For many doting pet parents, few things sound more appealing than drifting off to sleep every night with their precious pup snoozing soundly beside them.
Enjoying the warmth, snuggles, and close bonding seems idyllic. However, when it comes to a big breed like the Rottweiler, inviting them into your bed merits more forethought.
This extensive article will examine the potential benefits and drawbacks of having your Rottweiler sleep in bed with you.
You’ll learn about factors to consider like size, sleep habits, health issues, and more. Tips for successfully transitioning your Rottie into your bed are also included. By the end, Rottweiler owners will have a comprehensive guide to integrating their furry companion into their sleeping space safely and smoothly.
The Possible Pros of Bed Sharing with a Rottweiler
While it requires planning, inviting your Rottweiler to sleep in your bed can have some wonderful benefits. Here are some of the most notable perks:
Strengthening the Owner-Dog Bond
Having your beloved pup right beside you all night long provides hours of close contact every single day. This physical closeness releases the hormone oxytocin in both canines and humans.
Also known as the “love hormone” or “cuddle chemical”, oxytocin promotes feelings of affection, intimacy, and bonding. The long hours of snuggling and proximity while sleeping can strengthen the attachment between owner and dog.
Dogs also seem to sleep more soundly when allowed to snooze near their favorite human. This can minimize separation anxiety that leads to destructive behaviors, whining, and restless sleep when a dog is left alone. For dogs with isolation distress, sleeping in their owner’s bed can be tremendously comforting.
Added Security
Having your loyal Rottweiler companion sleeping beside you can provide a sense of safety and security. The presence of your brave canine protector can help anxious owners relax and sleep more peacefully. Your dog’s sharp hearing will also alert you to any suspicious noises in the night. With your Rottie on guard duty close by, you can hopefully rest assured.
Shared Warmth
Dogs radiate heat, so on colder nights your Rottweiler can be an excellent source of warmth in bed. Their cozy body curled up against yours or at your feet can help you fall asleep faster and stay comfortably toasty all night long thanks to that excess body heat.
Sign of Family Inclusion
Allowing your Rottweiler to share your sleeping space sends the message that they are a valued, equal member of the family.
By inviting them into your inner sanctum it shows that extraordinary level of trust and bonding. It is a privilege reserved only for the closest of companions. Letting your Rottweiler sleep in your bed reflects the uniquely deep relationship you share.
Important Factors to Consider Before Inviting Your Rottweiler to Share Your Bed
As appealing as co-sleeping with your Rottweiler sounds, there are some notable factors to carefully consider before rushing to purchase a doggy bed for your mattress:
The Dog’s Large Size
One of the most significant considerations is the fact that Rottweilers are medium-large breed dogs. Males commonly reach heights of 24-27 inches and weigh 95-135 kilos. Females dog are normally 22-25 inches tall and weigh 80-100 Pounds.
Even if your Rottie falls on the smaller give up of the scale, they’re nonetheless a large canine who will absorb a considerable amount of space for your bed. This needs to be accounted for.
Your Mattress Size
To comfortably share sleeping space with a Rottweiler through the night, you will need adequate room for the both of you.
Even in a queen sized bed things could get cramped and uncomfortable. A king or California king sized mattress is ideal to prevent your sleep from being disrupted by a space-hogging Rottie.
Be prepared for close quarters, but a larger bed will give you enough room to sleep soundly.
Unique Sleep Habits or Quirks
It is important to consider any sleep quirks or habits, for either you or your Rottweiler, that could negatively impact your rest.
For example, do you toss and turn and need ample space to stretch out? Does your Rottweiler sprawl?
Do they snore, dream kick, or seem restless? Think about anything that may disrupt sleep or annoy bedmates. Addressing any of these issues ahead of time can set up you both up for peacefully sharing a sleeping space.
Nighttime Potty Needs
A factor that many dog owners overlook is overnight bathroom breaks. Rottweilers, especially young puppies, very old seniors, and those with health issues, may need to go outside for a potty break during the night.
Will you be capable of sleep via this, or will it disturb you? How regularly does your canine want to exit? These logistic issues should be thought through. Frequently disrupted sleep defeats the purpose and benefits of co-sleeping.
Potential Dominance and Aggression Problems
Rottweilers tend to be loyal, affectionate dogs who thrive on human connection. However, some Rotties can start to view the bed as their territory. They may growl, snap, or even bite if they feel their personal space is invaded.
Others will hog the whole bed, refusing to share. This type of resource guarding and warning aggression should never be tolerated, especially in the vulnerable setting of your bed.
Rottweilers displaying these behaviors should have their bed privileges revoked immediately. Allowing it to continue can lead to more serious issues.
Health Problems That Can Be Aggravated
Certain orthopedic conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia can make activities like climbing on and off a bed painful for Rottweilers.
The impact on their joints from jumping up into a bed repeatedly can worsen their mobility issues over time.
Neurological conditions that affect balance and coordination also mean your dog could fall and injure themselves when trying to access your bed. Their health vulnerabilities need to be evaluated.
Allergy Concerns
Even dogs who are brushed and bathed regularly will still shed and emit dander in close proximity. For owners with allergies, having an animal in bed with them all night could potentially worsen reactions.
Proximity to the source of allergens for hours on end night after night could cause significant problems for those with sensitivities no matter how thorough their grooming routine is.
As you may see, there are more than a few of things that require careful assessment earlier than identifying if your Rottweiler might make an appropriate bedmate.
Usually maintain their health, safety and your consolation in thoughts certainly else.While it requires planning, co-sleeping can be done successfully with a Rottie for many owners.
Tips for Smoothly Integrating Your Rottweiler into Your Bed
If after objectively weighing the pros and cons you decide that having your Rottweiler sleep with you is something you’d like to pursue, here are some tips to ease the transition:
Start Young When Possible
Like most training, dogs accept new sleeping arrangements most easily when they are introduced at a young age during puppyhood.
But older dogs can certainly adapt too with patience. The ideal window is when they are 10-16 weeks old; old enough to have bladder control but still impressionable.
Use Ramps or Stairs
To protect your Rottweiler’s vulnerable joints, invest in some pet stairs or a ramp to provide them easy, low-impact access to your high bed.
This eliminates the stress of leaping up. Look for versions with a gentle slope and high-traction surface.
Reinforce Calm, Settled Behavior
When your Rottweiler is on the bed, reward them with praise and treats for calm behaviors like laying down and relaxing.
This establishes good habits from the start. Ignore restless behaviors like pacing, whining, and sniffing around. Be consistent.
Maintain a Predictable Routine
Establish a regular bedtime schedule and stick to it every night. Cue your dog that it’s winding down time by following the same patterns of closing curtains, brushing teeth, reading a book, etc. Dogs appreciate and benefit from routines. Avoid disorderly bedtimes.
Vet Check Up
Schedule a check up with your veterinarian first to rule out any health conditions that could be exacerbated by bed access or cause disrupted sleep like needing to go outside overnight frequently. Discuss any concerns.
Consider an Orthopedic Bed
If your Rottweiler is elderly or suffers from sore joints or arthritis, invest in an orthopedic dog bed for them to use. This provides supportive comfort for their achy bones. Place it on your bed as their designated spot.
Wash Bedding Frequently
To minimize dirt, hair, dander and other allergens on your sheets, wash them at least once a week. Twice weekly is better for owners with sensitivities. Use unscented detergent and replace pillows annually.
Exercise Before Bedtime
Make sure your energetic Rottweiler gets sufficient exercise during the day and especially before bedtime. A long walk or game of fetch helps them release pent-up energy so they’re tired and ready for sleep at night.
Revoke Access if Problems Arise
If dominance issues, aggression over space, or other disruptive problems emerge, immediately revoke your Rottweiler’s bed privileges.
Allowing concerning behaviors to continue can lead to danger. Their sleeping arrangement impacts the whole household.
With proper precautions and planning, integrating your Rottweiler into your sleeping space can be seamless. Always be adaptive and willing to make changes if issues arise.
Signs That Your Co-Sleeping Situation May Need Reassessment
Despite your best efforts at a smooth integration, sometimes having a Rottweiler sleep in your bed just does not work out long term. Be honest with yourself and look for these signs that your current arrangement is no longer ideal:
- You or your dog have your sleep disrupted multiple times a night.
- There is not enough room for both of you to fully stretch out and change positions when needed.
- Aggressive behaviors arise or continue, like growling over space or snapping.
- Allergies in human bedmates worsen extensively even after taking measures to reduce dander.
- Your Rottweiler whines, seems anxious or stressed out rather than comforted by your presence.
- You or your partner strongly prefer sleeping alone over co-sleeping.
If the drawbacks begin to accumulate and outweigh the benefits of your current setup, it’s perfectly alright to transition your Rottweiler back to sleeping in their own dog bed.
You can place it on the floor right next to yours if proximity is comforting but your bed itself is too small to share. As disappointed as your dog may initially be, ultimately you both need undisturbed, restful sleep.
The Verdict: Can Rottweilers Make Good Bed Buddies?
At the end of the day, every dog and human will have an individual experience with sharing a sleeping space at night. However, Rottweilers do have potential to become excellent bedtime companions for the right owners.
While their large size requires some extra forethought and accommodation, they often thrive when invited to snuggle up with their favorite person at night.
Taking the time to properly train them, set boundaries, meet their needs, and choose a sleeping arrangement that provides comfort to both species sets the stage for nightly success.
With structure and care, a Rottweiler can become a welcome, beloved member of your personal bed space. For many Rottie aficionados, it’s the best part of each day. Here’s to many good nights of wonderful Rottweiler cuddles!
