Do your dogs sleep in bed with you?

[Elaine]

Here's a really pressing topic, of vital importance... I notice that many of you let your dogs sleep on the bed… we used to, till we have five Dobermans in the bed with us… :eek: We’d wake up battered and bruised. The blankets would shift during the night so that by morning Arthur and I had no blankets, they were all stuck under the dogs, and we were hanging off the edges of the bed. Somehow the pillow hogs like Brentina always ended up at the head of the bed while I'd be freezing in a ball at the foot of the bed. :o Finally we said, “enough.” We tried reducing it to a few on the bed, but that seemed unfair… so the dogs now sleep on hammocks or in their crates. I was wondering, how many of you let your dogs sleep on the bed with you… and what’s the most that can fit comfortably?

[katdobemom]

Elaine
We absolutely 100% DO let our dogs sleep with us.
I am so anal about it if one of mine gets to hot and goes out to the sofa, I go out and get them to bring them back to bed. I somehow cannot sleep without feeling them close:)
The two I have now, Kayla and Dallas, sleep in tight little balls so its not so bad. Our dobe Chance, at 127lbs was not so good about that. He took up alot of space fer sure.
We have only ever had 2 dobes at a time tho. 5? OMG I can't imagine. lol
The fosters never slept in bed as the adopter may not like that so we never allowed that.
Nothing like curling up with a dobe lol.
Oh, and both insist they sleep under the covers.

[Elaine]

Here's a variation on "sleeping on the bed"... i.e., sleeping on the couch.
Almé and Quincy, at home with E2 and Tom… you can see how Almé fits in.

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp21/logresfarm/AlmeandQ.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp21/logresfarm/AlmeandQ2.jpg

http://i394.photobucket.com/albums/pp21/logresfarm/AlmeandQ3.jpg

[Athy]

I used to let my guys in bed with me until the critical mass reached the point where I had about 1.5 square feet to sleep in! About 8 years ago, I had my wood floors refinished and the dogs weren't allowed back on it for two weeks. I slept so well during that two week period, I had to admit that it was probably time to take back the bed!

Since then, my guys have beds of their own and seem pretty content with that. And like Kathleen, I try not to let my foster kids on the bed or furniture since we do have a lot of adopters who don't allow it at all.

Athy

[andyhilt27]

Interesting topic Elaine.....one that has been on my mind for quite some time. Joy and Tabitha sleep in our bed. Eva sleeps in her crate. I put stiff regulations on my wife when we brought Eva home to never let her sleep in bed. Simply not enough room. Ignorance is bliss according to her.

When we are lounging in the family room watching television it gets very crowded. I normally rest on the love seat as it is easy to elevate my legs. It never fails that Joy or Eva want to come up and snuggle. Once one does the other certainly must join. It always ends with Joy getting pissed off. She says screw it and goes to sleep on the bed while Eva just finds something to destroy with her mouth. :D

[dobesign]

They let ME sleep in MY bed with THEM...ALL of them...occasionally, when they are feeling generous, I actually get to feel one of my pillows, too!:eek::p

[Lou's mom]

Funny, I was just thinking about this the other night. Bella got on the bed first, on 'Will's side', so he squeezed in above her (him loves his pillow), and I had 2/3rds of the bed to myself! For half a second I contemplated how many other dobers I might fit, then reminded myself that 2 dobers per side is a rare event.

Standard Operating Practice has been 1 dober per side, with Will asking to come under the covers if he gets cold. When I had 3 dobers one slept towards my feet, making an immobile human burrito. No midnight bathroom runs for me, cuz my warm spot would be occupied when I got back :eek: (good practice at reminding them who's Alpha, I suppose, but I just wanna go back to sleep, not reinforce pack order).

Daytime snuggles involves them getting the arms of the couch w/me in the middle. One afternoon nap I went to sleep on the couch w/one snuggled under my feet, and woke up w/both behind my lower torso. Warm, but cramped. :p

My first dober slept in his crate til 18months, except when my honey would smuggle him into bed for nap purposes. Brenna finally encouraged me to let him sleep on the bed, and I've never regretted it, for long anyway.

Where is she anyway?? She's got LOTS of dobers-on-the-bed data!

[Ann Lanier]

Loved the Sleepy Dober pictures.

Let me tell you, my first experience with an itty bitty has taught me real quick that a 3 pound Yorkie ALSO demands the middle of the bed. I still end up scrunched over to the side. After a potty run, when she has curled up in my warm spot, Picabo Poppie has to move, and that's my chance to retake lost territory. By morning, however, I am again hanging over the precipice.

An article in Scientific American some years ago explored the theory that dogs are the most successful human parasite ever. We willingly provide them choice food and water and shelter. We bathe and groom them, we even buy motorhomes (except for poor Elaine,) for these parasites... errrr ... dogs .. in which they are royally and comfortably transported to be shown off far and wide. We have altars with their photographs and trophies. Archeologists of the future will be dumbfounded that these furballs took over our homes and actually convinced us to worship them. And let them sleep in our beds.:rolleyes:

That said, the best dog sleeping arrangement I ever saw, was as a guest where the master bedroom had a HUGE water bed. (The humans had to be up at 4 for a dog show, the dogs stayed in bed as long as they could.) Two or perhaps 3 Dobermans slept on the flat part, while various whippets, and other small fourfoots wedged themselves upside down along the edges between the water bag and the padded rails, feet in various degrees of skywardness. It was amazing, and pretty funny too. I wouldna believed it if I hadn't seen it. She said she crammed them in the crack and told them to stay, and they did, and it became normal. What a hoot.:D

a

[Lou's mom]

3 Dobermans slept on the flat part, while various whippets, and other small fourfoots wedged themselves upside down along the edges between the water bag and the padded rails, feet in various degrees of skywardness.

My visual: puppy pincushion (with teeth).

ROFLMAO!!!!

[Elaine]

An article in Scientific American some years ago explored the theory that dogs are the most successful human parasite ever. ... Archeologists of the future will be dumbfounded that these furballs took over our homes and actually convinced us to worship them. And let them sleep in our beds.:rolleyes:



:D:D

[doberdogsfd]

I am with Brenna...they let us find a patch of space and squeeze in! LOL!

Now, some of you have seen Bob, some of you have not. This in itself is a feet for him and one I might add is one of the many reasons he is just the deal!
We had 5 dobes at one point, everyone slept in the bedroom , but two of our girls thought it was just a tad crazy to even attempt to squeeze in next to my old male, Flex. He was the "King" and was less then supportive of allowing interlopers to get a spot on the kingsized bed. So, Sadie and L.E. would sleep on cushy beds on the floor.

When Emma came home, I told Bob " She isn't to be in the bed. She needs to housebreak and learn to be on the dog beds...it is too crowded." One look from that little taped head over the baby gate, at the 6'5" tough guy on the otherside and a little squeak, as if to say, " Come on Dad, you know she and that old dog are mean...let me come in there, I won't pee or do anything bad."
Flex and I were voted off the island and we both grumbled and had to deal with it.
Vaako and Emma sleep under the covers, one must be toasty warm and crowd your humans too!
Wouldn't have it any other way,they are just the best! :)

Cheryl

[katdobemom]

All
Its pretty darn cold in Md right now for about the last week at least dipping down into the 20's at night and next couple days are supposed to barely get past freezing. Cold enough for sure that I had to get the coats out for both my "kids".
I have to say its very nice having my doberkids keeping me warm now in bed.
My husband usually can't because the red kids are in the middle:)

[Ann Lanier]

I spent almost ten days in PA with Tess Henseler interviewing her for the Doberman Quarterly. Tess was the breeder of Vom Ahrtal Dobermans, many of whom formed the foundation breeding stock for American Dobermans.

Huge in knowledge, prestige and personality, Tess was not physically imposing. This was fortunate because she always slept in a twin bed with two large Dobermans and one gigantic cat, named Pfafner. The bed was in a corner, against the wall, so at least there were 2 edges that were not 'precipitous.' How they puzzled themselves together in that little bed I have no idea, but I know she wouldn't have it any other way.

The worst cramming I ever saw, I was part of. When we moved from California to Oregon, it was between issues of the DQ. The DQ-to-be was "in" my computer, so we packed the computer and double monitor and all the components safely in my short Dodge van, along with some clothing and provisions for the new house until the movers arrived. Then we added three Dobermans. Don drove the small Toyota truck with only a tarp over a full load of stuff.

The movers left late so we didn't start for Oregon until about 6 pm. Long story short, we ran out of energy halfway there. We pulled into a rest stop, and carefully arranged the dogs. The biggest one, Oliver, fit snugly in a rectangular space behind the driver's seat. Bambi, the mama dog, fit in front of my legs and behind Don's knees. His feet went between the seats, and Star was tucked in between us. It was cold, but two big sleeping bags covered everyone and all 5 of us crashed instantly. Loooong day!

I woke up a couple hours later feeling distinctly restricted. As I lay there, slowly waking up, I realized that Oliver was still behind my knees. Bambi was still down below my knees, but something was pressing firmly against my midsection. Very firmly, actually, and this was what had awakened me. I almost couldn't breathe. Feeling in the dark, I realized it was Doberman in nature. It was Star.

Star had oonched down between me and Don, and as is a dog's wont, she had blossomed and expanded as the temperature under the sleeping bags had grown nicely toasty. Raising up on one elbow I looked for my husband. He was turned on his right side, with his face smushed against the wheelwell, his left arm over his head resting on top of the carpeted lump. He was rolled far past horizontal, with his leg mostly in the step well by the doors and the rest of his body against the wall. Almost none of the sleeping bag had made the migration with him.

And between us was Star, luxuriating, but a little hot. Being fully expanded, she had placed all four feet on Don's back, braced herself on my tummy, and strong legged us apart to adjust her tropical environment. :p I struggled up, moved a box and crammed Star into that cold square, woke Don and helped him unfold. He was already sore from moving boxes and furniture all day, so it took a bit of coaxing to get him unwadded.

Star spent the next few hours curled tightly in chilly exile.

Don had a distinct hitch in his gitalong the next day.

a



Here's a really pressing topic, of vital importance... I notice that many of you let your dogs sleep on the bed… we used to, till we have five Dobermans in the bed with us… :eek: We’d wake up battered and bruised. The blankets would shift during the night so that by morning Arthur and I had no blankets, they were all stuck under the dogs, and we were hanging off the edges of the bed. Somehow the pillow hogs like Brentina always ended up at the head of the bed while I'd be freezing in a ball at the foot of the bed. :o Finally we said, “enough.” We tried reducing it to a few on the bed, but that seemed unfair… so the dogs now sleep on hammocks or in their crates. I was wondering, how many of you let your dogs sleep on the bed with you… and what’s the most that can fit comfortably?

[katdobemom]

And between us was Star, luxuriating, but a little hot. Being fully expanded, she had placed all four feet on Don's back, braced herself on my tummy, and strong legged us apart to adjust her tropical environment. :p I struggled up, moved a box and crammed Star into that cold square, woke Don and helped him unfold. He was already sore from moving boxes and furniture all day, so it took a bit of coaxing to get him unwadded.



Ann
After reading your post (and cleaning up soda from my computer screen) I have chuckled over this multiple times.
I can't say I have experienced anything closely related to this in a vehicle.
My vehicle experience is this. I used to drive hot little number sports cars(quite a few years ago) and continued the trend when we only owned one dobe. My boy and I fit nicely and even when hubby went along, my boy could have the whole back seat. T-tops down, wind blowing and all was well.
I think it was when we added our blue girl Lacey to the mix that I realized the days of hot little red camaro's were gone. Two humans, and two dobes in a camaro wasnt working:)
After a few trips of Lacey growling at Chance, my very poorly bred massive dobe at 127lbs we realized something had to change. He was shoved into a corner but obviously that wasnt enough room for her still.
Car dealership here we come.
Welcome SUV and peace and quiet.
My pair I have now are content and only a few rumblings from Princess Kayla but not over not enough room.
Isnt it funny how every fiber of our being is directed at assuring our doberkids are comfortable?
I woke this am, Thanksgiving day, to 2 dobes on each side and barely able to move. Kayla staring in my face because it was past her breakfast time and Dallas still snoring under the covers. Hubby must have moved to spare bedroom sometime during the night:)
I am most thankful for these two kids.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

[Ann Lanier]

I woke this am, Thanksgiving day, to 2 dobes on each side and barely able to move. Kayla staring in my face because it was past her breakfast time and Dallas still snoring under the covers. Hubby must have moved to spare bedroom sometime during the night:)
I am most thankful for these two kids.
Hope everyone has a Happy Thanksgiving!

Now THAT's a great Thanksgiving!

Did you ever wonder how a Doberman can stare you awake?

a

P.S. Sorry about the soda. Hope it didn't come out through your nose. :D

[katdobemom]

Now THAT's a great Thanksgiving!

Did you ever wonder how a Doberman can stare you awake?

a

P.S. Sorry about the soda. Hope it didn't come out through your nose. :D


Ann
I have seriously chuckled over this so many times today about your van experience.
I have had several "soda" episodes this week over folks dobes.
My friend and fellow rescuer drops her dobe off at her Mom's house each day on her way to work. She came to pick her up one day this week and opened the door to her Mom's, and found Gracie on top of her kitchen table, all 4's, standing eating the cat's food. She didnt even bat an eye to get down but did manage nub wags and was glad to see her Mommy. Not so sure her Mommy was so glad to see her on top of the table:)

[mosso]

I remember when we had a DOUBLE bed (it was a lovely pecan thing with side rails and curved footboard..) : 2 humans, 5 dogs (Afghan, GSD, large mix), and as many cats. Then I had back surgery and no dogs on the bed ... I don't know how we did survived until then.

Now, on a king, we only have 2-3 dogs per night (we rotate who is with us) - the 13 yo (who is always there) gets 2/3 s of the bed, and the rest of us duke it out over the remaining 1/3. It's not pretty.

When the oldest couldn't jump up on the bed, we removed the frame. Then when she couldn't jump up on it, we removed the box springs. It looks completely ridiculous (like I'm in college or something, and I know I'm not b/c I don't have the same set of legs!), but works. Unfortunately, it means the heat control for the bed is actually under-foot, so sometimes I wake up roasting b/c the old girl was walking around...

oh yeh, add 3-5 cats on the bed too. (no more cats!! EVER!)

I can't WAIT to put up some more doors in the house, and kick all creatures out of the bedroom (except the old one of course) and get a good nights sleep.

Successful parasites indeed! (I bought one old guy a couch and put it in the bedroom, but he wanted the bed... I got rid of the couch and got a bigger bed).

Maybe we need to put in wood floors? :)

stir

[Sheila]

Loved these dobe anecdotes!!! Sleeping in van with dobes cracked me right up!! Thankfully my soda was on the puter desk when I read it.

In past had as many as four dobes with hubby and me on a bed. Three gals and our big guy Daimon. Daimon's wont was to sleep between us. Do you know "log roll"??? Daimon would stretch his legs out straight and whoever was in range of the feet got them in the back and went straight to the edge of the bed. We both learned to sleep gripping onto the edge of the matress. Meanwhile the girls slept peacefully in the proverbial dober heaps and hardly stirred.

Gone are the days of dobes in the bed. New hardwood floors and my back surgery ended that. But must admit was a lot of fun and they sure make good bed warmers<G>

Sheila