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Dear Zelda, We have a wonderful dog named Corbin the Corgie whom we love very much. We view him as our "child" and he goes just about everywhere with us (weather permitting). Corbin has started insisting on getting in to bed with us in the middle of the night. We have a bed for him which he looks at and walks away from. He is so insistent about sleeping with us he will actually BARK at us if we don't let him. What do I do?? I do not want to hurt his feelings, however our bed is just that-- OURS! Sincerely, Between the Covers Dear Between the Covers, Your lovable little Corgie Corbin may think he's Best in Bed, but it's up to you to show him who's best at being the BOSS. There's a lot of dogma out there that supports the fact that sharing sheets with your dog can have some negative results. A recent article in the Washington Post quotes a dog trainer who stated that a dog in bed is "a sign the dog is completely in charge." Now that's not negative to me... I like being large and in charge. A lot of my pals curl up in their owner’s beds like amorous armadillos, taking advantage of those warm electric blankets and the 1200 thread-count comforters. In fact, a survey from the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association found that about one third of American dog owners sleep with their dogs. I think it's up to you, the owner, to say either "yay" or "nay," and from the sound of it, "nay" is your choice. Your question specifically asks for help on how to keep Corbin from complaining and harassing you and your husband in the middle of the night without letting him share your bed or hurting his feelings. It has been my experience that when rules are made and consistently adhered to, we dogs obey. Now I'm a bulldog, the most stubborn breed out there, yet if "NO" is always the response to my requests, I quit requesting. (I stopped begging for those delicious Krispy Kreme Donuts a long time ago!) So stick with your schtick and just say "NO!" You don't have to explain the rationale to Corbin. He doesn't care and too much attention will bring him back to your bed again and again. Certainly what Corbin wants is to cuddle with you under your comforter. But what Corbin needs, and what Corbin gets, is a comfy bed on the floor with room to snore. To quote one of my wisdoms…"Smile, it could be worse." Think about it: damp basement, cold garage, wet backyard. Corbin's got it good! Your letter shows what a kind, loving lady you are, and how much you love your dog. You just don't want Corbin burrowing between your covers. From a dog's-eye view, Corbin is lucky to have you as his owner. It's up to you to set the bedtime by-laws. Just follow my tough but tender advice and soon all of you, Corbin included, will be enjoying a night filled with happy zzzzzzzz's. Zelda Share this column with a friend! |
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