Doggy sleepovers are a thing. You know how human kids have sleepovers? Yeah, well, the same thing exists for dogs! Maybe you’re pet sitting a friend’s dog, or your dog is staying the night at someone’s house. Whatever the case may be, there are many benefits of doggy sleepovers. They are actually great training tools, even if no one really “needs” their dog to stay at another’s house. Let’s explore why sleepovers can be so great for dogs.
At some point you are going to need to travel without your dog. Sounds horrible, right?! Well what’s worse is knowing that your dog has separation anxiety so while you’re out of town, your anxiety is also high. Wouldn’t it be nice to know that your dog is doing just fine while they are staying with family or friends?
Benefits of Doggy Sleepovers
Separation anxiety: When your dog is a puppy, ask some pet friendly friends and family members if your puppy can simply stay the night at their house. Of course make sure that the person you are entrusting your puppy with is familiar with positive reinforcement training. Training is crucial for puppies are a young age, so if you get them used to you being away while they are young, they will most likely never encounter separation anxiety. Even if it’s an older dog, lots of positive reinforcement and a happy, friendly household are perfect grounds for doggy sleepovers.
Socialization: Just as sleepovers allow little humans to socialize, it’s the same for dogs. Whether there are other animals at the new house or just people, the environment is great for socializing.
Having fun: It can be fun for you and your dog to have another furry guest at the house. I love having our friend’s dog, Aina, over at the house because it just adds an extra element of fun to the household.
Experience: Maybe you don’t have a dog yet but you’re thinking about adopting one. A great test is to have a dog stay with you over night to see how it goes! Not sure if your dog does well with others? Have a friend’s well-trained dog stay with you to test it out. Doggy sleepovers can provide great experience for various situations.
Relieves boredom: Is your dog bored? Do they maybe just need a change or some added fun? Doggy sleepovers are a great solution! Invite a doggy friend to stay the night, or see if a friend or family member is available to host your pup. Doggy sleepovers offer a simple, fun way for your dog to relieve some boredom, especially during cold or hot months.
Have you ever hosted a doggy sleepover, or sent your dog to someone’s house for one? What are some other benefits of doggy sleepovers that you would include in this list?
Mat Coulton says
Doggy sleepovers are a fantastic idea. I would just add the caution that until a puppy is through the full puppy vaccination schedule, over exposure can be problematic. After that though, it is a GREAT idea!
You already pointed out so many positive aspects: socialization with other dogs, learning to feel safe in new environments, getting used to other people. Dogs that get lots of different experiences in different situations that are positive, especially when young, are going to have so much more confidence.
If I was going to add something to this list it would be a chance to get in the car and end up at a destination other than the vet. So many folks have dogs that have various degrees of anxiety in vehicles, and make the mistake of thinking less is better. Instead, more drives that end at a fun and amazing adventure can make it so dogs look forward to getting in the car.
Thanks for this post!
Amanda says
Great tip on the vaccinations. For me it goes without saying, but I suppose not everyone knows that! And to your point, it is SO important for dogs to get into a car and head to a positive destination. I’d love to add that to the list! Thank you for your input! xoxo