Dachshund in Bed

I can always tell when Harvey has decided it’s “bedtime” — not by the clock, but by the sound of his little paws padding down the hall and the unmistakable whoosh of him tunnelling under our doona. Caitlin and I joke that he has a built-in homing device for the warmest spot in the house. For a dachshund, the bed isn’t just a place to sleep — it’s a den, a safe zone, and, if they’re lucky, the place where their favourite humans are.

Dachshunds have a long history of burrowing. Originally bred to go underground after badgers, they carry that instinct into home life. When Harvey digs in the sheets or insists on curling up behind my knees, he’s not being cheeky — he’s following an age-old blueprint. But sleeping in bed with a dachshund raises a lot of questions: why do they do it, is it safe, and should you actually let them?

In this guide, we’ll explore why dachshunds love sleeping in bed, when it’s a good idea (and when it’s not), and how to make it safe for a breed with a back as long as their list of quirks.

If you’ve ever watched a dachshund rearrange your sheets with the determination of a home stylist on a deadline, you’ve seen an ancient instinct in action. Digging in bed is more than a quirky habit — it’s a mix of instinct, comfort, and temperature control.

Historically, dachshunds were bred to dig into badger setts and other burrows. This meant pushing through soil, shifting debris, and creating a safe space underground. Today’s household bed might be a far cry from a badger den, but the drive to “prepare” their resting spot hasn’t gone anywhere. According to the American Kennel Club, dogs dig as part of nesting behaviour — a way of making a place feel secure before settling in.

There’s also the simple matter of warmth. Dachshunds have a low body fat percentage and are more sensitive to the cold than many breeds. Digging and circling in blankets helps them trap heat and create a microclimate that keeps them cosy. If you’ve read our article on Dachshund and Cold Weather, you’ll know how much these little dogs benefit from extra warmth, especially in winter.

For Harvey, the ritual is always the same: paw at the sheets, turn in a few slow circles, and then tunnel under until he’s out of sight. Caitlin calls it his “disappearing act,” but I know it’s just him getting comfortable — and, in his mind, fortifying his personal den for the night.

Letting a dachshund sleep in your bed is one of those topics that divides owners. Some swear by the closeness, others worry about setting boundaries. In my case, Harvey made the decision for us. The first week we brought him home, we tried the crate beside the bed. By night three, he’d mastered a determined whine-and-paw routine that had me carrying him into bed “just for tonight.” Nearly six years later, that “tonight” hasn’t ended.

There are some very real reasons dachshunds love sleeping with their humans. First, it’s about security. In the wild, pack animals sleep close for safety and warmth. Your bed becomes the modern equivalent of that safe den, complete with a reliable heat source — you.

Secondly, dachshunds are highly bonded dogs. According to a VCA Animal Hospitals overview on canine bonding and separation anxiety, close physical contact can reduce stress and reinforce trust. For a dachshund, curling up against you is both a comfort and a confirmation that they belong.

That said, there are practical considerations. Sharing your bed with a small dog who’s prone to jumping can increase the risk of spinal injuries, particularly Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). If your dachshund is a bed-sharer, it’s worth investing in a pet ramp or set of stairs so they can get up and down safely. This is especially important if your mattress sits high off the ground.

We also talk more about safety and injury prevention in our article on Owning a Dachshund, where bed access is just one part of setting up a doxie-friendly home.

For Harvey, bedtime is non-negotiable. Caitlin likes to say he positions himself like a paperweight across her legs — not to be annoying, but because he’s convinced that’s the most strategic spot for maximum warmth and closeness.

Does Your Dachshund Sleep in Bed With You?

When Caitlin and I first brought Harvey home, we swore up and down that he’d be sleeping in his own bed. We even bought him a plush, high-walled one that matched our bedroom décor. That lasted exactly three nights. By the fourth, Harvey had decided that the warmest, safest place in the house was wedged between us — nose buried under the doona, back pressed against my ribs.

If you’ve ever wondered why dachshunds seem so determined to sleep in your bed, it’s not just affection (although they have plenty of that). The breed was originally developed to hunt in packs, and sleeping close to the group was part of how they kept safe and warm. In a modern home, that “pack” is you. According to Sleep Foundation, many dogs feel calmer and more secure when they sleep near their owners, and dachshunds take that to heart — or in this case, to bed.

Of course, sharing your bed with a dachshund isn’t without its quirks. They like to dig, circle, and burrow before settling down, which can turn your doona into a construction site. If you’ve read our full article on Dachshund for Apartment Living, you’ll know that creating cosy, den-like spaces is one of the easiest ways to make them feel at home. Your bed just happens to be the ultimate “den” in their eyes.

There’s also the question of routine. Once a dachshund gets used to sleeping with you, convincing them to return to their own bed can be a slow (and noisy) process. If you’re happy with the arrangement, that’s fine — just be aware that you’re setting a long-term precedent. If you’d prefer them to sleep independently, it’s best to make that call early and stick to it.

This is one of those questions that splits dachshund owners right down the middle. On one side, you’ve got people who can’t imagine sleeping without that little warm body curled against their legs. On the other, owners who prefer a dog-free bed for reasons ranging from sleep quality to back health (yours and theirs).

When Harvey first joined our family, Caitlin and I wrestled with the decision. I’ll admit — the novelty of waking up to a wagging tail inches from your face is hard to beat. But we also had to weigh up the realities: Harvey’s nocturnal digging, his habit of pushing us toward the edge of the mattress, and the occasional 3am “zoomies” when he hears a possum outside.

Here are the key points to consider:

• Bonding and security — Sharing a bed can strengthen the emotional bond between you and your dachshund. The close contact can make them feel safe, reducing nighttime anxiety. The American Kennel Club notes that many dogs benefit emotionally from this closeness.
  
  
• Sleep disturbance — Dachshunds are notorious burrowers and may dig, scratch, or shift around throughout the night. If you’re a light sleeper, this can leave you feeling less rested.
  
  
• Hygiene — Dogs can bring dirt, allergens, or fleas into bed, especially if they’ve been outside. Regular grooming and parasite prevention are essential if you choose co-sleeping.
  
  
• Back safety — Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). If your bed is high, jumping on or off could risk injury. Our vet recommended either a low-profile bed or a ramp to protect Harvey’s back — a tip that’s also in our Owning a Dachshund guide.
  
  
• Training consistency — If you allow your dachshund in the bed sometimes but not always, you may confuse them. Decide early and be consistent with your rules.
  
  

In the end, Caitlin and I chose a middle ground. Harvey sleeps in our bed during winter when the nights in Cronulla get cold, but in summer, he’s encouraged to use his own den-style bed at the foot of the room. It’s not a perfect system, but it works for us — and he seems equally happy with both options.

Technically, yes — most dachshunds can leap off a bed with ease. The bigger question is whether they should. With their long spines and short legs, that single jump can carry more risk than many owners realise.

When Harvey was about a year old, Caitlin and I noticed that he’d make a running leap from the middle of the mattress to the floor every morning, landing with a little thud. At first, we thought it was harmless — he looked fine, tail wagging, ready for breakfast. But our vet quickly pointed out that the repeated strain of high-impact landings can add up over time, increasing the risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, dachshunds are one of the breeds most at risk of IVDD because their elongated spine puts extra pressure on the discs between vertebrae. One wrong landing, or years of repetitive jumping, can trigger a painful and sometimes debilitating injury.

If your dachshund sleeps on your bed, consider these precautions:

• Use a ramp or stairs — This is the simplest way to prevent injury. We use a soft, carpeted ramp for Harvey, which he now treats as part of his bedtime routine.
  
  
• Lower the bed height — If possible, swap to a lower frame so any jump is shorter and less impactful.
  
  
• Train a “wait” command — Teach your dachshund to pause until you lift them down or give permission to use the ramp.
  
  
• Discourage sudden jumps — Especially when they’re excited or chasing something they’ve heard outside.
  
  

Since adding a ramp, Harvey hasn’t made a single unassisted jump — and I sleep easier knowing he’s not risking his back in the middle of the night.

Explore more insights, routines, and lifestyle tips in our Living With Dachshunds collection:

• Dachshund for Apartment Living — How to make the most of small-space living with a big-personality dog.
  
  
• Dachshund Daily Routine — Structuring your dachshund’s day for health, happiness, and fewer surprises.
  
  
• Owning a Dachshund — The real costs, rewards, and considerations every future dachshund owner should know.
  
  
• Dachshund and Cold Weather — Keeping your dachshund comfortable, active, and healthy in winter.
  
  
• Do Dachshunds Like Water? — Why some doxies swim like naturals while others prefer to keep their paws dry.
  
  
• Dachshund and Cats — Tips for peaceful coexistence between your dachshund and feline family members.

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.