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Companions
In the thick of things	Wendy Anastasiou
He's big, he's furry, and perhaps he drools; sometimes they creep, sometimes they sneak, and sometimes they just jump right on you slathering you in well meant kisses. Sleeping with dogs has become the newest taboo in sharing our lives with dogs. It seems that folks are either embarrassed they do it, or certain it is the root of all doggie evil. I am left wondering why, and what's the big deal, as I snuggle down with four dogs that must be touching me in order to fall asleep. It would seem as though there were two camps on this issue: those who do sleep with dogs, and those who'd never dream of it. I have noticed that those who do it will always do it, and those who don't still might be convinced to try. It is almost as if they really want to, but there is something holding them back. So it is usually the first question I ask when I meet someone who owns a dog. "Is your dog allowed on the furniture?" This question is always responded to with either great passion, or instant justification. I haven't yet revealed to these folks my personal habit, but for some strange reason they are instantly convinced that I am going to be judging them from by this answer alone. After much investigation, and careful questioning, I have gleaned that the reason this one question holds so much value is the terrible rumor that allowing your dog on the furniture is to call him equal, or worse yet to allow him to become "alpha"; which as we all know leads to trouble with a capital. Someone has sold this bill of goods so well, that an entire generation of people is afraid to sleep with their dogs. When did dogs become the enemy? When did we start battling for leadership? When did dogs start plotting to overtake us, and why is the key sleeping in bed? Dogs are pack animals. They prefer to do everything as a group. It is the best thing for survival of the pack; they travel, eat, play, and sleep as a group. Alpha dog in a wild pack doesn't get a special bed that he refuses to share in fear of losing his position; no he sleeps right in the thick of things with the other pack members. It is a time for bonding and connection, a habit that increases pack safety during and outside of sleep time. The other pack members don't view alpha as weak, or use this habit to advance in the ranks; no they simply enjoy the touch and smell of pack which keeps them thinking about what is good for the pack, not what is good for one member. When we bring dogs into our homes they are still looking for a pack to belong to. This is why they crave closeness with us; they are looking for the security and bonding that comes with forming a pack. It is in their best interest. Stealing leadership is not the agenda, creating connections is. One of the best ways of forming connections is to sleep together; that is why they are so desperate to climb in bed with us each night. So how do you share your bed without losing the struggle? Be a good leader. Sleeping with dogs is risky only if they ALREADY consider themselves alpha. If you have their respect as a good leader then cuddling up at night won't make a difference. Good leaders provide food, safety, structure, and rules (i.e. training). If you are a benevolent leader your dog will cease being the enemy and instead can be your friend. So cuddle up, snuggle down, and let those dogs onto the bed; you know you are dying to do it :) Wendy Anastasiou owns Life with Fido, Canine Behavior Modification Counseling and Training, which specializes in creating happy, well-adjusted canines, one paw at a time. Call 937-470-7684, or visit lifewithfido.com for information on in-home consults and private classes, in-hospital consults, and group classes at Hartwood Animal Hospital, hartwoodanimalhospital.com
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