Should You Allow Your Dog on Your Bed?

Easy question. Easy answer - Yes! End of article.

Oh well, I am being a bit tongue in cheek there and it is more complicated than that. You see it all depends on a number of things....

1. The breed of dog and the nature of that breed. The main issue is one of dominance and some say that allowing your dog on your bed is allowing them to assert their dominance over you and your territory.

2. Your dog's individual character and temperament. If your dog has a tendency to show signs of dominance then it is not a good idea to let them on your bed. This is likely to make the problem worse.

3. Is your dog clean? Who wants a dirty, smelly dog on their bed? Well okay it takes all sorts, but I like a certain standard of hygiene myself! Some would say it is unhygienic to have even a clean dog on your bed. I disagree - they are just as hygienic as another human in my opinion.

4. Is your dog free of fleas or other parasites? I definitely wouldn't want to allow my bed to get infested with parasites, although according to one of those documentaries I saw, it is anyway! Magnified, these bed bugs look like massive scary monsters with huge biting mandibles. Enough of that, it gives me the shivers. Apparently they even live in our eyelashes, yes I know, you have heard enough.

5. How big is your dog and is there room on your bed? There's a big difference between a Poodle and a St Bernard! I am not saying it is impossible. My Golden Retriever used to get on the bed and lay cross-ways at the bottom whilst I was in the bathroom washing. I would get in bed and also lay cross ways, or have to get in a tight foetal position to fit in. I am not saying you should have to do this, you can get them to move but aaah, she looked so comfy.

6. Will the dog get off if you tell it to? This is key because you must maintain control. The trick is that they must get off when you want them to otherwise you definitely have made a rod for your own back and you may encourage other dominant behaviours. My dog Hazel would always get off herself about 10 minutes after the light was out and always if I told her to.

Now I have the new King Charles Spaniel puppy we have started up a little routine. Daisy sleeps in my bedroom in a dog crate. I put her soft bed inside it and she is happy there. As she is so young (9 weeks today), I get up about 3am and take her outside for a wee. Then again about 6am. At this point I take her into bed with me and we have cuddles until I am ready to get up. It is so lovely having that little furry creature next to you, feeling her breathe and smelling the top of her head! I don't go back to sleep in case I turn and squash her but I have a nice dozy hour as she sleeps peacefully. It all seems to be working well and she does not whine to come in bed. If that happened I would have to think again but all is well just now.

Comments

[Moose the Dog and Rick Slottow]

Hi:
Moose the Dog here from moosesdogsupplies.com. I liked this article a lot. You make some good points. I am still really cute. I will be two on April 3rd. When I was a puppy Rick and Colette made me sleep in there bed and did not worry about rolling over to hurt me. They figured that if that happened I would let them know before I get hurt. Well now I am bigger I sleep in the same place as I did, right in the middle of them where it is warm and cozy. Rick comes to bed much latter that Colette and he makes me get off so that he can get in. Sometime I dont want to but if I dont he pulls me off. It is easier to just do it. Then I get back on and get loving and petting while he falls asleep.There are time when Rick tosses and turn alot, when that happens I get off and sleep on the floor. I have been asking for a doggie bed but I dont think that there is anough room all the floor. Colette get up alot sometimes and she may trip on it.

Bark
Bark

[Dawn]

Hi Moose
I have visited your blog and see what a handsome fellow you are. Glad you have found the best spot in the bed, in between Rick and Collette. Don't blame you!
I think I will stop worrying about squashing Daisy, it's just that she is so small. I know I have nodded off a few times now and no harm done. If I turn my back to her she snuggles right up to the back of my neck and I can feel her nose there and the odd lick!
Thanks for stopping by and do call again!
Dawn, Hazel and Daisy x