Is it a bad habbit for a dog if they sleep on couches and beds?

Question

When ever I have a dog I let him/her sleep on my bed and on the couches. Is that a bad habbit? I've had the dog for about 2 years should i just let him/her sleep on the furniture or start telling her no?

Answer 1

Actually it is. However, I have very large breed dogs and hardwood floors. I purchased a futon mattress and laid it on the floor in a corner for them to sleep on. They are prone to joint problems if left on only hard surfaces. The reason its a bad thing is it give the dog a position of status to share the alpha's (you and other humans) territory. Depending on your dogs temperament and aggression drive it could encourage a dog seeking higher status to show dominance. I know when I'm not home my dogs climb up and sneak a spot. They leave the tell tale hair. They jump off and try to act innocent the moment they hear the car pull up or the key in the door.

Answer 2

A few tips on regaining ultra alpha status. 1) Control the food. Leash the dog, make the dog sit and wait. Prepare the food, put the food dish down, the dog must wait, release the dog, the dog will begin to eat, with a loose leash in hand call the dog, if the dog comes/heals praise if the dog, if the dog continues to eat, quickly walk the opposite way of the dish, launching the dog your way, away from the dish. Repeat at each feeding until the dog comes during its meal. Continue periodically thereafter. 2) Control freedom. Never let the dog have access to the entire house inside and out, when your not home. Do not let the dog run through the house at all hours of the day and night when you are home. Crate/pen the dog several hours each day. 3) Your courage If you are afraid of the dog or what the dog may do to you, the dog will sense this through your pheromones (scent ) and actions, and you will never become ultra alpha. This isn't even the tip of the iceberg for being/ regaining ultra alpha status ..... hope this helps.

Answer 3

People LOVE having opinions on other people’s pets and children.

We’ve been told that walking our dog on a harness rather than chocker chain is a “bad habit” and that letting her inside is a “bad habit.”
Some people will tell you that if your dogs not sleeping in the rain and eating only dried dog food, that you’re spoiling it and “ruining it.”
It’s all nonsense.

It’s YOUR dog, and YOUR furniture. If you’re ok with your dog being inside/on the carpet/on the couch/on the bed, then it’s fine.
Contrary to what some people will try and tell you, a dog that’s allowed on the couch won’t suddenly turn into a horrible mutt that bites and snarls. If anything, a cuddle on the couch is more likely to turn your dog into a bit of a sook, which in my experience lowers (not abolishes) the chance of aggression, and tends to lead to your dog being more loyal.

And just because you let your dog do it now doesn’t mean that you can’t retrain your dog to stay off the couch.
Our dog was always allowed on the couch, but after surgery on her leg, she could no longer safely get up and down from the couch. It only took her a few weeks to get used to having to stay on the floor, and she’s perfectly happy

Answer 4

Yes, it's a bad habbit.

Not because of the ticks or fleas as someone suggested, because I'm assuming you're taking care of that.

The dog should not be allowed on the same level as its boss. In dog-terms the leader of the pack will always be allowed to sit and sleep on the highest level. The leader of the pack will get food befor the rest gets food. The leader of the pack will lead the way through doors and onto stairs. So in order to keep you and your dog happy it might be important to keep those things in mind:

You eat first, then feed the dog.
You sit higher than the dog, not on the same level.
You lead the way, while the dog walks next to you or slightly behind you.

This is not being cruel, this way it is very clear to a dog who is calling the shots, it can be very stressful for a dog when it thinks it's in charge of things.

Answer 5

I think it may depend on the size of the dog. I have small dogs and they are fine on the couch and beds, but I don't know about bigger dogs because they may cause wearing faster on couches and beds. For a two year old dog it may be a hard habit to break since they have done it for so long.

Answer 6

It is a matter of personal preference. I have 5 dogs and I allow them on my couch and bed. I sleep with 1 doberman, 1 beagle and two cats. The other two dobes and the chow sleep on the couch. Yes, there is a lot more washing of bedding and what not but I love having them close by. Sometimes I let more of them in bed.We have a lot of three dog nights here in Vt.

Answer 7

well sleeping on the bed or sitting on the couch is like telling them they are one of the dominate people. The reason is its the highst place 2 sit and usually the alpha dog is in the highest spot.now its ok if he only sits on the couch when u invite him up. If u see him on the couch alone u put him on the floor then u sit on the couch 2 show yr dominate and he can only come up when u say he can. The same goes for the bed and if u have him sleep with u same deal u have to invite him up. He cant already b there.



GOOD LUCK!

Answer 8

I don't think so. I teach my dogs to stay off of the furniture unless their invited up by whomever is sitting on it. I do this because if you take your dog with you somwhere you don't want them jumping all over the furniture and what not.

As far as sleeping in your bed thats totally up to you and whomever you share your bed with. My dogs sleep in my bed with me and my wife. We have a Puggle and a Boglen Terrier (Boston Terrier/Beagle mix) they are both small dogs and we have a king sized bed so that helps. My dogs know its okay to sleep on the bed , but not on my pillows.

Answer 9

That's completely up to you. You can limit your dog to one couch, it's easier to keep the others clean that way.

Some people don't allow their dogs up on any furniture, and others let them have full run of the furniture. Same way with beds.

Since Danes are noted couch lovers, we have dog couches specially for them. But they aren't allowed on the beds.

Answer 10

The decision is up to you but once you have made it you need to stick to it otherwise the poor dog will get very confused as to what you expect of her. All my dogs sleep on my furniture and in my bed every night, I hae it when I go away and they aren't with me. I think sharing with your pets makes for better respect between you and your pet. Enjoy your dog how you want to.