Why does my dog not let me sit by my fella on the sofa?

Question

If we sit on the sofa the dog has to get between us. He is an english bull terrier.

When we go to bed he has to lie between us.

I have tried locking him out of the room but on one ocassion he put his head straight through the door!! Heafty vets bill.

He has been neuted over five years ago. He is now 7.

He weighs 44 kgs so quiet large to move - he is on a diet!!!

We have lived together for 7 years my fella and i. The dog came later.

He is the same when my mum comes as well has to sit between her and me.

Answer 1

Jealousy and dominance, both of which a bull terrier has in abundance! The dog thinks HE' S your boyfriend. Bullies are a challenge to train at 8 weeks old -you've got a heck of a job on your paws!

You are not providing clear, firm leadership if he thinks he can tell you what to do and who you may see. Use a pinch collar or a Halti head collar to get some leverage on this tank of a dog. Do some obedience training for at least 15 minutes every day - HEEL, SIT, STAY, DOWN, COME. Make sure he's getting plenty of strenuous exercise, at least a thirty minute strenuous run twice a day - preferably right before your fella comes over.

If the dog's in bed or on the couch with you, you're giving him the impression that he is your equal - you need to be the boss. Get his butt on the floor and keep it there. Don't do anything for him before he does something for you. If he wants to go out or get a treat, he has to sit and stay first. If he nudges you and demands to be petted, make him lie down before you do it. Absolutely no playing tug-of-war; it teaches him to challenge your authority and growl at you.

Whenever your fella is coming over, put him on a leash before he even gets there and keep it on at all times. This way you can correct him as soon as he even THINKS about being pushy. If he's doing anything wrong, YOU should be the one to correct him. At first, your fella should always be the good guy. Let him be the one to feed the dog and give him treats and toys.

Go for long walks together. Use two leashes - you hold one and let your fella hold the other.

When you and your fella sit on the couch together, make the dog lie down and stay (on leash). If he's being good, reach down and scratch his ears and calmly tell him "good dog, stay." You may need to hold him down with the leash under your foot or under the leg of the couch until he understands that he can't separate you. Gradually escalate your "activities" together until he tolerates whatever you want to do.

Once he's doing pretty well, your fella should join you in the obedience training exercises so the dog will learn to respect and obey him as well. Use two leashes at first, so that if he gets out of line YOU can give him an "attitude adjustment." (Don't use a PINCH collar if he's growling - these can escalate aggression problems and severely injure the dog if you have to restrain it.)

Keep him in your room at night in a super-sturdy aluminum or plastic crate, so that your fella can safely get up, go to the bathroom and return without being harassed. That should do it!

I'd also suggest reading some really good books on training. Try not to do it randomly - there are a lot of bad books out there also! These are some of my favorites:
What All Good Dogs Should Know - Volhard
Good Owners, Great Dogs - Brian Kilcommins
Dog Tricks : Eighty-Eight Challenging Activities for Your Dog from World-Class Trainers by Haggerty and Benjamin
Don't Shoot the Dog - Pryor
Training Your Dog: The Step by Step Method - Volhard
Dog Problems - Benjamin
Cesar's Way - Cesar Millan

Also, watch the Dog Whisperer on the National Geographic Channel. Cesar Millan is the best trainer I've ever seen on TV.

Answer 2

First and foremost question does your fella like dogs? If the answer is no that may be one of the problems. Let's address the situation as if he doesn't like dogs. Dogs are very intelligent creatures and they sense if someone doesn't like them. The dog may sense your man may want to cause you harm in some way and he feels like he needs to protect you. Now let's address the situation as if he does like dogs. Then I would say it is of a jealousy issue. When you and your man are together do you play with your dog and pet it often to make her feel included or do you ignore her or yell at her alot? Animals are like people, they want love, acceptance and attention and they want to feel like they belong in the family unit. Try giving her attention more when the two of you are together instead of scolding her. See if this works. If not, you may want to ask your vet if he or she has any ideas to help you with this problem. Good luck! Animals are wonderful companions and most loyal friends a human could have.

Answer 3

He is jealous. Animals have good instints think about getting rid of the fella. LOL Either that or try to get the two to make friends. Your fella may have to be the one to correct the dog and show him who the dominent one is.

Answer 4

Maybe your dog needs more ATTENTION and he does'nt get enough love.

Or, well my dog sometimes does that butanother reason could be hes scared of something.. do you have any loud sound go on in your house once in a while that scares him?

Or he just loves you & cant get enough of ya!

I bet he's a sweet love. Good Luck! :)



Oh, another thing have your husband/orboyfriend make friends w/ him.

Answer 5

Females will migrate to males and males will migrate towards females. Also the alpha energy is important to dogs and they will follow it. Dog can stare for many reasons, mostly though is they either want something from you or need to be told what to do. If the dog whines, correct it. Otherwise they will learn to manipulate with it.

Answer 6

u have too show ur dog who is boss,u should not allow him up on bed or sofa,

he has too know his place.

b firm.but fair.


and consistent.
ir enough too show dog love but when u choose.u call the shots.

Answer 7

i thing it is very jeoluose try doing things with ur boy friend and the dog so the dog will get used to u being with ur boy friend and him AT THE SAME TIME (THE DOG)

Answer 8

Probably bacause he is protective. My dog does that sometimes to any strangers. Even if he doesn't growl, he still mite not trust your boi and doesn't want him to hurt you. Try introducing your boi to your dog.

Answer 9

He is jealous. Try to get your boyfriend to interact with your dog more and this behavior may stop.

Answer 10

your dog is showing ownership over you. i have a 90 lb pit bull and he is the same way.but hes telling your guy who the boss is. its hard to break good luck