Do Dogs Sleep Next to Their Favorite Person? Answers Every Pet Parent Needs

If your dog curls up by your side every night, you’re not just imagining things—they might really have a favorite person, and it could be you. Dogs are wired for connection. Their choice of where and with whom to sleep can reveal a lot about how safe and attached they feel. Not every dog will pick the same spot, though, and sometimes the reasons are surprising—comfort, warmth, even the smell of their favorite human can tip the scales.

This isn’t just about feeling loved. Where your pup plops down can affect their sleep quality and stress levels, and even yours, if you’re losing space on your own mattress! Instead of guessing what’s going on, it helps to look at the reasons behind your dog’s sleep choices. That way, you can create the right environment—maybe a cozy dog bed right by your feet, or a soft blanket smelling like you—to keep your furry friend close and content.

• Why Dogs Choose to Sleep Near Certain People
• What Science Says About Dogs’ Favorite Person
• Dog Bed Location: Does It Affect Attachment?
• Tips for Strengthening the Bond and Improving Sleep

Why Dogs Choose to Sleep Near Certain People

Ever noticed that your dog always aims for the same spot on your bed or couch? This isn't just random behavior—dogs actually have instincts and personal preferences behind their sleep choices. For one, they’re pack animals by nature. Sleeping close to someone, whether it’s you or another pet, gives them comfort and a sense of safety. In wild packs, they huddle for warmth and protection. At home, you’re their pack.

But here’s where it gets interesting: dogs are pretty good at picking up on who gives them the most positive attention. If you’re the one tossing the ball, filling their food bowl, or giving belly rubs, you’ll probably notice your pup staking out a spot next to you. They remember the little things—friendly voices, gentle touches, and routine play. Dogs don’t just want company; they want the company of the person who makes them feel happiest and safest.

Another key factor is scent. Dogs have an insane sense of smell—about 10,000 to 100,000 times better than ours, according to researchers. Your scent can signal safety and familiarity. That’s why you’ll often find them cuddling up with a piece of your clothing if you’re gone.

While every pup is unique, most dogs gravitate toward sleeping with people who:

• Feed or care for them daily
• Engage in play or outdoor activities
• Offer gentle, calm energy (think calm kids or adults—not the toddler who pulls tails, trust me, my Darcy tried!)
• Stick to routines that make the dog feel secure

Just for fun, take a look at the usual reasons dogs pick their favorite sleep buddy:

It’s all about trust, comfort, and positive vibes. If your dog nuzzles in beside you at night, it’s a small way of saying, “You’re my safe place.” Your response—maybe moving their dog bed closer or sharing your blanket—can go a long way in making them feel at home.

What Science Says About Dogs’ Favorite Person

Dogs are not shy about showing favorites, but there’s actually some science behind why your pup picks certain people to be close to, even while sleeping. It usually boils down to early socialization, ongoing care, and emotional bonds. Researchers at Azabu University in Japan ran a study using eye-tracking and heart-monitoring to see how dogs responded to their owners versus strangers. Dogs showed higher heart rates and happier tail wags with their chosen person. In other words, your heartbeat literally gets their tail moving!

Their attachment can be as real as a child’s with a parent. Experts call this the ‘secure base effect.’ If you’ve taken care of your dog’s needs, spent quality time together, and provided positive experiences, you’re probably the favorite bed partner. It’s not just about feeding them—the pet behavior you show each day matters. Consistency and connection shape how secure your dog feels around you, and that shapes where they choose to sleep.

Let’s get practical. Dogs pick up on subtle things you might not notice:

• How much time you spend playing and walking with them
• The type of dog beds you offer (yes, they have preferences!)
• Your mood and calmness at bedtime

Sometimes, a dog will sleep by one family member simply because they associate them with fun or gentle affection. A study from the University of Arizona found dogs release oxytocin—yep, the “love hormone”—when their favorite person is nearby. That’s the same stuff behind human bonding.

If your dog likes curling up next to you, it’s a solid sign you’re their favorite. But if they pick someone else, don’t take it personally—it just means there’s a particular bond or routine at play. As long as your pup looks relaxed and happy, you’re doing things right.

Dog Bed Location: Does It Affect Attachment?

You might be surprised at how much a dog bed’s spot can shape your pup’s feelings toward you—and their own sense of security. Dogs have a natural urge to stay close to their favorite person, so placing their dog bed in your bedroom or even right up against your bed can make them feel safe and build a stronger bond.

Studies have found that dogs allowed to sleep near their humans show fewer signs of anxiety and are often more relaxed at home. In a 2022 survey of over 1,000 pet owners, 78% said their dog slept better and seemed happier when their bed was close to where the family slept. If you want your dog to feel like part of the pack, the best spot is almost always the spot closest to you.

But there’s more to this than just cuddles. A dog that’s always shut out of the bedroom or forced to sleep far from their people might become more clingy, barky, or anxious over time. The flip side? Giving a dog bed a prime location can actually make independent sleep easier, because the dog feels included even when not sharing your bed directly.

• If separation anxiety is a concern, start by placing the bed right next to yours, then slowly move it farther away over a few weeks.
• Use a familiar blanket or unwashed shirt in their bed—the scent of their favorite person works wonders for comfort.
• If you’ve got more than one pet, try separate beds but keep them in a cluster—dogs love togetherness, even in dreamland.

No need for fancy routines. Just being thoughtful about bed placement can boost your dog’s mood and make your bond stronger, all through something as simple as where they lay their head at night.

Tips for Strengthening the Bond and Improving Sleep

Building a tight bond with your dog not only feels good, it can actually lead to better sleep—for both of you. Dogs are pack animals, and the kind of connection you share often decides if your pup chooses to snooze at your feet or in another room. Here are some direct, practical ways to deepen that bond and improve your dog’s bedtime routine.

• Consistency is a game-changer. Stick to routines when it comes to walks, playtime, and bedtime. Dogs love knowing what to expect—predictability helps them feel calm and secure, which translates to better sleeping habits.
• Swap out that worn blanket for a proper dog bed. Research shows that dogs who sleep on comfy, supportive surfaces have less joint pain and settle quicker. If you don’t want your dog sharing your bed, park their bed nearby so they can still feel close.
• Positive association works wonders. When your dog chooses their dog bed or the spot you want them to sleep, reward them with a small treat, some gentle petting, or a soft-spoken “good dog.” This encourages them to return there night after night.
• Bring on the familiar scents. Dogs have a powerful sense of smell—about 40 times better than ours. Place an unwashed shirt or blanket with your scent in their bed to help them relax and feel safe.
• Respect their space. Even if you want cuddles every night, some dogs need a bit of distance to sleep well. Let your dog pick where they’re most comfortable instead of always insisting they join you.

If you’re looking for some numbers, one survey from the American Pet Products Association found that about 45% of dogs sleep in their owner’s bed, but dogs who stick to their own dog beds tend to move less and wake up less often.

The strongest tip? Enjoy special moments together outside of sleep, too. Extra belly rubs, walks around the neighborhood, or even sitting together while watching TV can all help your dog see you as their favorite person—making cuddle time feel even sweeter.