posted 01-09-2004 11:31 AM         

I haven't weighed Witt in a couple months, but he was 65 lbs the last time I did, Dooley weighs 45.5 lbs, Darby is 9 lbs and Shawn is about 180...how long do you think that recliner is going to last?

[This message has been edited by Maisey (edited 01-09-2004).]

posted 01-09-2004 04:47 PM         

I don't believe that. As long as you teach them to get off when you tell them to, and you don't EVER let them guard the couch like it is theirs, they are fine on the couch.

That being said, we don't allow Nala on the couch or in bed because my husband is religiously opposed to dogs on furniture.

Jamiya

posted 01-11-2004 02:48 PM         

Yes I have always let them on the furniture and my bed. I enjoy snuggling with them. I do not believe that it's wrong or the way one loses alpha position. There are many ways to establish your top rank in your house. Any one of my animals will get off when I tell them to. Witt is a very alpha dog, and yet I have no problem telling him off and having him do it immediately. I truely believe that you can establish alpha position in many many ways, that doesn't mean every dog is the same..for some dogs it may bring up problems.
My dogs do not go for the food bowl until I say "ok", they do not get into or out of a vehicle or doorway unless I have said "ok", when I say "enough" while they are playing, they quit. If one is laying in the middle of my walking path, I do not step over them...I ask them to move. Simple little things that may not seem like much to you, speak volumes to your dog.