There have been a lot of articles recently on our many online dog training sites and in magazines about dog’s sleeping on their owner’s bed with and without their owners. I personal have never allowed my dog on my bed or furniture. That is a personal choice. So for me I only see the cons of allowing a dog on a bed.
- They take up room.
- They have been out romping and are not really that clean.
- They frequently moan and groan and move around thus disturbing my sleep.
- They can begin to feel entitled to their space which results in growling if
disturbed.
I am sure the same cons can also be assigned to our spouses. But if you are in the majority that actually like having your dog cuddle with you in bed either for the whole night or for a little wake up snuggle be sure that you have taught your dog some basic bed manners.
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First teach your dog to get off your bed or other furniture on a cue. Simply put the dog on the bed and say OFF as you throw a treat or favorite toy on to the floor. Once the dog is off the bed, reward the dog with a treat or a game with the toy. You must practice until the dog will reliable leave the bed. If your dog all ready has bed privileges you may need to attach a leash so that you can help the dog comply with the cue to get OFF. Remember whether you need to use a leash or not, reward the dog once it is off the bed.
Once the dog is reliably getting off the bed then teach it a cue that lets the dog know they have permission to get on the bed. For many people that is the word, “UP”, accompanied by patting the bed. If the dog gets UP without permission tell them to get OFF. Then wait a very minutes and invite them up. Reward them with praise and petting and then let them snuggle in.
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If at anytime a dog refuses to move or growls at anyone while on the bed their bed privileges must be revoked. The dog will then have to sleep in a crate or on its dog bed. In years past I would have said the dog house which by the way is the origin of the saying that some one was in the dog house.
