subject: Hot Dog Training Tips for the Bedroom [print this page] Hot Dog Training Tips for the Bedroom Hot Dog Training Tips for the Bedroom
"Darling, you already know I can't stand it when you lick my ears."
"Umm... It wasn't me. Hang on, where's the dog?"
Research has shown that about 50% of dog owners allow them on the bed. Most dog owners I know account for the half that do. If you're one of them, here's a number of things to keep in mind.
* You must not allow puppies or untrained dogs ON the bed, let alone sleeping on it. Their early training is the time when you establish your dominance as well as their limitations. Only grownup dogs should earn this freedom.
* Furthermore young puppies run the risk of house training incidents. Mattresses are generally difficult to clean, and the fact that they can preserve the scent means that your pet will want to be a repeat offender.
* Most importantly, puppies are small. Letting them sleep in the bed is extremely unsafe.
* For dominant and Alpha dogs, avoid allowing them to sleep in your "position" (with you in it or not). This indicates to them that they are in direct competition with you as pack leader.
* You shouldn't ever let your dog on your bed without having invited them first. This is often communicated more with body language, such as a quick succession of pats on the area of the bed you're asking them to go to.
* Have a command for them to get off the bed too (whenever they are becoming restless and troublesome this could help save a good nights sleep, and it is better than shoving them off). In case your dog ignores you after you ask them to get "Off," you've got a bit of obedience work to do. If your dog growls at you at all, even if you attempt to adjust their position, then you have got some work to do NB: don't confuse a tired moan with a growl. It can sound similar, but a moan will occur with no hostile posturing, for instance, their mouth is going to be closed and lips not curled, and they won't be making eye contact - their eyes might even be closed!)
* Don't ever let the dog wedge itself in between both you and your partner. This is an expression of both jealously and also attempted dominance, and may escalate into more severe behaviors. They need to understand that they rank lower than both of you within the pack hierarchy.
* It's best to allow your dog to sleep at the floor end of the bed, and above the covers.
* Some dogs like to burrow underneath the blankets, which is a risk not only because they might get squished, particularly if they are smaller than you, but they can also potentially suffocate under there. If you allow this, adjust the covers after they settle in to make sure that they can easily stick their head out. Because they generate plenty of heat too, these burrowers will more than likely move after they get too warm anyway.
So take some care and avoid reinforcing unwanted dog behaviors. If you do, your dog will always be good in bed - so to speak.
