Being woken in the middle of the night by your dog’s barking or restless movements is a common experience for many dog owners. You might assume it simply needs to go to the bathroom or simply craves your attention. However, if this happens frequently, the real culprit may not be its behavior, but its “bedroom”—the doghouse you carefully selected for it. An unsuitable doghouse can make your dog feel uncomfortable and unsafe, seriously affecting its sleep quality.
If your dog frequently wakes up in the middle of the night, it’s time to act like a detective and take a second look at his kennel.
1. Size: The bigger the doghouse, the better.
Choosing a dog bed for your dog is like choosing the perfect mattress for yourself. If it’s the wrong size, sleeping on it will be uncomfortable.
Too small? If the kennel is too small, your dog won’t be able to stretch out or change sleeping positions freely. Think of yourself curled up on a couch that’s too small for bedtime—it’ll feel cramped and uncomfortable, leading your dog to wake up frequently. An ideal kennel should allow your dog to easily stand up, turn around, and stretch out fully .
Too big? At the other extreme, a kennel that’s too big. For dogs who naturally like to curl up or seek a “nest,” an empty kennel can make them feel insecure . This feeling can increase their anxiety and lead to fragmented sleep.
2. Material and temperature: Overheating or overcooling are both sleep killers
Dogs are very sensitive to temperature. The material of the doghouse directly determines the temperature they feel, which in turn affects their sleep.
Overheating: If you find your dog constantly lying on the cold floor instead of in his soft bed, the problem could be the filling. Some fillings, like memory foam or heavy cotton, while comfortable, can be too warm , making your dog feel stuffy and irritable.
Too cold: On the contrary, if your dog bed is too close to a window or vent, or the material is too thin, the dog may wake up frequently because of feeling cold . Especially for short-haired dogs or puppies, a warm dog bed is the key to ensure they sleep soundly.
3. Positional Issues: The Invisible Assassin of Security
The placement of the doghouse is directly related to the dog’s psychological state and sense of security.
Noise and Disturbance: Imagine your bed is placed near a doorway, constantly disturbed by various noises in the middle of the night. If your dog’s kennel is near a door, window, or a busy area, your dog might be woken by noises outside, cars, or family members moving around. A quiet, undisturbed corner can help your dog feel more secure .
Feeling of being isolated: Although some dogs prefer a secluded corner, if the kennel is located so that they cannot see their owner or the surrounding environment, they may feel anxious and isolated. This separation anxiety may prompt them to wake up in the middle of the night and bark to confirm your location. An ideal location is one that provides a sense of security while allowing them to vaguely see the activities of the family .
Give your dog a five-star bed
Solving the problem of your dog waking up in the middle of the night is actually not complicated. You can start by making the following small changes:
Remeasure: Make sure the kennel is large enough for your dog to fully fit in. If in doubt, choose a kennel with a removable liner that can be adjusted to your dog’s size.
Choose the right material: Choose different dog beds according to the season and the dog’s breed. In summer, you can use a breathable cooling mat, while in winter, you can choose a thick warm bed.
Adjust the location: Try moving your dog’s bed to a quiet corner, but make sure he can still see you.
By making these small adjustments, you might find that a properly fitted dog bed is the secret weapon to a peaceful and restful night for both your dog and you.
