[nay1084]

I have had my pit Beau for the past three days. So far things have been great. We are working on manners but hes attentive and eager to please. I have noticed twice him trying to hump my leg (show dominance) and I have stood up and said no. which stops the behavior. I have been reading about how the bed is the alpha's prime spot for sleeping. I enjoy having Beau sleep in the bed with me but I do not want him to get under the impression that he is Alpha dog. Does him having the right to sleep in the bed do anything to make him feel more dominant? Should I keep him strickly in on the floor or in the crate? I have no fears of him being aggressive. He has shown no signs and hes had ample opportunities to so far. any suggestions would be great.
Thanks,

New pit owner
Naomi

[Madeleinemom]

Welcome and congratulations!

Since you have had Beau for just three days, I would not yet allow the bed privilege.

Work on establishing all the other rules and regs, and add that 'bed bonus' when Beau has learned them.

How old is he?

[Rai_77]

If you do choose to let him sleep on the bed, make sure he stays at the foot, and make sure he only gets on the bed after you have given him the okay.

If he jumps on the bed without asking, back on the floor he goes.

Both of mine will sit and give me a look when they want to come up, and wait for me to pat the bed or tell them 'okay' before getting on the bed or couch.

[nay1084]

Were not certain how old he is but the vets guess somewhere between 6-8 months. Thanks for the Advice, Ive been using it and he responds well.

[kris2642]

I would do whatever you feel is best for you and your household. It was our preference to have our dog sleep in his crate from day one. I think it's a good way to establish boundaries, and it also creates a "safe place" that is the dog's own space, like a bedroom for humans. Once a few weeks ago I let my dog sleep in the bed when my boyfriend was away, and when I woke up in the morning I saw he had jumped down in the middle of the night and went back into his crate, so some dogs actually prefer the security of an enclosed space. The only issue I have with giving puppies too much freedom is it may come back to bite you later, once he's full grown, the hormones start kicking in and he wants to test his limits and where he stands in the pack structure. That's just my opinion though.

[nay1084]

I personally Don't mind if he sleeps with me, I kinda like having the company and someone to snuggle but not if its going to cause problems. Last night I put his crate in the bedroom and he slept there for the night with no problems. He woke up early to go potty and afterwards I still wanted to sleep so I gave him permission to come up on the bed for an hour and snuggle. I think I will keep snuggle time to a minimum and as a bonus only.

[K9 Love]

I agree with Madeleine.

Until the dogs know the rules, they don't get priviledges like sleeping on the bed, or lounging on the furniture.

This isn't to say that he'll NEVER be allowed too, but these are often common grounds for issues later on life. We have a long sheet we hand out to young puppy classes first night called "Rank Reduction" that includes; sleeping on the bed, allowing free roam of the house and busy areas, free feeding, loose toys about etc. that are all things that CAN lead to problems later in life.

These aren't things that have to be done for the rest of the dog's life, but if they are never taught or shown that these resources are yours, and are allowed full priviledges to them, it's only natural that they would assume it's theirs.

The minute he gives you any qualms about getting off of the bed, is a clear sign your going to have problems.

So my vote is; No bed for a few weeks.

Good luck!