9 Hot Dog Training Tips for the Bedroom

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     "Honey, you already know I can't stand it when you lick my ears."
"Err... It wasn't me. Wait, where's the dog?"
Studies show that about 50% of the people who own dogs allow them onto bed. Most dog owners I know account for the half that do. If you're one of them, here's a few points to bear in mind.
* You shouldn't allow young puppies or untrained dogs ON the bed, let alone sleeping on it. Their early education is the time when you determine your prominence as well as their limitations. Only grownup dogs should earn this privilege.
* Additionally young puppies run the risk of house training problems. Mattresses tend to be tricky to clean, and the fact that they could preserve the scent means that your pet will want to be a repeat offender.
* Above all, puppies are small. Letting them sleep in the bed is very unsafe.
* For dominant and Alpha dogs, avoid allowing them to sleep in your "position" (with you in it or not). This indicates to them that they are in direct competition with you as pack leader.
* Don't ever let your dog on your bed without inviting them first. This is often communicated more with body language, like a quick succession of pats on the section of the bed you are asking them to go to.
* Have a command for them to get off the bed too (if they are becoming restless and disruptive this can save a quality night's sleep, and it beats shoving them off). In case your dog ignores you after you ask them to get "Off," you've got a bit of obedience work to do. If your dog growls at you at all, even when you try and adjust their position, then you've got some work to do NB: don't confuse a tired moan with a growl. It may possibly sound similar, but a moan will occur with no hostile posturing, for instance, their mouth will likely be closed and lips not curled, and they won't be making eye contact - their eyes might even be closed!)
* Don't ever let the dog wedge itself in between both you and your partner. This is an expression of both jealously and attempted dominance, and may also escalate into more severe behaviors. They need to understand that they rank lower than both of you in the pack hierarchy.
* It is best to enable your dog to sleep at the bottom end of the bed, and over the covers.
* Some dogs choose to burrow under the covers, which is a risk not only because they might get squashed, particularly if they are smaller than you, but they can also possibly suffocate under there. In case you allow this, adjust the blankets once they settle in to be sure that they can easily stick their head out. Because they generate a lot of heat too, these kinds of burrowers will more than likely move when they get too warm anyway.
So take some care and avoid reinforcing unwanted dog behaviors. If you do, your dog will always be good in bed - so to speak.