Sharing My Bed By Invitation

[Cuchulain]

I'm a first-time dog-owner so if this is a stupid question please feel free to tell me.

Is it possible to teach a pup (Rhodesian Ridgeback) that he is welcome to share my bed only when I invite him up? So far he sleeps in his bed next to mine and we have had no problems. He has shown an interest in climbing up onto the bed but because the 2 cats who were here first share it with me at night I have been reluctant to allow him up. Also, it is only a three-quarter bed so with me and 2 cats there isn't really much space for a Ridgie!

If this is possible please could you tell me how to go about it? Sometimes I feel I'd really like to cuddle with him but the floor is tiled and very cold and I don't fit into his bed! Max was 13 weeks old on Friday and has been with me for 4 weeks now. He seems to be a quick learner but I'm afraid if I let him up on the bed I'm going to end up sleeping on the floor.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[Guest Ams]

It is possible to train him to hop up but only when invited. You encourage him to hop up when you want him up there and tell him no and make him get off when you don't.

You do need to be able to enforce the No bit though so I hope you have the strength to push him off when you don't want him up there.

If your dog starts to challenge you in any facet of living then bed privileges (sp?) are revoked until behaviour is acceptable again.

[Starkehre]

Definitely possible Cuchulain, my dogs all know about the sometimes command. It can take a while to achieve, so in the mean time ensure he cannot jump up by himself until he is asked. ie on leash whilst in the bedroom or approaching the bed.

I will add, (and you are probably already aware of this anyway) at 13 weeks even if he can, pup should not be allowed to jump up or down off your bed. He should be lifted both ways, particularly down as to avoid injury and damage to growing joints, bones etc. He is a large breed and any jumping should be left til he is 12 months of age or when his growth plates are grown over, which could even be later than that.

Enjoy your bed cuddles, they are lovely aren't they?!

[Cuchulain]

Thanks guys

Since we are not having a good day so far - he's pushing the envelope with everything this morning, I'll put this one off for a while. I'm really looking forward to it, but I don't think the cats are going to be too happy about it.

Dyzney - thanks, I know he shouldn't be jumping yet I've been told off several times by strangers because I lift him in and out of my panel van and won't let him jump. Apparently they think I'm turning him into a wuss LOL After the 4th lecture from a total stranger I gave up trying to explain and now just let them waffle on while I pick him up or lift him down.

Ams, yes I'm strong physically but I honestly think I'm probably going to be in the market for a bigger bed in the near future :D WRT revoking the bed privileges for undesired behaviour in other areas - how does the dog make the connection e.g. I was a bad boy and chased the cats this morning now I'm not allowed on the bed?

[Guest Ams]

Thanks guys

Since we are not having a good day so far - he's pushing the envelope with everything this morning, I'll put this one off for a while. I'm really looking forward to it, but I don't think the cats are going to be too happy about it.

Dyzney - thanks, I know he shouldn't be jumping yet I've been told off several times by strangers because I lift him in and out of my panel van and won't let him jump. Apparently they think I'm turning him into a wuss LOL After the 4th lecture from a total stranger I gave up trying to explain and now just let them waffle on while I pick him up or lift him down.

Ams, yes I'm strong physically but I honestly think I'm probably going to be in the market for a bigger bed in the near future :D WRT revoking the bed privileges for undesired behaviour in other areas - how does the dog make the connection e.g. I was a bad boy and chased the cats this morning now I'm not allowed on the bed?

The revoking bed rights is more for if he challenges you. So if he is not doing as he is told and challenging you either directly or subtly then thats when he gets voted off the bed. Not for the little day to day puppy nawties that he is going to do anyway. Things like growling at you, refusing to get off the couch or bed if he is on there and you've told him to get off... its the behaviours that show he is not seeing you as the master/mistress of the house. Then all rights are removed and NILIF introduced. Nothing in Life is Free.... see the training thread. That and TOT is very very useful.

[Cuchulain]

The revoking bed rights is more for if he challenges you. So if he is not doing as he is told and challenging you either directly or subtly then thats when he gets voted off the bed. Not for the little day to day puppy nawties that he is going to do anyway. Things like growling at you, refusing to get off the couch or bed if he is on there and you've told him to get off... its the behaviours that show he is not seeing you as the master/mistress of the house. Then all rights are removed and NILIF introduced. Nothing in Life is Free.... see the training thread. That and TOT is very very useful.

Thanks, Ams, I've the NILIF thread but not the TOT one - I'll go and find it right now. I want to know how to deal with the issues before they arise, that way I'm not going to caught by surprise.