Sleepless in Seattle

[slackermom]

We've had our 9 wk old go boy Franklin for 2 weeks and he sleeps in bed with us which we planned on before we got him the problem is he wants to sleep in the crook of my neck or on my pillow. My husband wants to snuggle him but that only lasts a few minutes before he comes back to mommy. He also growled at our 5yr old last night when she wanted to snuggle with me. Any suggestions? We want him to bond with the whole family not just me.

 

[Caney Creek]

I think that letting him sleep in the bed with you is probably not a good idea. Is this something that you really plan on sticking with once he gets to be 60+ pounds? The longer you wait to transition him to a sleeping place of his own, the harder it's going to be when you finally do it. He is not going to like it but I believe that it is the best thing considering you're already having issues with him wanting to be close to you and no one else.

That is very odd for a 9 week old puppy to growl like that, as if he were guarding you. Are you sure that he wasn't just playing?

 

[Mesquite]

Our 4 month old has slept on his own bed (by our bed) since we brought him home at 7 weeks. We leave our bedroom door shut and if he needs to go out during the night, I usually hear him up shaking his head. We've NEVER allowed him on the bed. I don't want him to ever think he's allowed there because I know the day will come when he's just way too big. During the day Jake has plenty of opportunity to snuggle, sit on our laps, etc.

You may find (as I have) that your dog has different relationships with the different people in his life. I tell my husband that I am Jake's "cuddle buddy" - when he's sleepy and looking for a lap, he comes to me. When he wants to play rough or go for a walk, he looks for my husband. Not sure at all what he thinks of the step-daughter since she's generally on the go and barely has time to give him a pat on the head.

 

[beccahurley]

I have to say that him sleeping in the bed may not be the best idea. I tried letting Hurley sleep in bed with me when I first brought her home, but that didn't last long. Now she sleeps in her crate next to my bed. It works out better for the both of us.

 

[Sansal]

I think it is okay for your puppy to sleep in bed with you if that is what you want. Our two dogs sleep with us, too. but you have to teach puppy WHERE he can sleep on the bed. That means you pick a spot for him, don't let him sleep wherever he wants to. I also don't let my dogs play on the bed. I want them to know that once we go to bed it's time to rest.

 

[bigboychief]

I think it is okay to let them sleep with you...but I also think he needs to be trained FIRST to sleep in his own bed. I kennel trained Chief when he was a puppy, but now he sleeps where ever he wants. It is important to train them when they are young, because it helps them see who is boss!

As for the growling, I can only speak for my dog... Chief growled at my then 5 year old a couple times when he was a puppy. It was only a few times, and only when he was a puppy it has never happened again. I would just keep an eye on it, and let him know that it is not acceptable. And always be mindful of your puppy's temperament. If he is tired and trying to rest, tell you child to leave him alone. I think sometimes they have too much activity, they get frustrated (similar to infant babies being overstimulated)

Enjoy your new puppy! They are wonderful!