When researching whether or not dogs actually protect us while we sleep, I stumbled across interesting studies.

But research aside, let’s focus on what most dog owners think for a moment.

Judging from the many forums and owners I’ve spoken to, we definitely want to believe our pups are fierce protectors.

Your furry friend is sure to stand up for you when push comes to shove, right?

Besides the fact that it’s interesting to explore the minds of our broken friends, there’s an important conversation to be had.

What is the impact of dog ownership on perceived security? How much should our dogs try to protect us?

Fortunately, there are some pointers that your dog may actually protect you when sleeping as well as ways to encourage your dog to protect.

Keep in mind that not all dogs are born guardians and that what we perceive as protective can actually indicate behavioral or medical problems.

According to some sources, more than 50%1 of dog owners sleep with their dogs while every third child2 sleeps with a dog. So security is of the essence, right?

Do dogs protect you when you sleep?
Some dogs will protect you when sleeping, especially if they display alert and protective traits and bond with you, but many dogs may fail to reliably protect their owners in dangerous situations.

One study 3 that examined the sleep quality of nearly 1,000 adult women in the United States reported an increase in safety and comfort when sleeping with dogs.

To be fair, there was also an increase in perceived safety with a cat or significant other, but dogs scored higher.

Dogs that slept with their owners higher than cats on a scale of comfort and safety may be related to the dogs’ abilities to deter intruders and warn their owners of potential threats in ways that cats cannot.

An examination of adult women’s sleep quality and sleep routine in relation to pet ownership and bed-sharing

However, this increase in comfort and safety is probably not solely attributable to our pets’ ability to fend off intruders.

(…) Pets may contribute to the owner’s ability to relax and feel safe in ways unrelated to threat deterrence. For example, the quality of the human-animal relationship may be an important factor affecting a dog or cat’s ability to facilitate relaxation.

An examination of adult women’s sleep quality and sleep routine about pet ownership and bed-sharing
So we certainly believe that our dogs are capable of protecting in some way, shape, or form.

But what if your canine companion is required to board?

Another study4 found that they may not be able to help, even though they would like to do so.

The study tested the willingness and ability of 60 pet dogs to rescue their owners.

The owners – confined to a large crate with an easy-to-transport door – were authentically crying out for help. Commands are not given and dogs are not trained.

Saved 1/3 of its owner. Not impressive?

Your dog may not know what to do or how to do it.

In one controlled experiment, fewer dogs had access to the food, so it wasn’t just a matter of lack of motivation.

Relation : Why is My Black Puppy Getting White Hair

“The fact that two-thirds of the dogs didn’t even open the food box is a very strong indication that rescue requires more than just motivation, there’s something else involved, and that’s the element of ability (…) Most dogs want to rescue you, but they need to know how.”

Joshua Van Burgh, a graduate student at Arizona State University

This can only carry over to Night Protection in a limited way but it’s still interesting.

Is your dog able to protect you at night without knowing the exact function?

Of course, the dog’s instincts may kick in and the intensity and speed of the response may depend on the dog’s breed, personality, and bonding.

But when push comes to shove, your dog’s probably less useful than you think.

This does not mean that your dog does not try to protect you when you sleep, just that there may be more suitable alternatives.

I know Rottweilers sure think they scare away strangers by blowing too hard.

Let’s check out how to tell if your dog is trying to protect you.

5 signs your dog will protect you when you sleep
Very alert dogs, and preferably guardian breeds, are more likely to protect you when you sleep, especially if they are sociable and confident.

Not all dogs are created equal when it comes to watching over their beloved friends.

Dogs that meet one or more of the criteria below are more likely to protect you when sleeping:

Guardian dynasty
Very alert
Barks at strangers
Confident in the community
strongly attached to you
What is your dog’s breed?

Breeds such as the Rottweiler, Doberman, German Shepherd, Bullmastiff, or even Giant Schnauzer are more likely to display traits related to guarding.

There are plenty of guard dogs for beginners if you are looking for one.

But a small dog can bark too and that’s enough, assuming there’s no physical threat.

K said Campbell, a certified protection specialist, told CNET: “Research shows that ‘occupancy signals’ such as dogs are a major deterrent in attempted home burglaries.”

Is your dog a light sleeper or is he generally very alert?

If your dog is a light sleeper or sensitive to sounds, your dog will most likely be trying to protect you when you are asleep.

Snoring and twitching can wake them up very quickly but some dogs just can’t be bothered to do anything when they are asleep.

Does your dog bark at strangers?

Strangers barking from inside the house is an indication that your dog has guarding instincts.

This can easily carry over into the night, considering some dogs are more alert.

Barking should not be confused with reactivity or other behavioral issues that require professional behaviors.

My Rottweiler isn’t much of a barker, but she will bark if something superficial happens outside at night.

For others, it seems like their dog just won’t stop barking all night long. If this is you, check out my linked article to learn how to get rid of excessive barking.

Is your dog a round dog citizen?

Dogs who are well-socialized are more likely to feel confident and assertive if something is threatening or not.

How strong is the bond you have with your furry friend?

Establishing a strong bond increases the likelihood that your dog will nurse you while you sleep.

If you want to make sure your dog can protect you at night, here are some tips:

Sleep next to your dog
Choose the right breed
Do not be discouraged and alert
Socialize your pup
Build a strong bond
Get a home security system

Dogs who often seek places with a good view of the room and the door may seek these places to properly protect their beds.

Likewise, if you often catch your dog at night staring at you, chances are your dog is guarding you, especially if it is associated with the noise outside.

Big noise barkers stand the greatest chance, but any dog can act as a threat deterrent, even if they go so far as to make the entire neighborhood safer 5.

But in the end, it may be best to get a home security system.

How reliable is your dog’s protection when sleeping?

You should not rely on your dog protecting you at night and instead view any potential vocalization as a reward that gives you a head start but in the end, the security system trumps the dog.

Of course, having a well-bred guard dog can be beneficial, but it is never a good idea to rely solely on your dog for protection.

A dog in the house will certainly scare away many intruders and maybe a large dog capable of acting quickly, but pet dogs are just pets.

When push comes to shove, some dog owners may be surprised at what their dog is capable of.

However, it is best to let them remain in their happy bubble, and perhaps also let them believe that they are doing a great job of guarding.

On the other hand, dogs trained for protection may be able to reliably defend you at night.

However, never train your dog in the home without professional supervision.

How reliable is your dog’s protection when sleeping?

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