Where to Place Your Dog's Bed: Location Matters

You've chosen the perfect dog bed—high-quality materials, the right size, ideal support. But where you place that bed can be just as important as the bed itself. The location affects your dog's sleep quality, sense of security, temperature comfort, and overall wellbeing. It also impacts how the bed integrates into your household and daily routines.

Finding the ideal spot requires balancing your dog's needs with practical considerations. This guide helps you identify the best location for your dog's bed based on their personality, your home layout, and environmental factors.

What Dogs Need in a Sleep Location

Before discussing specific locations, it's helpful to understand what dogs instinctively seek in a resting place.

Security

Dogs are descended from animals who needed to stay alert to predators, even while resting. Most dogs prefer spots where they can see their surroundings without being exposed from all sides. A location with their back to a wall or in a corner often provides this sense of security.

Proximity to Family

Dogs are social animals who bond closely with their human families. Most prefer to rest where they can see or hear family activity, even if they're not directly participating. Complete isolation can make some dogs anxious.

Appropriate Temperature

Dogs can't regulate their body temperature as efficiently as humans. The ideal sleeping spot is away from direct heat sources (heaters, sunny windows) in summer and insulated from cold drafts in winter.

Minimal Disruption

While dogs want to be near family, they also need to sleep undisturbed. High-traffic areas where people constantly walk past may prevent deep, restful sleep.

Room-by-Room Considerations

Living Room

For many dogs, the living room is ideal. It's where the family gathers, allowing your dog to rest while maintaining social connection. Choose a corner or spot against a wall where your dog can observe the room. Avoid placing the bed directly in front of the TV or in walkways between furniture.

The living room works particularly well for sociable dogs who become anxious when separated from their family. It's also convenient for supervising puppies or dogs with health issues who need monitoring.

Bedroom

Many dog owners prefer having their pet sleep in the bedroom. This provides maximum closeness and can be beneficial for both parties—studies suggest sleeping near dogs can improve human sleep quality and reduce anxiety for both species.

If your dog sleeps in your bedroom, place their bed somewhere they can see you but won't be disturbed by your nighttime movements. Avoid placing the bed where you might step on it or your dog during nighttime bathroom trips.

Kitchen or Laundry

These practical areas have hard floors that are easy to clean, making them popular choices. However, consider the noise from appliances and whether the space gets too hot from cooking or too cold from concrete floors. Kitchens can also present hazards if food is dropped.

Home Office

If you work from home, your office can be an excellent spot. Your dog stays near you during the day without being in common areas. This works well for dogs who are velcro dogs (always wanting to be with you) but can be problematic if your dog seeks attention during work calls.

Avoiding Problem Locations

Direct Sunlight

While a sun spot might seem cosy, extended direct sun exposure can cause overheating, especially for dark-coated or thick-furred dogs. Sunlight also fades and damages bed fabrics over time. If your dog loves sun napping, ensure they have easy access to shade.

Near Doors and Windows

Drafts from doors and windows can make beds uncomfortable, particularly in winter. Additionally, windows can trigger barking at passing people, animals, or vehicles, disrupting rest. If your dog is prone to guarding behaviour, window placement can exacerbate the problem.

Isolated Areas

While some dogs appreciate a quiet, private spot, complete isolation—such as a basement or unused room—can cause anxiety and loneliness. Even independent dogs benefit from being able to check in with their family.

Multiple Beds for Multiple Needs

Many households benefit from having more than one dog bed. A bed in the living room provides a daytime resting spot near family activity, while a bed in the bedroom offers a quiet nighttime space. This flexibility allows your dog to rest comfortably regardless of where the family is spending time.

For dogs with joint issues or senior dogs, having beds on each level of a multi-storey home eliminates the need for frequent stair climbing.

Observing Your Dog's Preferences

Ultimately, your dog will tell you where they want to sleep. Pay attention to where they naturally gravitate when resting. Do they always choose the same spot on the floor? Do they prefer to be elevated, like on a couch? Do they seek out enclosed spaces under tables?

If your dog consistently avoids their bed, the location might be the issue. Try moving it to where they naturally choose to rest. Conversely, if a spot seems perfect to you but your dog won't use it, observe what might be bothering them—drafts, noise, visibility, or other factors you might have overlooked.

Adjusting for Australian Conditions

In Australia's variable climate, you might need to adjust bed placement seasonally. During hot summers, beds in tiled areas or near air conditioning can provide relief. In winter, moving the bed away from cold floors and into carpeted, insulated spaces improves comfort.

For dogs who spend time outdoors, consider having both indoor and outdoor beds. Outdoor beds should be in shaded, protected areas with good airflow in summer and shelter from wind and rain in winter.

The perfect bed placement balances your dog's instincts, your household dynamics, and practical considerations. With thoughtful positioning, you'll create a sleep sanctuary where your dog feels safe, comfortable, and connected to their family—resulting in better rest for everyone.