I agree, my bed, my rules. I don't have issues with my dogs regarding who is in charge, so they are allowed a lot of freedoms. "Allowed" is a key word here.

If however, I had issues, all freedom would be revoked until the problem was solved. I spoke with someone on the phone last night who was inquiring about a pup, her 2 current dogs are up on the furniture, but the difference is when she tries to get one of them to move, the dog will either show teeth, lunge at her, or even bite her. She couldn't understand why it would be OK for my dogs to be on the bed, but not hers. By the end of the conversation though she "got it".

I LOVE cuddling with my puppy!! He hasn't been allowed in our bed yet though. When we went camping last weekend we let him sleep in the oversized sleeping bag with us because it was too cold for him to sleep in his crate. He was the best cuddler ever. And no accidents (we'd only had him for a week). I'd love to sleep with him every night, but the crate is the best place for him right now. Maybe one day once the groundwork is established.

Zuki or Kieko would love to get in my bed but since my bed is in my parents camper and they don't approve it will have to wait. You could say they don't like hair and slobber just a well trained dog they can pet and be proud of
They will be sleeping quite different when I get my camper...

i've heard not to let your dog get on top of YOU, but haven't heard anything about dominance issues from dogs being on furniture/bed.

(i have read an article or two saying dogs shouldn't be allowed to sleep with you for health reasons...)

my boy can't get in my bed in the first place because he doesn't know how to get up the stairs.

 Quote: kadi_thingvall

I agree, my bed, my rules. I don't have issues with my dogs regarding who is in charge, so they are allowed a lot of freedoms. "Allowed" is a key word here.

If however, I had issues, all freedom would be revoked until the problem was solved. I spoke with someone on the phone last night who was inquiring about a pup, her 2 current dogs are up on the furniture, but the difference is when she tries to get one of them to move, the dog will either show teeth, lunge at her, or even bite her. She couldn't understand why it would be OK for my dogs to be on the bed, but not hers. By the end of the conversation though she "got it".

I completely agree! I also think that when people ask this question and people say that allowing dogs on furniture doesn't lead to issues, is not always true. Allowing dogs free reign of anywhere is going to cause issues, everything should be seen as yours with them having the privilege of enjoying it on your terms. Also, whether a dog will challenge or just accept his place is temperament dependant.

I recommend to people not to let their young (or new to them) dogs onto any furniture, beds, free in the house etc until they have earned it through maturity, training and behavior. I do not give my dogs anything for free, everything they have they have earned.

For new dog owners, this is not as ingrained as it is for someone who has always owned dogs. So for someone who has pack structure so "down" they no longer have to think about it, having their dogs in their bed and on furniture seems natural. But for someone who is just allowing it unconditionally and un-earned it can spell disaster!

BTW, I LOVE the pic of the dogs in the bed and yet the cat still gets the best spot!

I found with dominant dogs this is the best rule. I tell all my clients not to allow it as a rule, if their dog is of the dominant protection type.
Most of the homes that I go to that have problems with their dog being aggressive I find that the dog owns the bedroom. If your a strong pack leader then sure you may be able to keep the structure, but most people aren't and that's why the rule, because most of us on this site are the exception to the rule not the standard unfortunately.

 Quote: chris waple

i've heard not to let your dog get on top of YOU, but haven't heard anything about dominance issues from dogs being on furniture/bed.

(i have read an article or two saying dogs shouldn't be allowed to sleep with you for health reasons...)

my boy can't get in my bed in the first place because he doesn't know how to get up the stairs.

again, sounds like nonsense, IF you established leadership/groundrules or whatever you want to call it. As long as the dog understands "OFF" means "OFF" there shouldn't be a problem