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Why does my dog sleep next to the door instead of on the expensive, comfortable bed I bought for them?

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Although we know a lot about our doggos, these kinds of quirky habits can be truly confusing. Surely, there must be some reason for this one. Maybe it’s a glimpse into their wild past. Or, maybe your pup is trying to tell you something!

Presently, animal behaviourists are still trying to get to the heart of the matter. However, there are a few compelling theories that could help answer the question: “Why does my dog sleep next to the door?”

Can wolf behaviour answer the question, “Why does my dog sleep next to the door?”

Yes, and no.

One of the misconceptions about our dogs’ wild ancestors is that they sleep in dens. True, they may dig temporary dens to protect their vulnerable pups or dig underground during harsh weather. However, wolves spend the majority of their sleeping hours out in the open. In fact, as we discuss in our article on dog sleeping positions, this explains why some dogs circle before lying down. It’s an inherited habit used by wolves to tamp down grasses before taking a snooze.

Still, because wolves typically sleep outside—where there’s not a door in sight—their behaviour doesn’t tell us much about the preferred sleeping locations of our dogs.

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But wait! There is a key difference in wolf and dog sleeping patterns that could be helpful here. And it has to do with the deepness of the snooze. Surprisingly, a 2019 study found that wolves enjoy deeper sleep than their domesticated relatives. The theory behind this is that although wolves may live in a more dangerous environment, dogs have been domesticated to be more alert to their Owners. Wolves snooze without thinking about when a human may appear with food or take them for a walk. Dogs, on the other hand, always have one ear trained on their beloved human’s movements.

Now, how can this information be used to explain “Why does my dog sleep next to the door?” Well, our dogs’ sleeping habits may tell us about the domestication process and why doorways are so appealing to them!

Let’s take a look at some of the possible theories.

Theory #1: Dogs sleep near the door as a guarding technique

For thousands of years, we’ve relied on our canine companions to ward off dangerous animals and deter unwanted guests. The Chow Chow, one of the oldest guarding dogs in China, is a great example of this. When these dogs weren’t patrolling their territory, they could be found at the entrance of their Owner’s palace, looking large and regal. This was an advantage for any wealthy Dog Owner looking to make a good first impression.

Many other dog breeds took on this role in days before modern security systems. The German Shepherd, Tibetan Mastiff, and Sarplaninac are just a few dog breeds who continue to take their role as guards seriously. It’s not surprising to find these dogs either sleeping near the door or jumping up to face anyone who walks through it.

Theory #2: They never want to be left at home

Another possible answer to the question, “Why does my dog sleep next to do the door,” is less about protection and more about adventure. No doggo wants to be left home, thinking about all the fun things their Owners might be doing without them. And, plopping themselves down in front of the door could be a clever way for them to make sure that you don’t forget to bring them along. Just try stepping over that heart-melting puppy dog stare!

Theory #3: Your door is where all the action is at!

When we talk about training doggos, we often point to dogs’ great ability to make positive associations. For instance, they may hover around the table because they once got a scrap of food at dinner. Or, they might start to whine as soon as you make a turn towards the dog park.

And in a similar way, your doggo might see the doorway as a place of good things. Indeed, it’s where their favourite Dog Walker comes to pick them up. It’s where their beloved human walks through after work. And, if your home is positioned near a sidewalk or thoroughfare, your dog may enjoy a bit of sensory entertainment through the door, as well.

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So, even though your pupper might seem to be fast asleep in the doorway, they’ve likely got their ears and nose trained on that exciting wooden rectangle.

Theory #4: The doorway is comfortable

In the heat of summer, have you ever had the desire to lay down on your tiled kitchen floor for some relief? Your dog knows the feeling! While their designated dog bed may be stuffed with the finest down or memory foam, nothing beats the cooling effect of a hardwood or tile floor.

In the same line of thinking, they may find that entryways are draftier than the rest of the house. And, once they’ve picked up the habit, they’ll continue to do so throughout the year.

Now that we’ve answered, “Why does my dog sleep next to the door?” the next question is, “Should we encourage the behaviour?”

In general, allowing your pooch to claim the door as their zzz’s zone is fine. But, if your doggo is guarding the door a little too aggressively, trying to escape as soon as the door cracks open, or jumping up on guests, you might need to reconsider.

In the case of aggression, your pup may be fearful of strangers or feeling unsafe in their environment. If so, it might be helpful to work on socialisation so they can feel more comfortable around newcomers.

Crate training could also be a good tool for puppers with an escape drive. Alternatively, working on mastering sit and stay away from the door when it opens can keep your pup safe and allow your guests to enter freely.

Did you find the answer to the question, “Why does my dog sleep next to the door?”

Or, do you have other possible theories? Let us know in the comments below!

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Category: WHY