Just wanted to see what everyone's take on this subject is.

This applies to both adult dogs and puppies- would you recommend against an owner allowing their puppy or dog to sleep in the bed with them? Either a working dog or a pet. I personally do not allow dogs in my bed, but I know that some people feel differently, especially when a young puppies cries seem to be quieted by allowing it to sleep in bed.

I think you will find that virtually everyone here opposes allowing a dog to sleep in bed.

Furniture is for people.

Yes, letting a puppy in the bed can often quiet them down. That's what is known as rewarding negative behavior. How will the pup ever learn to be quiet when it ISN'T in the bed?

(*imagining the toll two fully-grown GSDs sharing the bed would take on her marriage*... scary)

That said, I do sometimes invite my dog to lay on the the bed in the morning, when the entire family is laying in the same bed. It's nice pack-bonding cuddly time.
It lasts about 5 minutes before it's time for everyone to get up and start the day.

Note that I said invite the dog up. Were she to initiate it on her own, she'd get a nice shaking by her scruff, and sent to her crate.

It took quite an effort to get my wife in there, I don't want the dog keeping her out.

 Quote: Alyssa Myracle

I think you will find that virtually everyone here opposes allowing a dog to sleep in bed. .... That said, I do sometimes invite my dog to lay on the the bed in the morning, when the entire family is laying in the same bed. Note that I said invite the dog up.

I agree on both counts.

Makes sense! I also question how it affects adult dogs, too. I feel that it can often make them think they are on the same level as their human.

OT- I am still trying to figure out how you guys have pictures in your signature.

You can use a photobucket account. Create a album there. On your profile here, theres a line for signature where you can paste in a link to a Small photo using the IMG code that you will see at Photobucket. Be careful to keep it small though or it will cover the whole page. Preview it before you actually apply it.

 Quote: steve strom

It took quite an effort to get my wife in there, I don't want the dog keeping her out.

<snort> that was funny Steve...

I do not allow self-initiating onto furniture or beds.

However, when I travel for trainings, Rock or Max sleeps on the bed with me, if I allow it.
Jesea and Ember are too "busy" and keep me awake all night if not in crates.

On occasion, I allow Kavik to come onto the bed. There have been times I have allowed her to sleep there as well.
Ivan is way to "busy" as Carol put it - he keeps licking even after he falls asleep! PLUS he has an annoying habit of trying to occupy whatever space I am in already, to be as close to me as possible. I think my BF would be a little put out.
I have clients ask me the same question, and my answer is that while I don't PREFER they do it, if it's something they will do anyway, despite warnings and cautions, then I would prefer that they understand the importance of inviting the dog, and not allowing the dog to CHOOSE where to lay, but rather direct the dog to where the human will PERMIT them to lay. And I ONLY let up with the dogs that are not still off balance, and potentially going to see it as an opportunity to seize rank. With the people who have dogs like that, I explain to them the importance of waiting until the dog is more balanced, and the new rules are habit. I teach them as best as I can what to look for in the dogs' behavior, and cross my fingers hoping they do what is best for EVERYONE.

Never puppies, not at all. Adults only when they follow all the rules......only when invited, cannot "stand over" me or my husband, cannot lay across us with body, head or foot, must lay where I say and must "off" when I say. Only allowed to visit, not sleep all night with us.

However, like Carol, when my dog and I travel we sleep in the same bed all night as long as she doesn't interrupt my beauty sleep.

The bottom line for me is that they don't show any signs of dominant behavior or the bed party is over and they go to their crate.

Regards,
Debbie

luc is allowed to, he's a big suck of a pet. he is the only one of my dogs who is allowed to. i invite him up at night; otherwise, he will stay on the floor or in the hall. i invite him up just b/c i like sleeping with him there with me.

....though i do notice that when i'm leaving for the day, now i'll often find him on my bed with his head on my pillow in my spot. so there is a slippery slope.

when my bf is over though, no animals (cats or luc) are allowed in the room.