could you tell this face to get off the bed?

bsellers I find that once you have one dog, adding another one or two does not increase the workload that much. To me it seemed that when I added dog #2 they actually entertained each other more and played together, didn't have to endlessly throw the ball anymore lol..... the human child is definitely 100000x more work (2 y/o)....

This picture is from years ago at the start of our house remodel. All but the little guy at the front are gone now. But, as the picture shows, sometimes all you need is a little bit of sunshine to share.

If you have any aggressive behavior from a dog, it is likely due to being allowed on the furniture. They think when they are allowed on furniture they are alpha and can be aggressive to other dogs. Best keep 'em on the floor.

@eva o. Doggy porn! Has he/she no shame!?

That comment above is ridiculous and not based on fact.

Well, they may think they are the alphas....we had 2 smart dogs allowed on furniture and beds. We'd be watching tv and someone would go to the door to be let out, except when we got to the door the dog would run & steal our seat!! Just so they knew we weren't as dumb as we looked, we installed a dog door. Those 2 true companions are gone now but we loved them, and continue to enjoy having dogs to keep us company.

Well I happened to be watching the Dog Whisperer and so I looked up what Ceasar would say and this is what I found....


Virginia: Cesar,

I love your show. I would like to know if it's possible for your dog to respect you as a pack leader when it's time for discipline if you're also the sort of person who lets the dog climb onto your furniture.

Cesar Millan: Yes, as long as you allow the dog to climb on the furniture on your terms, you never lose leadership. If you tell them to come onto the bed or the furniture, the dog shouldn't become confused.

OH LOOK ... Myth #1.... exactly what you said.

http://www.chicagopaws.com/about-jeff/blog/entry/is-it-bad-to-allow-dogs-on-the-couch.html

Mmmm I Think this says it all ! Found this in FB

loville, that is very cute and silly.

yuck no.

I got "The Monks of New Skete " dog training book decades ago when I got a puppy. It is all about being the alpha of the pack and I think my using their training procedures made my dog neurotic.

How can you say "yuck no" to 3 cute little doggies in pj's? You can't possibly be an animal lover. Why do you even own a dog?

I think it is silly to clothe animals for the owners amusement and I am an animal lover. Not everyone is in the position to own animals through no fault of their own. I rented for awhile and couldn't have pets and hated it. Lynn has every right to voice an opinion without being bullied.

My dogs have free reign. Would you say "no" to her?

I just love what you said and that statement puts it all into perspective. If you love someone or something you want them to be happy despite a little sacrifice or extra work. After all thats what love is all about.

deseraeallred
"No place is off limits for our beautiful Rhodesian Ridgeback Reggie. Yes-it does take extra cleaning and work, but seeing her comfortable makes me happy!"

I guess I just see the alternative as selfish and thats what pisses me off. Because all your dogs wants to do is make you happy and bring you security and affection and comfort so why wouldnt you want to do the same in return?

I dont have a big dog but these pictures of big dogs sleeping or laying comfortably in a human-like pose just makes me feel that much closer to them as sweet kind loving animals even when I may have had some fear towards big dogs in the past. when I see a big dog in a pen outside barking it scares me. Maybe its psychological but I see a more gentle loving well behaved animal when they are laying on the furniture on a blanket or pillow. It takes away my fear.

designideas4me, oh, believe me, there's nothing like wrapping your arms around a big ol' dawg that's warm and happy and loving. That big hug brings the closeness to wonderful bond like no other. Surely people can see the joy on their faces and sparkle in their eyes.

I'm a bit surprised that your fears and perception could be changed or swayed by a forum like this. If that is the case, the value of this forum is priceless. That is truly wonderful. I would love to be there when you get that chance for the heart melting hug. ; )

I was bitten by a big dog as a child and I think I still have that faer in me and even when I pass many dogs in the park when I walk my dog I am always a bit scared. I guess its the size thats intimidating. But where I live there are so many chiwawas who look so sweet and then when Baby gets close to them they become monsters and vicious little barkers that defend their masters or are just unsocialized. So I guess the issue is more about how the dogs are raised. But I know when we approach a big dog in the park and Baby wants to sniff and be friends that I need to be even more on my guard because if they arent friendly it can mean death or injury pretty fast. I have met a few large friendly dogs but so many of them are chomping at the bit and needing to be restrained by the owners so they dont attack. Its sad because I have raised her ( and maybe its just her innate disposition) to be loving and friendly. But so many people seem to make excuses for their dogs bad behavior and its really not a big or small issue deep down its a training issue. I am just more afraid of being able to defend myself or her against a big dog. And yes these pictures of the beautiful larger breeds on beds and couches and chairs do make me feel more willing to get close to them despite that fear.

designideas4me, events such as that almost inevitability leave a mark and associations to big+dog+white+pit+ for example makes for a dangerous dog. I happen to be of the opposite opinion. I think of big dogs as such lugs, big babies, calmer and more easily house trained. These are all just my opinions and experiences. It seems little dogs want you to make them happy whereas big dogs want to make you happy. There are all kinds of descriptions and labels we can put on them but the one thing we need to remember is that they get a chance to be themselves before we pre-label them. That goes for me too(...but I just have this HUGE love, I mean HUGE love for those big ones...) Again, I say, I hope you get that chance.

Someday, just go to the park without your dog...just sit and watch them, engage with them if they are eager to meet you and their owner says it's ok...having your smaller dog with you draws attention to your dog and of course, you are on guard for his/her safety. When you are in that heightened state of alert, that adrenaline flows through you and your survival thinking and then your stress has to be managed and is sensed by the other dogs as well. Baby steps, my dear, to overcome an inner fear you seem to want to conquer. Why don't YOU go play in the park and let some guard down. Baby steps. I'm hoping for that for you.

Yes, our dogs are better behaved than some children I know that is why they can do pretty much anything they want. Our little 9 pound Rascal has epilepsy and if he didn't sleep with me how would I know he is having a seizure? We have tried all kinds of medicines. He is now on one the vet said is cutting edge but he still had another seizure last night. He is an absolute delight to have around and so smart if you don't want him to know you are planning something you had better spell it. He is lying at my feet as I write and just looked up at me as if to say "when are we going to bed?" So goodnight.

I got bitten and chased by big and small dogs before.. I still love big dogs! :)

On the couch, in the office, and of course in bed with a sleep mask!

LOVE all the pictures, thank you all for sharing them.... People that love dogs understand a lot more than people that " never had one " .....

I wonder if cannabis has ever been used for canine epilepsy?

Helping us get some work done!

Sometimes I'm lucky if I get a spot on the couch or bed!!!

A short nap after breakfast. I have a special sofa in front of TV where we can stay together... :-)

My girls are family, my home is their home so yes, they are free to roam as they please..they even sleep indoors.. I noe you said dog but my cat thinks she a dog..

My dog can go on her blanket on the sofa! She can defiantly not come on the bed, in fact she's not allowed upstairs! She has her own space in the house and she's happy with that! Her favorite place is beside the AGA

My dogs are not allowed on the furniture but they are occasionally found on the furniture. Luckily I have dog beds that they love and are very content using them.

She always sleeps with us ..

Sure to family room furniture but no to bed.

That's a lovely kennel for the dogs, but my dog would still be at the door, wanting to be with us, no matter how fancy her space was. My dog is a golden, and she does not get on the furniture, thank goodness. She prefers a cold floor to a soft bed or sofa, even though she is 11 years old.

Its so funny how many dogs sleep on their back with their legs spread and paws in that very relaxed position. Babybear is always rolled up in a tight little ball and nestled deep inside a pile of pillows or any other dark quiet spot that she can barely be seen or found. She is kind of like the filling of an oreo cookie.

Who could argue with this face!!

Where else would they sit and sleep?
This message is doggie approved!

I love having my pup on my couch and my bed...she thinks she's part dog, mostly human!

Somehow, he often takes up the entire couch by himself.

Could not sleep without our pets!
Had to get designer step up for the older pet since the bed was so high.

Our pets are allowed on the couch but not the bed. I need my beauty sleep! :) #BeSEENBeSAFE

See avatar. Fortunately one doesn't like the bed for sleeping, only for looking out the window. Neither have ever tried to get on the couch.

He did, however, like to munch on the bed when he was a pup.

I used to say no with our last dog. Now I put down a blanket and take it off if someone comes over. Who cares?

Our pets love these steps. I like the custom look too!

Our German Shepherd seemed to have made that decision when he was quite young. He absolutely WILL NOT get on our bed. He acts as if it's a pit of snakes! As for the couch...sometimes he'll come over and climb up on the couch and put his head on my lap. It's so unexpected because he just doesn't do that, so I let him lay there a bit while I pet him and talk to him...he seems to really need the closeness at that moment, so why not give it to him!

My 70+ lb fuzzball is allowed pretty much everywhere.

But our Frenchie is about to get ousted from the bed though if she doesn't cut her "warbling" noises in the middle of the night!

Ancient thread, but we are definitely in the Yes to Dogs on Furniture group.

It’s their bed — we just sleep on it.

Daisy

Darby

This is why God invented the washing machine!