When it Comes to Sleeping Arrangements – Does Your Dog Decide Where He Wants to Sleep in Your House?
Deciding whether your dog can get on your furniture is a big decision, bigger if you have a big dog. Furniture access can be inconvenient and for the dog, it relates to dominance. Your furniture, in particular your bed is your turf. It is a big point if your dog has access, and it is not two-way (Do you snuggle in your dogs bed?) So if you choose to allow it, be extra-stringent in other ways to exert alpha-dominance, or your dog will have an inflated sense of self-importance.
Ideally, a dog should not have furniture access until he is five or six months old. As a puppy, his basis of appropriate behavior is formed. He learns his household rank,if he can leap on beds, couches, and armchairs from day one, he will see this as his right. For you, that is not good. He needs to know you are the boss. To prevent attitude problems in adolescence, keep your puppy humble – let him appreciate being allowed up ‘on your level’, and be consistent.
If you do allow furniture access, impose limits. He must wait for an invitation, pat the seat next to you and cheerfully say, “Up”. Most dogs will be up like a shot. Next, enforce the “Off” command, expect more resistance. Give him an attractive alternative, a dog bed of towels and pillows, or a real dog bed. If there is no immediate response keep pointing, maintaining eye contact. If after 30 seconds there is still no response, slide your hand, palm-down, under his rear and slowly raise his bottom up by a few degrees. He will feel uncomfortable and leap off the couch. He chose to get off, and you showed him who is boss in this house.
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