Off to the basket!
Why your dog's resting place is important
Whether the dog is lying in its crate, on the sofa, or in the middle of the hallway—most dog owners don't care. Yet, this topic is by no means unimportant, says dog training consultant Holger Schüler.
First of all: I'm definitely not a couch potato. My dogs are allowed on the couch with me. The idea that dogs become aggressive or "dominant" when you let them sit on the couch is, in my opinion, complete nonsense. But why does the dog want to sit on the couch?
It's clearly the place where the "important" people hang out. It's elevated, so you have a good view. It's beautifully located in the center of the action. It's the ideal spot if you always want to keep an eye on everything and not miss a thing. And, of course, if you're the most important person! The same applies if your dog likes to lie in the middle of the hallway or right in front of the door.
Well, you say: The dog should feel important and take care of everything. That's not so bad. Not for you – but for your dog, it is. Because it gives him a role in the family that is overwhelming and stressful. Do you have a restless, nervous dog? Overwhelmed by too much responsibility in the "pack" can be one cause of this.
No, you say—my dog isn't nervous or overwhelmed! Then you probably have a confident dog who doesn't mind feeling like the boss in the ring. And how does it work when your dog is supposed to listen? He comes when he wants to? I always call such dogs "Count Bobby" dogs. They're usually friendly and quite willing to cooperate, as long as they feel like it. But when it comes down to it, such a dog will always make his own decisions. The owner can then scold and yell as much as he wants.
And all this just because of the sofa? No, of course not. The sofa question is just one indicator of how the human-dog relationship works. Does the dog always make its own decisions – or does the human make the effort to set and enforce clear rules? Not to annoy the dog, but to show it: I'm in charge! This will deepen and improve the relationship with your dog: It will be more willing to trust and submit to your leadership. Without much fuss.
The question of who is allowed to lie where is simply one of many rules that help the dog understand the structure of the family unit. He should have his own resting place, somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle. Initially, careful training is required so that the dog willingly allows himself to be directed there and also voluntarily seeks out his place. He must be able to relax there and find his place completely enjoyable. Therefore, I always recommend feeding the dog in his crate for a few weeks.
And your dog is still allowed on the sofa: to cuddle with you. This makes the sofa much more exciting and appealing to your dog than if he were allowed to lounge around on it all day.
