Your dog most likely goes to bed before you because they're tired and their body clock says it's time: dogs sleep around 12 to 14 hours a day, and they quickly learn the household's evening routine, so when the house quiets down, they head to bed. It's normal and usually nothing to worry about, unless your dog is suddenly sleeping much more than usual.
Here are the most likely explanations, plus a few other questions about dogs and bedtime.
Why does my dog go to bed before me?
The first possibility is that your dog is simply more tired than you are. Dogs typically sleep for around 12-14 hours per day, puppies and senior dogs even more, so by evening many dogs are ready to call it a night while you're still watching TV. A busy day out can wear them out faster, and even a long drive counts, as we explain in do car rides tire dogs out.
Another possibility is that your dog is trying to stay out of your way. If you’re busy cooking dinner or working on a project, your dog may not want to be underfoot. Going to bed may be their way of giving you some space.
Finally, it’s also possible that your dog is responding to your cues. If you tend to go to bed at the same time every night, your dog may start to associate that with their own bedtime. Over time, they may start to follow your lead and head to bed before you do!
Some dogs also just prefer a quiet, dark spot away from the noise of the living room, especially if the TV is loud or there's a lot of activity in the evening.
When to talk to your vet
Going to bed early is normal. But if your dog has suddenly started sleeping much more than usual, seems tired or reluctant to move during the day, or has other changes like eating less, drinking more or seeming stiff, book a vet visit. Increased sleepiness can be a sign of pain, illness or, in older dogs, conditions like hypothyroidism or arthritis. Once they're asleep, some dogs even vocalize; we explain what it means when dogs howl in their sleep.
Do dogs know when it's bedtime?
While we can’t say for sure whether dogs are aware of the concept of bedtime, it’s likely that they pick up on our cues. If we tend to go to bed at the same time every night, our dogs may start to associate that with their own bedtime. Over time, they may start to follow our lead and head to bed before us!
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some dogs may be more resistant to following a strict bedtime schedule. And if you have a puppy, they need a lot more sleep overall, often 18 hours or more a day, spread across many naps. But overall, it’s likely that your dog will start to understand when it’s time for bed based on your own daily routine.
Why does my dog stare at me before he goes to sleep?
Anyone who has ever shared their life with a dog knows that these furry companions quickly become members of the family. One of the things that makes dogs so special is the way they seem to understand our emotions. When we’re sad, they offer comfort. When we’re happy, they join in the fun. And when we’re tired, they know it’s time to settle down for the night. But have you ever stopped to wonder why your dog stares at you as he goes to sleep?
There are a few theories about this behavior. One is that staring is a canine way of showing affection. Just as we might gaze into each other’s eyes to connect on a deeper level, dogs use eye contact to express their love. Another possibility is that your dog is trying to communicate his needs. If he’s looking hungry or thirsty, a stare may be his way of asking for something to eat or drink. Or, if he’s been left alone all day and is feeling lonely, he may just want some attention from you before bedtime.
Whatever the reason for your dog’s gazing habit, there’s no doubt that it’s one of the things that makes him so special. So next time your furry friend stares at you before drifting off to sleep, take a moment to appreciate the special bond you share.
Do dogs sleep with their favorite person?
Dogs are social creatures, so it’s not surprising that they often choose to sleep with their favorite person. After all, sleeping is one of the most intimate things we can do. It’s a time when we’re vulnerable and exposed, so it makes sense that we would want to share that moment with someone we trust. For dogs, that person is usually their owner.
Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. Some dogs may prefer to sleep alone, while others may gravitate towards anyone who shows them attention. But overall, it’s likely that your dog will choose to sleep with you because he feels safest and most comfortable in your presence. So if you’re ever feeling lonely at night, just know that your furry friend is probably right there with you, ready to offer some comforting cuddles.
Do dogs protect you when you sleep?
Dogs are naturally protective creatures, so it’s not surprising that they would want to protect their humans when we’re sleeping. After all, we’re at our most vulnerable when we’re asleep, so it makes sense that our furry companions would want to keep watch over us. Of course, not all dogs will be equally protective. Some may simply sleep next to us for comfort, while others may guard the door to our room or even sleep on top of us!
But overall, it’s likely that your dog will want to protect you when you’re at your most vulnerable. Many dogs will at least alert you with a bark if they hear something unusual at night, which is its own kind of reassurance.
Bottom line
Overall, it’s clear that dogs have a special bond with their humans. Whether they’re sleeping next to us for comfort or staring at us before bed, it’s evident that they understand and care for us in a unique way. So the next time your furry friend does something sweet or protective, take a moment to appreciate the special bond you share.
