet they are adorable in the bed. Thanks for sharing that Suzy.
My 8 yr. old chiweenie Marley sleeps with me every night and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love snuggling with her or she likes to sleep hip to hip. Lol
We pray together every night before bed as well. 🙏🏻❤️😘
I bet it’s adorable watching you two pray.
My chihuahua, Wilson who already knew his name when I got him, sleeps with me at night. Sometimes he lays on the bed, sometimes he lays in the bed – usually next to me. My bed is a double bed. Wilson, has about three quarters of the bed and leaves me a strip along the edge – sometimes so narrow, my body overhangs the floor. My other dog, Ryn, a Shihpoo, sometimes gets on the bed briefly…towards the foot of the bed. Wilson does not like Ryn on the bed, so Ryn does not stay long. The cat, Bella, also sleeps with us, usually at the foot of the bed on Wilson’s side. He knows she can be dangerous.
LOL, that’s funny how he knows not to boss the cat.
I love for my dogs to sleep with me! It makes them happy and it makes me happy. It’s a win win all the way around.
My little Bella weighs 1.7kg and she sleeps on my queen size bed on her own blanket but if she feels cold i can feal her gently climbing under my doona and cuddling into my back but she doesn’t stay there for very long because she gets too hot so she goes back to her own rug on top of my doona and i love her to bits.
One of mine gets too hot too and goes back and forth.
My Sweetpea, a 9 yr. Chi, sleeps with me every night and we both love it.
That’s great Bill. They make great little bed buddies. I have a hard time sleeping without mine.
My two chihuahuas sleep with my husband and I every night in our king bed. Would not have it any other way.
That’s good you have a king-size bed Sandra.
Yup, my Phillip sleeps right under the covers near my belly. And Rosie sleeps at the end of the bed near my feet. And on occasion one of the cats will come in and sleep with us also.
You have lots of little bed buddies Debra!
Hi Cathy,
My Chi, Heidi, is 14 years old and has slept in my bed with me since the day I got her when she was 4 and 1/2 years old. For the last 6 months or so, she has taken to wanting to eat around midnight, and so she will want to get out of bed and eat, which means I have to get out of bed too. This can also happen sometimes two or three times a night, so you can imagine how much good sleep I get. She has her own bed, which is fairly large for her and she sleeps in it during the day, so she does not have a problem with it at all, but come bedtime she MUST sleep with me, she won’t go to her own bed, she does suffer from separation anxiety a little, although when I go out during the day, she is quite happy to sleep in her own bed, knowing I will be home later, in the evenings it is a different matter altogether, that is our time to cuddle up in my recliner and watch tv together. As she has a special diet, and is not allowed any other food than the particular dietary food I buy from the vet, and does not eat from my hand, she does not have treats as such, so I cannot train her with anything other than positive reinforcement, and as I dote on her and love her dearly I love to do that. Please help me get her out of my bed and into her own at night. Her bed is set up in the living room and her food and drink bowls are set up in the dining area, the area is all open so she could get to her food and drink at any time.
Thanking you, in anticipation,
Julie Cameron
At 14, she may be starting to get dementia which is always worse at night. I would mention the changes you are seeing with her the next time you are at the vet. They have treatments for it.
Can you move her bed, food and water to your room?
The only other thing I can think of is to try some CBD oil for dogs before bed to help calm her down to sleep.
I have two chiweenies. Stella and Louie. They both snuggle under the covers with me. Louie likes to curl up behind my knees and Stella keeps my ankles warm at night. I love having them sleep with me at night. They’ve been a real joy to me since my husband passed away. I wouldn’t sleep any other way.
I’m so glad you have them to comfort you!
At one time , I had 6 Chi’s &,2 cats sleeping with me in a king size bed and a Rotti on the floor beside me. I was in furbaby heaven but slept at the edge of the bed. I was going thru a divorce and they were such a comfort and continued to sleep with me until one by one they passed, I made the mistake of getting them all at the same time as we moved to the country and my ex said I could have as many pets as I wanted. Unfortunately, they all passed close together but I can say It was the best time of my life during the worst time of my life!
They can be such a comfort to us. Do you have any fur babies now?
My Cloudy loves sleeping with me from sharing mommy’s pillow to laying right against my knees he will even lay under covers.
He sounds like a sweet sleeping buddy.
My chi (Fifi) and Pom/pic (Precious) always slept with me. My Boston Terrier
(Casey) also sleeps with me. They do make me feel safe, any noise and they let me know.
Yes they do!
How to find an adult chihuahua been looking. Only see puppies for sale thank you lauretta
I don’t know of any available chis but we do have a post that may help you find one here: https://ilovemychi.com/how-to-find-a-chihuahua-rescue/
Despite having his own bed, Pepe decided that he wanted to be a shared bed chi. He typically slept at the foot of the bed, but there were occasions when he wanted to be close. The first time there was thunderstorm he crawled up to my stomach, I’m a side sleeper, and that was where he spent the night, with my right arm around him. He liked to be close anytime there was a storm.
2 of mine want to be right on top of me too when there is a storm. The other 2 sleep right through it.
My Coco and Chanel female sisters that I rescued, are going on 11 and have been sleeping with me since they rescued me at the age of me finding them at 5 yrs old. I can’t imagine not sleeping without them. They tell me when it’s time to go to bed. They are amazing and the smartest dogs I have ever had. I just have to say something once and they do it. Kids could learn a lesson from them. I don’t know what I will do without them when the time comes. They are truly who I live for. Only if I could find another one like them that was younger to learn from them. Thank you for your article.
You’re welcome Joy! Your girls sound like amazing little chis.
Good advice! Yes our chihuahua/min pin Scooby sleeps with us and we’re all happier.
Yep, i always sleep so much better with my fur babies.
Our little chihuahua sleeps with us and we wouldn’t want it any other way! Even though it’s a Superking size bed and she is small, she still manages to have most of the bed with myself and my husband somehow perching on our respective edges 😊. She slides up to both of us in turn during the night and manages to push us towards the edge 😂. Bless her, we don’t mind and I absolutely adore hearing her little noises throughout the night, breathing and snoring! Perfect 😍. A very different story if it’s my husband though 😳ha ha!
LOL. What is it about dogs that love to push us towards the edge and take up most of the bed.
Penny has slept with us since the first night we had her. She has always burrowed under the covers when she is cold. When she is warm she wedges herself under a pillow.
Mine always want their own little blanket but they sleep on their own beds on top of my bed.
I was afraid to have my Chi sleep with me when she was a pup, so I decided to put her bed on my bed. Like you, I have a queen size and her bed holds her and one toy. What’s funny is that at a certain time at night, she’s like when are we going to bed? LOL!
Mine do that to me too. They will come and start bugging me when they are ready to go to bed. I tell them to go on up but for some reason, they won’t go unless I go too.
Both Yoda, my chi, and Chewie, his brother from another mother (Russian toy terrier) have slept with me from day one. Yoda usually sleeps by my feet (probably because I change sleeping positions pretty often and that disturbs him) and Chewie always has to sleep right up against me (even when I toss and turn). I love it! 🙂
Yoda is definitely a snorer, but even if it wakes me, I don’t get upset because he’s so darn cute!
LOL. None of mine snore but sometimes one will get antsy and can’t seem to get comfortable. That can be annoying. But I wouldn’t trade having my babies in bed with me for anything. I sleep so much better with them there.
@Cathy Bendzunas,
Amen to that Cathy!))
I’m a firm believer in sleeping with a dog. My Chi mix woke me up when I was having a heart attack that I died & was resuscitated from. My girl literally saved my life. She can sleep wherever she wants!
Wow! What a little hero your pup is! I know I credit my Yorkie Ziggy for saving my life as he found a cancerous tumor in me before I did.
I haven’t slept in a bed without one to several dogs in my bed for over 30 years, but then neither have I gone into the bathroom alone either! When my husband was alive, we had three Cocker Spaniel’s in our queen size bed, I learned to cling to the edge. They liked to be in between Mom and Dad and push with their feet to get the ultimate comfortable spot! I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Yeah, I can’t imagine not having my dogs to sleep in my bed with me. I wouldn’t want it any other way either.
Yep, we love our pups sleeping with us eventhough it makes it very difficult for romantic times. Haha. We have 5 dogs, 3 big & 2 Chihuahuas. My Bambi sleeps pretty much attached to me under the covers, she molds to my body & when I move she just moves with me. It’s really cute. Our 2 Golden Retrievers don’t usually sleep in the bed which is their choice & they come up in the morning for cuddles. Wolfie our Wolfhound x loves snuggling with my husband & sometimes comes right up around his head, sometimes goes under the covers. He likes spreading out & he’s a big boy so occasionally if I can’t sleep I’ll just go sleep in another room. Ah the things we do.
I’m sure it is harder with big dogs. I know it was for me when I had big dogs. But at least it’s just 1 of the big dogs. If all your dogs slept on your bed, there probably wouldn’t be any room for the humans.
Trying NOT to let my small herd sleep with me was impossible. Arlo and Mila fame from an abusive situation,both are true cuddling pups. They’ve made themselves right “home” on my bed with Chewie, my elderly deaf and blind chi, and Jelly Bean, 3.5 lbs of pure tenacious bed hog! Each has their own spot, Jelly of course is behind my knees, Mila must be up on my back, head upon my shoulder. Chewie always next to Mom and Arlo, he sleeps wherever he wants. It’s brutally cold in the winter here, then the burrow under heavy quilts! I’d have it no other way.
You have your own little electric heaters.
I have been single for almost 20 years and am not looking for a human relationship. I have had my baby, Kallie,since I lost my first Chihuahua some 15 years ago. Kallie is 8 years old now and we always sleep together!!!
Personally I’d much rather sleep with my dogs than a person.
I like the name Kallie.
My dogs have always slept with me.I don’t care what other people think. They will continue to sleep with me, as long as they are with me.
Same here. Thanks for sharing.
My chihuahua and rat terrier let my husband and I sleep with them! They have officially laid claim to the bed. Thank goodness it’s a Cal King!! I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I wish I had a big bed like that! Thanks for sharing.
My Coco sleeps with me, usually curled up against my lower back. If she’s on her other side, she tucks her feet under me.
Do you have any trouble turning over with her in that spot Faye?
Both of my Chihuahuas sleep with me.they love it and so do I.
Same here Valerie.