Strange Behavior in Bed

[chandler14]

Our 2 year old boxer is acting really strange. Sarge has always been allowed on our bed. In the last month when ever he is laying in the bed and we get under the covers he growls and gets up and leaves. He also does this we you move your body while he is in the bed. He can be awake and see me get in the bed and still does it. Last night my husband shifted in the bed and he started attacking his feet. He was growling and snapping all at the same time.
I'm really concerned about this. I'm almost 5 months pregnant and am afraid he could hurt me if I don't get this under control. He hasn't bit anyone but I want to nip it in the bud now. If anybody knows why he could be doing this or any suggestions on how to address please let me know.

 

[ehayes21]

Sounds like he thinks pretty highly of himself and you need to re-establish the pecking order in your home. I would stop letting him on the bed and start practicing NILIF.

 

[ELubas]

Agree with ehayes-being on the bed is a privelege and clearly your pup sees it as his right. You are wise to nip it in the bud now before your baby comes. You will want to, in addition to practicing NILIF, be sure he clearly sees you and your huband as the leaders in your house. Most pups are perfectly happy to play second fiddle as long as they understand the rules

 

[billbgh]

Sounds like he thinks pretty highly of himself and you need to re-establish the pecking order in your home. I would stop letting him on the bed and start practicing NILIF.

Exactly, Apollo thinks highly of himself if he's allowed to get in bed with me, and starts acting like he's almighty. NILIF is in order!!

Erin
Apollo & Rocky's mom

 

[chud89]

What does NILIF mean?

 

[ELubas]

What does NILIF mean?

Nothing in life is free. It is a management program where they earn everything they get by offering a behavior. Sit before a meal or going out the door. Wait at the door for you to go through first, wait to be invited on furniture instead of just jumping up, that sort of thing. It is meant to help you reinforce that you are the leader and they need to follow. Dogs are definetely happier and more secure when rules are followed consisitently

 

[ehayes21]

Here is a link.
http://www.k9deb.com/nilif.htm

 

[K8IE]

I agree, NILIF is the best way to go and is something that is a must for everyday life to establish yourself as the leader. Cooper is only allowed on the couch or bed with permission and must lay exactly where I tell him to and allow me to move him or tell him to get off as I decide. If you start doing that, make him sit and wait for anything he wants, food, attention, to get a leash put on for a walk, to go through a doorway, he will realize that he does not have the right to be grouchy and bossy.. There is always a possibility that he could be sore from an injury or even sick and that is what is causing the grouchiness, but it sounds more to me like he thinks he owns the bed. Good luck!

 

[jimseabee]

It is because he thinks he is the pack leader. You and the DH have to show him who is in charge. YOU. Use NILIF, it works. Dakota sometimes challenges my authority but I let him know who whom is in charge

 

[kacee]

Our neighbors had a Golden that always slept on their middle-school-aged daughter's bed. This dog was always a sweetheart, but once in the middle of the night he had a bad dream (or something) and attacked their daughter, biting her in the face. She had to have extensive plastic surgery. Their vet said never trust a dog on the bed. How about keeping a comfy dog bed next to yours? (You will lose enough sleep with a new baby, don't add this worry!)