Sleeping in Bed with You

[Carolyn Rushing]

I have a new 8/week old Jack Russell puppy.

She whines when left alone. Is it a bad practice to let her sleep with me?

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi Carolyn,

I don't have time right now since my lunch break is over so I will explain later when I have time but, to answer your question in short:

Yes, it is a very bad habit

The reason in short is that might very likely result a separation anxiety.

Sorry for the abrupt answer

[MaxHollyNoah]

Hi Carolyn, it's me again.

I will try to explain why I think it's not a good idea to let your pup sleep with you.

The biggest reason why is that would interfere with her learning to be left by herself. It is a very natural behavior to whine when left alone at her age, separated by her mother and sibblings. She will soon learn to get used to it if you can just ignore her whining for a week or so.

By giving her what she wants (to be with you, or to get your attention) every time she whines or barks, she will soon learn to whine and bark to get your attention. Igoring is the key here.

If sleeping with her is totally your choice instead of her's and if you will never have to leave her alone, I don't think there is nothing wrong to sleep with her but I am very sure there are times that you need to leave her alone and it will make it very difficult for you to do that once she gets a habit to be with you 24X7.

Instead, I would recommend you leave her alone from time to time every day even if you don't need to, just to give her more opportunities to learn to be comfortable by herself to avoid separation anxiety.

That is my opinion and it makes sense to you

[KOPcaroline]

Hey Carolyn,

I agree with MHN about letting puppies sleep with you as soon as you bring them home - it can hinder their independence or, on the other hand, build up the idea that if they whine, they get what they want.

I do however think its totally ok to let her sleep with you (either in the room or on the bed) once she's a bit older and if its what you want.

I would focus for now on getting her through the night on her own, and housebreaking her. Then, when shes a bit more used to your house and not having accidents, you can start inviting her to sleep with you if you'd like. That is, she sleeps with you when you say she can - not she just sleeps where she wants and you accept it

As MHN said, this is my opinion, and everyone raises their dogs their own way, but thats the best option I'd advise for you