Some dog owners don't want their dog on the couch or bed, while others are fine with sharing the furniture with their pet. There can be many reasons why you have decided on one or the other. And what is the right solution is up to the dog owner.
The rules with us.
When we got our dog, we agreed that he shouldn't be on the furniture. But apparently you have a point of view until you change it. Once in bed and he remembered how cozy it was. And we agreed. It was cozy, so he was allowed. We had a good talk about the house rules afterwards, and both dogs and cats are welcome in our bed and sofa.
There are still rules.
But that doesn't mean that Marvin can be on all the furniture. Of course, he can't be on the sofa at other people's houses if he's visiting. Only if he's allowed to. He can't be in the new armchairs in the living room either. If he has wet, dirty paws, or there are a lot of guests, he also knows that he has to be on the floor or in his carrier. He understands those rules pretty well. But as a stubborn FT Cocker Spaniel, the rules have to be tested every now and then. We may have changed our minds.
Why?
Because when Marvin lies close to me with his head on my chest, I can feel how we both relax completely. His pulse drops and his stress level decreases when I stroke him gently and run my fingers slowly through his fur. It becomes a kind of mindfulness, where he has my full attention, while I just stay in the present and recharge. He snuggles comfortably and rolls over on his back. It doesn't take long before he takes a deep breath, and his regular breathing and the weight of his head help me find peace. I sleep quite badly because of arthritis and pain. But when Marvin lies there snoring and close to me, the heat has a pain-relieving effect, and I fall asleep faster. Yes, he sometimes wakes me up during the night. But for me it's positive, because then I get to change my sleeping position and therefore my body is less sore the next day. I simply get a better night's sleep when he sleeps in my bed.
Marvin chooses for himself.
Even though we have chosen that Marvin can be on the furniture, it is entirely up to him where he wants to be. During the day he often lies on the sofa, sometimes he chooses to sleep on the floor, other times in his basket or the transport box with the door open. But at night he always chooses the bed. If it gets too hot, he jumps down to the floor. But only for a while. Then he is back. He finds the perfect place to sleep. Preferably across the bed, on top of me, with the bars up - in true Cocker style.
About the blogger
Charlotte works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is passionate about healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown, 6-year-old, stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.
Dog on the furniture
Some dog owners don't want their dog on the couch or bed, while others are fine with sharing the furniture with their pet. There can be many reasons why you have decided on one or the other. And what is the right solution is up to the dog owner.
The rules with us.
When we got our dog, we agreed that he shouldn't be on the furniture. But apparently you have a point of view until you change it. Once in bed and he remembered how cozy it was. And we agreed. It was cozy, so he was allowed. We had a good talk about the house rules afterwards, and both dogs and cats are welcome in our bed and sofa.
There are still rules.
But that doesn't mean that Marvin can be on all the furniture. Of course, he can't be on the sofa at other people's houses if he's visiting. Only if he's allowed to. He can't be in the new armchairs in the living room either. If he has wet, dirty paws, or there are a lot of guests, he also knows that he has to be on the floor or in his carrier. He understands those rules pretty well. But as a stubborn FT Cocker Spaniel, the rules have to be tested every now and then. We may have changed our minds.
Why?
Because when Marvin lies close to me with his head on my chest, I can feel how we both relax completely. His pulse drops and his stress level decreases when I stroke him gently and run my fingers slowly through his fur. It becomes a kind of mindfulness, where he has my full attention, while I just stay in the present and recharge. He snuggles comfortably and rolls over on his back. It doesn't take long before he takes a deep breath, and his regular breathing and the weight of his head help me find peace. I sleep quite badly because of arthritis and pain. But when Marvin lies there snoring and close to me, the heat has a pain-relieving effect, and I fall asleep faster. Yes, he sometimes wakes me up during the night. But for me it's positive, because then I get to change my sleeping position and therefore my body is less sore the next day. I simply get a better night's sleep when he sleeps in my bed.
Marvin chooses for himself.
Even though we have chosen that Marvin can be on the furniture, it is entirely up to him where he wants to be. During the day he often lies on the sofa, sometimes he chooses to sleep on the floor, other times in his basket or the transport box with the door open. But at night he always chooses the bed. If it gets too hot, he jumps down to the floor. But only for a while. Then he is back. He finds the perfect place to sleep. Preferably across the bed, on top of me, with the bars up - in true Cocker style.
About the blogger
Charlotte works in accounting by day. She loves taking pictures, writing and reading, is passionate about healthy eating and gluten-free baking. She spends a lot of time growing vegetables and gardening.
Marvin is a brown, 6-year-old, stubborn and happy cocker spaniel. He is a spoiled couch dog, family dog and home-trained service dog. He loves teddy bears and new adventures. As long as there is no vacuum cleaner in the adventure.