You and your dog are solid…
But tonight, they walked out on you to sleep in another room.
What could you have done wrong?
You’d find it surprising that most of the time, it’s not your fault.
But how about the other times?
All of these questions will be answered for you through this article.
You’ll discover:
- Why does your dog sleep in your child’s room.
- 13 reasons why your dog sleeps in another room.
- If you should be worried when your dog sleeps in another room.
- And much, much more…
Why does my dog sleep in another room?
Your dog sleeps in another room because of discomfort. This discomfort can be due to temperature, changes you made, or lack of space. Concerning reasons include illness, anxiety, or old age. Other times, your dog’s in heat, maturing, hunting, or not up for cuddles.
13 reasons why your dog sleeps in another room
#1: Your dog’s in heat
If your female dog chooses to sleep in another room, they could be in heat.
A dog with no partner during their heat cycle is in distress. And so, your furry friend walks out of your room in an attempt to escape.
You can tell this is the case if you can hear constant whining. That’s your dog begging to be released outside to go on a quest.
They could be trying very hard to dig themselves out in front of your door.
If they do escape, they hope to find themselves a fellow canine to mate with.
A female dog’s heat period is called ‘estrous cycle’. It consists of 3 phases:
| Phase | Phase length | What happens during this phase? |
| Proestrus | This usually takes 7 to 10 days. In some cases, it takes longer, specifically up to 4 weeks. | It’s the start of a female dog’s estrous cycle. In this period they don’t allow mating as their vulva is swelling. The dog will also have blood-tinged discharge during this phase. |
| Estrus | The average length of this phase is 9 days. However, it still depends. Sometimes it lasts 3 to 21 days. | This is the real “heat” period. The female dog allows mating in this phase. |
| Anestrus | This usually lasts about 4 to 5 months. | This is the end of the dog’s heat cycle. |
Male dogs, on the other hand, don’t experience any heat cycle. They’re only able to tell if a female dog is in heat.
How can male dogs tell?
If a female dog is in their heat cycle, they release discharge with a distinctive smell. This smell is brought by a unique type of pheromones. Then, a male dog can detect this change in smell.
Based on the information given before you, you’ll be able to confirm that your female pooch is in heat.
And if they are, you won’t have to worry.
Although, it will take a while for your fur baby to sleep in your room again. Specifically, it can take as long as 2 weeks before they stop avoiding you.
You might also want to know: 13 tips to calm a sexually excited dog
#2: Feeling independent
As a dog matures, a lot of changes are unavoidable. Just like for us, humans.
However, your doggo skips the acne but keeps the attitude.
In a maturing dog, behavioral changes are natural.
Normally, puppies undergo sexual maturity starting when they get 6 to 9 months of age. But, it still depends on their size and breed. That’s why for large breed dogs, sexual maturity comes later than mentioned.
Don’t feel bad. Your fur baby still likes you.
For now, as Fido undergoes these changes, they want to explore. This is the time that they get to experiment with their choices.
Let your dog feel it…
And maybe watch a coming-of-age movie with them on the weekend.
After a brief 1 or 2 years, your dog could enter adulthood already.
Oh, how it all happens so fast…
#3: Temperature
Temperature regulation is vital to your dog.
VCA Hospital says the normal body temperature for dogs ranges from 101.0°F (38.3°C) to 102.5°F to (39.2°C). Anything below or above this range can cause discomfort to your dog.
Maybe it feels too cold in your room.
That’s why your dog walked out on you.
Is the air conditioner turned on in your living room?
If not, then that’s probably where your dog wants to be.
Dogs rely on their fur to keep warm.
They also depend on their respiratory system to regulate body temperature.
Too cold of a surrounding can cause constrictions in their bronchial tube.
Untreated and frequent constriction of the bronchial tube can cause infection. Then, this infection can lead to pneumonia.
Signs that your dog is feeling cold:
- Whimpering.
- Shaking or shivering.
- Curling up like a donut.
- Hunching posture with their tail tucked.
How about when your dog feels too hot in your room?
Overheating is critical for a dog, too.
Dogs don’t sweat as humans do. That’s why it’s harder for them to cool down.
Minor heat exposure already makes your dog uncomfortable. With that, your dog chooses to sleep in another room, in order to not make it worse.
Signs that your dog is heat exhausted:
- Panting.
- Drooling.
- Thick saliva.
- Labored breathing.
#4: Your dog hunts at night
Unfortunately, your dog can sense that you might have rodents around the house. Or maybe some are loose around your neighborhood.
Whichever it is, your dog’s hunt mode is activated.
They must take off from your comfy room and answer to their predatory drive.
In this situation, your dog activates their innate skill: stalking 101.
Maybe the living room is the usual path of the rodents. And so, Fido’s on the lookout for any of them that’ll foolishly show.
Experts from AKC say that dogs’ strong hunting instinct is impossible to get rid of.
How so?
Hunting gives your dog an addictive high feeling. And so, Fido hunts and chases.
There are two ways to regulate this behavior:
The first is management.
In this way, you can provide activities for your dog to channel their hunting instinct. And since you decide the situation, it’ll be controlled by you.
Here are activities that can use your dog’s predatory drive:
- Playing fetch.
- Making them chase a frisbee.
- Digging hidden toys in the sandpit.
- Scent work games, like a treat hunt around the house.
And while you’re doing these, train your dog’s impulse control, too. You can gently call them out if they’re being over-excited during the activities.
Secondly, you can call an exterminator if there are indeed rodents around. That’ll stop your dog from walking out of your room when they sense something.
The only downside to this?
Your dog can grow a tiny bit of bitterness with the exterminator.
Why?
Because Fido thinks the exterminator beat them to it.
#5: They prefer tight spaces
Where’s the weirdest and tightest space you’ve seen your dog sleep?
Did it make you think how peculiar it is?
Your pooch is cramped up in that tiny space while you have your bed that they can conquer.
The explanation lies behind the feeling of confinement. This feeling is biologically driven.
In the wild, your dog’s ancestors used to have their own confined space. That space is called their den or their kennel.
So your dog decided to answer to the old times and wanted to curl up in the corner.
Another explanation could lie in the pressure the tight area provides.
However, we’ll dive into that further along with the article…
#6: They want a more spacious room
This time, your dog could be sleeping in another room because they want more space.
Oh, they’re a very tricky little beast.
Regardless, there’s an explanation for this behavior.
Your dog might be finding your room to be too crowded. There could be so many things around them that it overwhelms them.
Fido can’t seem to find enough space to lay on their back and belly up. And so, they leave your room in pursuit of space.
And it’s not just about too many objects lying around.
Your dog might feel like there’s too many beings around.
Maybe your child decided to sleep in your bed because they dreamt of something spooky.
With that, your pooch decides that the room could use some space. And so could they.
#7: You made changes in your room
For example, you just bought a full body mirror.
After that, your dog starts to hesitate to sleep in your room.
That must be it.
They could be scared of seeing another dog, which is just their reflection.
Other than that, your pooch can be shocked by the sudden change.
Mark Verdino, DVM, says that even replacing furniture can cause depression in dogs.
Rearranging things around your room confuses your dog, too.
Your dog is reliant on the familiarity of your room’s arrangement. They know how it smells and look from memory. And for them, that’s always how it seems.
It might take a little while for them to get used to these changes.
It’s best to remain patient. In no time, your pooch can be back to sleeping soundly in your room.
#8: Isolation
Sadly, your dog is getting old.
Dogs in their twilight years slowly become withdrawn. They tend to self-isolate because they’re not feeling themselves.
Weakened, your dog decides to sleep in another room. For them, it’s much safer in a hidden place.
They can’t defend themselves the way they used to. Therefore, there have to be no threats around them.
If this is the case, your senior dog may be saying goodbye soon.
It’s an unfortunate fact as a dog parent.
But know that once your dog’s in the rainbow bridge, they will be running free again. No more isolating and hiding.
Further reading: 15 Reasons Why Dogs Want To Be Alone (The True Meaning)
#9: Anxiety
Remember in reason #6? I said that pressure is one culprit for your dog wanting tight spaces. Well, here comes the explanation…
First, let’s introduce you to weighted blankets:
In humans with anxiety, a weighted blanket is a typical recommendation.
What does it do?
It provides pressure that has a soothing effect. The weight can calm a rapid heartbeat as well.
Basically, it mimics the feeling of a hug or a swaddle.
According to Harvard Health, pushing weight to calm down has some medical basis. Hence why weighted blankets work.
Now, to your Fido who’s between the couch and a plant.
By the looks of it, that position will need a little squeeze. And yet, Fido persists.
That could mean that they’re experiencing anxiety and want to feel secure.
They may be choosing to confine themselves in a corner to feel that pressure.
Notice that your dog likes tight spaces when they sleep?
Try getting them a dog-safe weighted blanket. These relaxing blankets are considered to have the same effects on dogs.
Warning: Some weighted blankets can be too heavy for your dog. It may be too restrictive for your dog. The worst scenario is suffocation during sleep.
If you plan to get your dog one of these blankets, choose the ones that are made for kids. Preferably under 5 pounds (2.2 kg).
We found one for your dog: Roore 5 lb Weighted Blanket for Kids.
If your dog sleeps in another room but not in a tight space, it can still mean anxiety.
For dogs, anxiety can manifest in many different ways.
This time, your fur baby might be feeling anxious because of fear. Maybe there’s something in your room that makes them scared.
No, they don’t see ghosts in your room.
Numerous things can cause fear-related anxieties. Vets say even visual stimuli, like umbrellas or hats, can cause fear in your dog.
To help you further, here are other signs of anxiety according to AKC:
- Pacing.
- Drooling.
- Restlessness.
- Urinating or defecating inside the house.
Check out also: Why is my dog so clingy all of a sudden?
#10: They’re not feeling well
Your poor fur baby is feeling ill, and they want to conceal it. And so, they walk away and sleep in another room.
It can be an answer to their sole desire to be left alone.
Some humans prefer to be left alone as they recover, right?
That could be the case for your dog, too.
Fido wants to regain his energy and not be bothered for now.
Another explanation is innate behavior.
Your dog is convinced to hide when they’re feeling ill.
Why?
As dogs are predators, they are wired to hunt the weakest links. These weakest links are the old or sick prey.
And so, your dog conceals his resting place to survive.
It’s your dog’s instinct that triggers them to relocate when they feel weak. Even after the fact that they’re safe in your home.
You’d see your dog under any furniture they can squeeze in or an unoccupied room.
If you do, here are other signs to tell that your canine’s not feeling well:
- Lack of appetite.
- Struggling to walk.
- Excessive panting.
- Vomiting or diarrhea.
- Crying and whimpering.
- Lack of interest in things they usually enjoy, i.e., their toys.
If you confirm your dog’s unwell, a visit to their veterinarian is necessary.
Read also: Why is my puppy so lazy?
#12: They’re not comfortable
For your pooch, comfort is one crucial thing.
That may be the reason for them sleeping in another room.
Maybe your bedroom floor is not the right temperature for them. Or your bed sheet is not their taste.
Maybe they like the living room couch’s softness against their fur.
Oh, how picky they are.
What you can do:
Try providing them with their dog bed in your room. One they’re undoubtedly comfortable with.
You should also put a clean bowl of water inside your room. So your pooch has access to water near their sleeping area.
#13: Not in the mood for cuddles
Have you seen a person that doesn’t like hugs? Even in a situation where a hug’s predictable, they shy away from it…
Either yes or no, this tells us one thing: every being has their preference and personality.
And in this situation, these beings aren’t big fans of physical touch.
With that, your dog’s counted, too.
Some dogs just don’t prefer to be hugged or cuddled.
That may be why your pooch sleeps in another room.
Maybe in the middle of the night, you grab them and hug them.
Don’t take it personally. It’s their preference, and you had no fault in it.
Your fur baby may be showing affection in another uncanny way. Just not this…
Should you be worried if my dog sleeps in another room?
For a few reasons, you should be worried if your dog sleeps in another room. In contrast, the majority of the causes for this don’t spark some worry. Although non-concerning, a few require a little attention if you desire so.
Let’s say that there’s a line between you should and shouldn’t worry. However, there are a few reasons that fall in the drawn line itself.
You should be worried
If your dog sleeps in another room because of anxiety, they might require your attention.
The best way to deal with your dog’s anxiety is to bring them to their veterinarian.
The vet can assess whether your dog’s anxiety is situational or overwhelming.
In some cases, anxiety is just a symptom of a medical disorder or disease.
You can take note of observations about your dog’s anxiety. Familiarize yourself with Fido’s anxiety causes and triggers. If you can’t seem to pinpoint, your dog’s vet can help you with that, too.
If your senior dog sleeps in another room to isolate, it’s best to enjoy your remaining time with them.
It’s a sad truth, but you have little time with them to take advantage of.
You can provide the best comfort for your senior dog before they run free in dog heaven.
Here is a list of things you should do for your senior dog:
- Double their vet visits.
- Watch them more carefully.
- Take them out on a memorable trip.
- Regularly exercise them, but don’t overdo it.
- Give them a massage when their joints hurt.
- Keep them socialized, especially if your dog enjoys puppies around.
- Continue to keep their mind sharp by playing interactive games with them.
- Lastly, show your senior dog how much you love them. Shower them with so much love!
If your dog sleeps in another room because they’re feeling ill, take them to their veterinarian.
Take notes of other symptoms and behaviors that your dog shows.
With that, they can be assessed and treated accordingly.
Other reasons might need your attention
If your dog sleeps in another room because of the temperature, you may want to spare a few minutes. If you want to keep your dog in your room, make the necessary temperature changes.
Watch them closely for a few minutes, too. Observe if it seems that they’ve regulated their body temperature.
If it seems that they have, you and your pooch can finally have a goodnight’s sleep.
It’s up to you
Your response to other reasons relies on your judgment.
It’ll be up to you to do little things that’ll make your dog come back to your bed.
But as long as you and your dog get healthy sleep, there is no reason for worry.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my dog sleep in my child’s room?
Your dog sleeps in your child’s room because they’re loyal and feel the need to be protective.
For dogs, an active role in their pack is essential. In domestication, your family is your dog’s pack.
With that, they take on a loyal role of protecting your child. They sleep in your child’s room to watch out for threats that might arise.
If there are, they are compelled to protect and keep your child safe.
This especially happens if you raise your dog in a home full of love and care. Your dog learns to be full of love and care themself.
Read next: 13 reasons why your dog checks on you when you’re sleeping
Why does my dog sleep in the living room?
Your dog sleeps in the living room because of temperature changes or comfort issues. Other times your dog could be hunting in your living room.
As mentioned in the article, temperature affects your dog’s comfort and well-being.
The living room might have the right temperature for them. Because of that, your dog chooses to sleep on the couch or the carpet.
Your dog is also picky when it comes to comfort.
The living room carpet might have the right texture for them. Or the tiled area is the perfectly cold and spacious sleeping area.
If your dog suspects rodents, they might be on watch all night in the living room.
Maybe the living room is the rodents’ usual traffic. And so, your dog keeps watch and stays alert.