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Is It OK For My Dog To Be In Bed With Me?

Training Tips

We were at a new Home Dog Training session with a client in Woodstock helping him with his German Hunting Terrier named Dollie.  One of the questions our client had regarding Dollie focused on her being on the bed with her. Dollie was an outside hunting dog but also a lover.  As of our visit, she had Dollie on the bed and had always been great.  Our clients often hear many different opinions about having their dog in bed with them or not.  Some really want to have their dog in bed with them until they hear a bad story about a neighbor or friend.  They often turn to us for information and suggestions of that they should do…

 

Robin and I hear about this all the time and our clients have told us about all sorts of ideas they have been told about the pro’s and con’s to their dog being on the bed.  WE always tell our clients that it is up to them if they want their dog in bed with them or not. If they don’t want him on the bed, their rule with their dog is not to be on the bed.  Every time their dog tries to get on the bed, they will correct him and guide him off.
On the other hand, if they wish to have their on the bed, they need to consider and think about the following:
  • If your dog is presently showing any signs of aggression or agitation, do not allow him on the bed until you have properly trained and socialized him to not have these traits.
  • If your dog is still being potty trained, you don’t want him on the bed.  Do not be fooled if he has had no nightly potty accidents while in his crate. When your dog is in his crate, he is calmer and has a slower metabolism.  This naturally allows him to hold it longer.  It can be exciting on the bed and his metabolism could speed up. This will decrease his length between potty times and could possibly cause an accident on your sheets.  (Not good!)
  • If your dog nips or growls when you want him off the bed, his bed privileges are rescinded.  This issue can be fixed if you:
    • Click on a leash when he is in bed.
    • Stand up and get out of bed when you are about to tell him to get off.
    • Get the end of the leash and give him the command “Off”.
    • If he doesn’t jump off, tug the leash slightly until he gets off.
    • Praise him when he is now on the ground.
  • Don’t play rough on the bed with your dog.   Playing rough indicates that it is OK to be aggressive and nuts on the bed. 
  • Do not eat on the bed when your dog is on the bed.  Since you and he are at the same level, this could send the wrong message to him that the food is for both of you.
  • Examine your dog for fleas and ticks every few days. 
  • Wash your dog more often than usual.  You don’t want your bed to get a “dog smell”.

Remember, it is totally up to you if you want to invite your dog to be on the bed.  Robin and I have five dogs and three of them sleep on the bed with us.  Our other two dogs are big dogs and we just don’t have the room on the bed for them.

Please call Robin or myself at (770) 718-7704 if you are in would like dog training help or just have some questions.  We have a lot of good dog training advice at Best Dog Trainers Woodstock Georgia.  You can get our phone numbers, text addresses and email contacts at Dog Training Help Center Woodstock Georgia.