Why does my dog sleep on my clothes?

You watch the evening news on TV with your dog curled up on your lap. You make dinner and your dog sits under the table. You get into bed at night and your dog jumps in too. Does your dog seem obsessed with your clothes? Is he scratching or chewing on them? Is he rubbing his head against your shirt or pants?

This is a common problem for many dog owners, especially those of us who have a larger dog. For those of us who are "dog people," our dogs are often just as important as any member of our immediate family. And no one (not even your spouse or children) want their clothes getting destroyed by a slobbery, drooly dog. So, what can we do to stop our dogs from doing this?

1. Dogs like warm spaces

Dogs like to sleep in warm spaces. If you've ever tried to move your dog from your bed in the morning, you've probably seen the stubborn look that says, "You're taking me? Really? You're stealing my warm spot, aren't you?" Dogs have very limited control over their body temperature, so they have to rely on us to keep them warm, especially at night. If you live in a cold climate, your dog may already be snuggled up on the couch with you, but if you're in a warmer climate and don't already have a dog bed, make sure to give your dog a warm spot to sleep.

2. Dogs love the smell of your clothing

Dogs are truly man’s best friend, and it is no surprise that they make for great companions. Not only are they fun to play with and make great conversation starters, dogs make for some of the most loyal friends you will ever have. However, did you know that dogs are also keen on the scents that we give off? In fact, dogs love the smell of your clothing and it is something that they cannot get enough of.

When your dog smells something that he likes, he will usually start to wag his tail and jump up and down, just like when you come home from work. The smell of your clothes can make your dog very happy. And when you hug your dog, the smell you leave on him is a good reminder of you. Sniffing your clothes when you come home is a way for your dog to be happy to see you.

3. Dogs are territorial

Dogs are known to mark their territory, whether its urinating on a fire hydrant or marking the corners of your yard with their scent. This behavior probably developed to help dogs recognize familiar territory, but does your dog mark your favorite piece of clothing? People who work from home or spend a lot of time in their pajamas might notice that their dog has left a few wet deposits on the carpet, sofa, or bed. It seems strange that dogs would want to mark something as inanimate as clothing, but there is a reason for this behavior.

4. Dogs like to be cozy in your bed

Be it a rainy day or a stormy night, there is nothing like snuggling up under the covers with your favorite furry friend. This is true no matter what breed you own, whether it's a great dane or a pug, and all dogs love to curl up in their owner's bed and feel safe from the elements. However, some dogs need a little extra room to stretch out, which can make it uncomfortable for both the owner and the dog. So, what's the solution for this problem? One option is to buy your pupper a dog bed.

5. The best way to make your dog sleep on its own bed

If you’re having trouble figuring out how to make your dog sleep on its own bed, it might be time to give this a try. (It helped us finally get our doggie to sleep in her own bed.) All you need is a kiddie pool filled with blankets, pillows, or old towels. If you like, you can also add some play toys to the pool too. Our favorite doggie toys to add are her special Booda bone, her squeaky ball, and of course, her favorite stuffed animal, which she doesn’t get to sleep with at night. If your dog doesn’t like plastic or rubber toys, you can just use her favorite blankets, pillows, or towels.

Dogs are playful, loving, and loyal, but they also need to be trained. In fact, training your dog is essential to preparing it for a long and happy life. If you have recently adopted a dog, or if you just got a brand new puppy, then you need to start training it right away. While it may seem like a lot of work at the beginning, training your dog is easy and will soon become second nature to both of you. The key to training your dog is patience and consistency.