Why Does My Small Dog Sleep In My Large Dog's spot?

Hey Adam, I have 2 dogs - a 90 pound Hound mix and a small English Bulldog. Although they are good friends, lately I noticed that the little one is trying to take over the sleeping spot of the large dog. She has a super comfortable bed of her own, with ton of soft blankets in it. She used to love her bed! Now, I find her every night sleeping in the middle of her brother's bed. I show her my disapproval and move her back to her bed, but it seems not to work. She just keeps taking over his space! Any advice?

First, I would like to know if this is a problem for anyone but you. Is it a problem for the large dog? 

I think so. He usually sleeps with me, but sometimes at night he goes down to his bed, and then he finds out that his bed is taken! He then lays down on the floor by his bed, which is not as comfortable. 

So he has an option to lay in your bed but instead he would rather lay on the floor. This tells me that sometimes he simply prefers to lay on the floor. 

But what about his sister? Why wouldn't he kick her out of his bed? 

He would if it was rewarding to him, but for whatever reason it isn't and it's his choice not to kick her out. As long as he has other options I'd say it's fair. Also, since this just started, perhaps your little one doesn't like her bed anymore. Is that possible? 

I guess. I saw this as her attempt to dominate her brother, but you seem not to think so? 

I really don't think so because sleeping is a passive activity. It's a very human concept to dominate someone in a roundabout way by sleeping in their spot. Dog's bed is usually where they put their head down. And if they want to be dominant, they show dominance directly when awake.  

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Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are intended for informational purposes only. The contents are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your vet with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition of your dog/s.
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