Will my dog try to be dominant over me?

[Animal Guy]

I was reading on the internet that you shouldn't let your dogs sleep in the bed with you or sit/lay on the couch or they'll think they're equal or superior to you and eventually try to dominate you. In your experience and what you've read, has this been the case. I wouldn't mind my dog sleeping with me(don't actually have the dog yet, but she is supposed to be coming home Friday or Saturday :D ) but if it's going to cause these types of problems I guess I won't allow it from the beginning. What do you think?

 

[Tulsa-Dan]

I allow my dogs to sleep with me and we share the couch when I watch tv. BUT, my dogs have been trained to know that they are not allowed on furniture unless they are invited 'UP' and when I tell them it is time to get 'OFF' they respond accordingly.

It is a personal decision about whether or not you want to let your dogs sleep with you and/or be on furniture. But they should always know that they need to be invited before just jumping up on things.

If you establish yourself as Alpha from the beginning by your actions and the way you deal with your dog, the bed issue will be a non-issue. I suggest, since you're about to get a new dog, get a copy of "The Dog Listener" by Jan Fennell at your local bookseller or internet seller and start the pup out right, showing the pup in a language he will understand that you are the leader and his job is to be a happy, fun loving puppy!

Good luck with the new pup and keep us posted.

 

[Animal Guy]

I was thinking along those lines but just wanted some reassurance. Actually I'm getting a 4 year old rescue. I just thought she might feel more comfortable and safe if I let her sleep with me. I think I'll establish myself as alpha and then let her up on the furniture when I want her up there. I'm definitely gonna try to get a copy of "The Dog Listener". I've heard really good things about it. Thanks.

 

[Trinitysmom]

We let Trinity sleep with us, and have since the first night we brought her home at 10 weeks, however, she is not allowed on any of the other furniture except the guest bed, and even then it's only when we call her up there. She never evn attempts to go on our couches. The first time we took her to my parents house, we left her there while my husband and I went out, they let her on their couch and now she goes on their couch whenever she's over there But she knows she better not even attempt it anywhere else!

 

[dukie's mom]

Your dog will try to be dominate..they all test limits just like kids. You have to do as Dan suggests and establish yourself as the leader

I'm a big sucker for the on the furniture thing. DH draws the line at sleeping with us. He can be on the bed, but at our bedtime he sleeps in his bed on the floor in our bedroom.

 

[Animal Guy]

Thanks you guys. I'm definitely gonna establish myself as leader and only allow her to get on the furniture when she's asked.

 

[basak]

Our bedroom is the only room that Krose is not allowed. Only because I sometimes need my space and ''we'' sometimes want some ''quality'' time:D
Just one ''no'' the first day he was home, he understood, bedroom was off limits. He used to be a lap dog but not anymore. He's gotten so heavy for me and our couch still has that big hole So he's not allowed on the couch anymore. But he doesn't want to come up either. I really feel it is a personal choice.

 

[Animal Guy]

Sorry it's taken me so long but my computer's been messed up. Here's a quick update. I got Taya formorly(sp.) Bell and she's doing great. She is a rescue and is about 4-5 years old. She wasn't completely potty trained but we took care of that in about two weeks. I also think she may have gotten beaten because if you raise your hand at all she moves away or cowers down but not as bad as when we first got her. We fattened her up a little too.She's really good. We can even leave her home alone for a few hours. I've decided to not let her sleep with me but her dog bed is right next to my bed. Everything is great. That's her in my avater and I have two pics in my gallery. Sorry this is kinda long.

 

[Kimber & Mac]

Oh she is so cute! she is a lucky baby to have found you and to not be with whoever hurt her. Good luck with her!

 

[Animal Guy]

Thanks. I think she's cute too