Sleeping in the bed

Question
QUESTION: Hi Anne-

We just got Emmie, a 2-month old puggle, last week.  She is already the apple of my eye.  I am smitten.

I have been letting her sleep in our bed since we got her.  I enjoy having her there and I imagine she enjoys it as well.  Also she is sleeping though the night, often I will wake up before she does!

Nothing is wrong with the system as far as I am concerned, but everyone keeps telling me what a big mistake it is to sleep with the dog.  My wife doesnt mind so long as she stays on my side.

Do you have any opinions or tricks about bed sleeping?  I suppose ideally, Emmie would continue to sleep with us, but not be dependant on it.  I dont want to inadvertantly create any dependancy issues for my dog.  Her health is numero uno.

Sincerely,
Seth

ANSWER: I'm going out on the trainer limb here, and not going to tell you it's a big mistake when your dog is older, but it might be if you do it from this early age.  Personally, I don't find it a problem for a well mannered older dog to sleep in its master's bed, however, before I allow any of my dogs on furniture or in the bed, there are some conditions that must be met:-))  They need to have sufficient training so that they answer the following requests: sit, lie down, leave it, stay, come when called (every time I call).  The reason some people don't like dogs in the bed is that some dogs get downright bossy when you try to move them.  People often get bitten this way.  If your dog is a very passive, submissive dog, that isn't as likely.  But, sometimes, the shy pup can develop into a bossy adolescent!  If you allow too much attachment at this age, though, the risk is that she may not be able to stay alone in a crate, for example.  Crates are required at some hotels, so if you ever think you might travel with your dog, train her to accept crating now.  You don't want to create a situation where she is overly dependent upon you.  Now is the time for her to be meeting lots of other dogs, people, and situations - and to be crate trained, see umbrellas popping open, go on elevators and through automatic doors, pee on grass or snow, or concrete - basically anything that you want her to tolerate when she is an adult.  Sign up for puppy class NOW.  The earlier you start training with this mix the better off you will be.  Good book for you:
"Little Dogs: Training Your Pint-Sized Companion" by Deborah Wood

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Ok-
So now the hard part.  She has been with us for 8 nights and had the pleasure of our bed for all of them.  How do I teach her to accept the crate at night after having dangled the carrot?

Do I move the crate next to the bed at night so she can at least see us?  Leave a t-shirt with my scent in there?

What happens if she cries inconsolably when we do this?  

Answer
Here are some crate training links for you.  http://www.wonderpuppy.net/canwehelp/1crate.php
If the dog is acclimated to spending time in the crate slowly, and nothing but good things happen there, it should be fine.  I would ignore any whining, barking, other noise from the crate - don't make eye contact, tell her to be quiet, tap the crate, etc.  You will only reinforce the behavior that you don't want.  Buy ear plugs LOL, it only usually lasts for a night or two.