What's allowed in your household?

[mastercaster]

Do your dog(s) get the run of the household? So far I haven't let my 4 month old griff get up on any furniture/beds in the house and I only let her stay in the downstairs living area but not in the hallway where I keep all my shoes, gym gear, etc. I've heard is said that an owner may have a closer bond with his hunting dog if he allows the dog to sit with him on the couch but I've also heard it said that if you do,,,, or let the dog sleep on the bed, that the dog puts himself on equal footing with you. I don't know what to believe.

When I had my brittanies I didn't let them on the couches but it was mostly because they shed a lot of hair. The WPG don't,,,,,, so that's why I'm wondering about letting her sit up on the couch and what the pros and cons are if you do.

a) Are there certain rooms your dogs can't go in?
b) Can your dog sit on the couch or lay on your bed?

[chinooker]

My lab sleeps on my bed, puts his head in my lap at the dinner table, lays on the couch beside me. He also listens better than any dog I have ever had. Whatever you allow him to do is up to you but be consistent, and above all else be his master. As long as the dog knows you are pack leader and knows his place it doesn't matter what you do or don't allow him to do.

[Mishka]

My dog has the run of the house and he is allowed up on the couch and bed. To each his own and I understand not letting the dog on furniture because of dirt and hair. - Totally understand that. But those that say the dog will think they have equal status if it lies with you on the couch is nonsense. - If that's the case, then the dog already thinks he is of equal status, getting on the furniture is not the problem. My only caveat, is don't intentionally move for your dog and if your dog is in the way, then move him.

[Fella]

My dog falls asleep between my wife and I on the couch when we watch movies, sleeps in our room but we don't let her on the bed, and she's not allowed in our room during the day. She also is required to lay down while we eat dinner. Great dog, is a little stubborn (might be the german shepherd) but pretty obedient for the most part.

[Lastcar]

she's not allowed in our room during the day.

Not going to lie...I expected something different as I read "she's not allowed in our room during..."

[325]

Our dog lives a better life than 90% of children in the ��

[Big Lew]

This lab is the first of many dogs I've owned that "WE'VE" let in the house.(wife insisted)
He's allowed up on the living room furniture provided we've put a 'throw' or blanket
over them first. He's also allowed up on our bed if we first cover the bedding with
a thick flannel sheet. At night, he sleeps on his own bed in the corner of our bedroom
or on the mat by my side of our bed. I firmly believe this constant daily intimate interaction
has greatly enhanced his trust, bond, and 2-way communication with us that wouldn't
be the case if he was kept in an outside kennel. People will, and do laugh when I tell them
he has learned to go into the bathroom to have his butt wiped after doing his 'duty' outside
so that there's no possibility of leaving unpleasant reminders on the furniture or rugs.
He has learned to pull my socks off, fetch my slippers, pick up and bring to me whatever I
point to, bring a rolled up towel from a special magazine rack to be used as a bib before he
shares a treat with me (he slobbers too much), ask to go out or to come in, for permission
to go up on the bed, helps carry in the groceries, mail, and newspaper, all which he likely
wouldn't have learned if he was an outside dog. It's a 2-way street though as he gives so
much joy and companionship, taking the place of grandchildren we won't have.
Additionally, I don't believe that allowing him into our house, with all it's privileges, has
negatively effected his retriever training....if anything it's allowed for better communication
between him and me when out in the field. My first lab was kept in a large dog run, never
allowed in a house, and was the best retriever I've owned....but he had literally 100's of hours
of training compared to my current lab.

[srupp]

This lab is the first of many dogs I've owned that "WE'VE" let in the house.(wife insisted)
He's allowed up on the living room furniture provided we've put a 'throw' or blanket
over them first. He's also allowed up on our bed if we first cover the bedding with
a thick flannel sheet. At night, he sleeps on his own bed in the corner of our bedroom
or on the mat by my side of our bed. I firmly believe this constant daily intimate interaction
has greatly enhanced his trust, bond, and 2-way communication with us that wouldn't
be the case if he was kept in an outside kennel. People will, and do laugh when I tell them
he has learned to go into the bathroom to have his butt wiped after doing his 'duty' outside
so that there's no possibility of leaving unpleasant reminders on the furniture or rugs.
He has learned to pull my socks off, fetch my slippers, pick up and bring to me whatever I
point to, bring a rolled up towel from a special magazine rack to be used as a bib before he
shares a treat with me (he slobbers too much), ask to go out or to come in, for permission
to go up on the bed, helps carry in the groceries, mail, and newspaper, all which he likely
wouldn't have learned if he was an outside dog. It's a 2-way street though as he gives so
much joy and companionship, taking the place of grandchildren we won't have.
Additionally, I don't believe that allowing him into our house, with all it's privileges, has
negatively effected his retriever training....if anything it's allowed for better communication
between him and me when out in the field. My first lab was kept in a large dog run, never
allowed in a house, and was the best retriever I've owned....but he had literally 100's of hours
of training compared to my current lab.

Great article, appreciated your thoughts and obvious love for you companion.
Thank you for sharing.
EBONIES Dad

[Downtown]

The "inside" Dog is a big but totally affectionate Doberman. He can go anywhere in the House and he does so frequently on his own as he is part of the Security envelope. As gentle as he is, he is not allowed on any couch, Chair or whatever. When we sit down for Lunch or Dinner he automatically retires to his place and wont move of it until encouraged to do so.
Early in the AM he is allowed on the end of the Bed but after about 10 minutes he goes back to his own Doggy Bed.
The "outside" Dog a German Hunting Terrier, when here at my home he is kept in a well build Kennel with concrete flooring so he cant dig himself out. His home is a rather comfortable insulated Dog House and of course he is allowed in part of the fenced Backyard when I am working in the Shop.

Cheers

[Moe.JKU]

We have a 12 week old retriever right now and hes not allowed in one room, but thats because there is a grand piano in that room. He is aloud on the couch, but sleeps on the ground. like 325 said the dog probably lives better than most.