Room limitations for a dog inside the home

[MP1983]

Have a new puppy coming home in April (Doberman). He will have inside privileges, but the wife does not want him in any of the bedrooms or underfoot in the kitchen & hallways.

I have a "man cave" outside the house (10' X 20' building w/ heat & A/C) that he will have access to, and there's an office and living room inside the house where he will be able to lounge when not outside with me or in the yard chasing squirrels and feral cats. He has a sturdy house outside which is undercover, and a half-acre fenced in back yard to romp.

I am retired now, so he'll be with me much of the day (part of which will be dedicated to obedience training on leash & off-leash).

The purpose of my post is to ask you guys how you handle your dogs that are solitary fellas (no kids or other dogs in the house) that do not stay & sleep in the bedroom of his master. What rooms do they have access to, and where do they sleep? Leaving the wife is not an option, so let's take that off the table before we even get started. Plus, she graciously does all the cooking (even though she still works full-time), so I HAVE to keep her happy (plus I love her ).

Our last dog weighed 90 lbs. and worked his way into having access to every inch of the house 24 hrs a day before his 14 years and 4 months were up (we had him from 8 weeks old, Aug 2000 - Nov 2014). I couldn't have been happier - he was the greatest guy in the world; but the wife suffered from his ever-presence under foot, his doggy smell, shedding which left hair in the bedroom & on her clothes, etc., and I won't put her through that again. He ate scraps from the table, laid where ever he liked and felt put-upon whenever told to move (mastiff type). I loved that guy and wish I had another, but I know it drove the wife crazy so I'm gonna place restrictions on our new fellow (number 1 being no eating from the table) and have chosen the Doberman breed due to their light coat and more disciplined manners (if taught, of course).

Any personal experience from you fellow dog owners would be appreciated.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

I have experience with this.

When we got Pugsters I forbid her on the couch or bed. That lasted about a week.

 

[A-37]

Run of the House

Once Annie was house-broken, she had the run of the house, furniture, and beds.

There's something comforting about having her on the couch with me when watching TV or reading. Same for the bed where she likes to lean against me.

We got her at four months. She's six now.

 

[HarryD]

We have had Border Collies, they were both too smart for their own good so they were both crate trained from pups. It worked well and when it was time for bed and we turned off the lights they heading in to their crates for the night. If we stayed up late the last on we had would go get in his crate and if we did not go close the door he would come and stare at you until you got up then he would run in the crate and lay down. It really is nice when they are young, you don't have to worry about them finding something to chew on while you are sleeping. Good luck with your new addition and glad your trying to keep the wife happy.

 

[Rangerpat]

I suggest you buy a large size crate with plenty of room for your dog when full grown, and his bed or pad. Put the crate in the room (office or living room) that your wife decides would work best for her.

Start the puppy out right away sleeping in his crate and he will consider it his "den" and a place of security. As the dog gets older and through the "chewing stage," you can leave the door open for him to go anywhere he pleases during the day.

My dog has a bed in the living room where she sleeps, has access to the whole house, but is NOT allowed on the furniture or beds.

Good luck training your new puppy, if you get frustrated, take a break and don't loose your patience.

 

[gunnails]

It's all in the training.

I believe young dogs like children crave firm discipline and boundaries.

I would begin by making sure the dog has plenty of controlled exercise, restrict it's access, crate train, no table scraps what so ever.

Socialization of the dog is very important, exposure to other dogs, cats and people, etc. is critical at a young age.

Dobies are guard dogs, so focus your training on non violent guard duties for the dog, dogs love to have a job and to please there masters, use this to your advantage. Be consistent, firm and reward good behaviors. Never accept bad behavior, if they don't want to behave or train, fine, put them in there crate till they are ready.

The first 6 months to a year of a dogs life is critical in training, use this time wisely and you will end up with the best dog ever.

A well trained dog is a wonder to behold, and your wife and you will become quite attached to the new wonder dog, protector, and family member.

Edit: Provide a safe place for the dog when you are not around that has nothing in the space that he can destroy or damage that you value, this way when you get home every ones happy and not pissed that the dog ate the trailer lights for the boat.

When leaving the dog home I found that some dog food in a water bottle that they could chew open was a nice distraction and reward for the dog to prevent separation anxiety. A hand full or two of food scattered about also helps to keep them occupied as you leave. (only works for food orientated dogs).

When returning home ignore the dog and do not fuss over them, this will help to keep the dog from over reacting with expectations upon your return.

Give them plenty of love and security.

 

[Big Cholla]

MP: I raised and trained Dobermans until I got into horses. Dobies are the greatest pet in the world! They do shed some if their skin and hair get dry. It really helps to daily spray a little olive oil on their food. If your puppy is really going to be outside and on his own a lot please make sure that he has a small kennel with some of your old dirty clothes for a bed. Also, if you are in an area with lots of thunder and lightning be with him the first time it occurs and comfort him a lot without paying any attention to the thunder. There is a product called a 'Thunder Shirt' that is a body wrap type that really comforts dogs that are alone and apprehensive. I conditioned one of my male Dobies that way and he became a real and I mean real gun dog. He loved to go quail and chucker hunting. He retrieved anything I could knock down. He got so that if I missed a bird he would 'frown' at me. If I can find it, I have someplace around here the first draft of a book by a friend that was a master dog trainer in raising and training Dobies. If I can find it I will let you know and if you want it it is yours. ................

 

[pawngal]

When leaving the dog home I found that some dog food in a water bottle that they could chew open was a nice distraction

I don't care for that idea. Some dogs can develop quite a fetish for plastic.

 

[kenv1950]

Yes, discipline when young, but do you want to be a dog owner or a pet owner ? Myself I'm a pet owner and my dog is a family member with family privileges

 

[arjay]

Don't be too surprised if the dog wins her over and has free reign of the place within a few weeks [emoji5]

 

[16thVACav]

Have a new puppy coming home in April (Doberman). He will have inside privileges, but the wife does not want him in any of the bedrooms or underfoot in the kitchen & hallways.

I have a "man cave" outside the house (10' X 20' building w/ heat & A/C) that he will have access to, and there's an office and living room inside the house where he will be able to lounge when not outside with me or in the yard chasing squirrels and feral cats. He has a sturdy house outside which is undercover, and a half-acre fenced in back yard to romp.

I am retired now, so he'll be with me much of the day (part of which will be dedicated to obedience training on leash & off-leash).

The purpose of my post is to ask you guys how you handle your dogs that are solitary fellas (no kids or other dogs in the house) that do not stay & sleep in the bedroom of his master. What rooms do they have access to, and where do they sleep? Leaving the wife is not an option, so let's take that off the table before we even get started. Plus, she graciously does all the cooking (even though she still works full-time), so I HAVE to keep her happy (plus I love her ).

Our last dog weighed 90 lbs. and worked his way into having access to every inch of the house 24 hrs a day before his 14 years and 4 months were up (we had him from 8 weeks old, Aug 2000 - Nov 2014). I couldn't have been happier - he was the greatest guy in the world; but the wife suffered from his ever-presence under foot, his doggy smell, shedding which left hair in the bedroom & on her clothes, etc., and I won't put her through that again. He ate scraps from the table, laid where ever he liked and felt put-upon whenever told to move (mastiff type). I loved that guy and wish I had another, but I know it drove the wife crazy so I'm gonna place restrictions on our new fellow (number 1 being no eating from the table) and have chosen the Doberman breed due to their light coat and more disciplined manners (if taught, of course).

Any personal experience from you fellow dog owners would be appreciated.

For now, agree with all of your wife's restrictions and tell her she is absolutely right. Then just leave it up to the dog - he'll know what to do.

 

[16thVACav]

It's all in the training.

I believe young dogs like children crave firm discipline and boundaries.

I would begin by making sure the dog has plenty of controlled exercise, restrict it's access, crate train, no table scraps what so ever.

Socialization of the dog is very important, exposure to other dogs, cats and people, etc. is critical at a young age.

Dobies are guard dogs, so focus your training on non violent guard duties for the dog, dogs love to have a job and to please there masters, use this to your advantage. Be consistent, firm and reward good behaviors. Never accept bad behavior, if they don't want to behave or train, fine, put them in there crate till they are ready.

The first 6 months to a year of a dogs life is critical in training, use this time wisely and you will end up with the best dog ever.

A well trained dog is a wonder to behold, and your wife and you will become quite attached to the new wonder dog, protector, and family member.

Edit: Provide a safe place for the dog when you are not around that has nothing in the space that he can destroy or damage that you value, this way when you get home every ones happy and not pissed that the dog ate the trailer lights for the boat.

When leaving the dog home I found that some dog food in a water bottle that they could chew open was a nice distraction and reward for the dog to prevent separation anxiety. A hand full or two of food scattered about also helps to keep them occupied as you leave. (only works for food orientated dogs).

When returning home ignore the dog and do not fuss over them, this will help to keep the dog from over reacting with expectations upon your return.

Give them plenty of love and security.

You're aware that non-food oriented dogs are better known as cats, aren't you?

 

[Autococker07]

Also, if you are in an area with lots of thunder and lightning be with him the first time it occurs and comfort him a lot without paying any attention to the thunder. There is a product called a 'Thunder Shirt' that is a body wrap type that really comforts dogs that are alone and apprehensive. ...

As a kid, we had an old mutt who was scared to death of thunder and fireworks, but he was a sweet natured cocker/catahoula mix with no formal training....

I have never owned a dobie, but tend to imagine them like Zeus and Apollo, staring the thunder down, unafraid and masters of all they view. I know that its not true, but the idea of a dobie being afraid of ANYTHING is strange to me. Beautiful dogs, they are.

 

[MP1983]

Thanks!

This forum is the best! Thanks for all the tips and keep 'em coming (for anyone who hasn't had a chance to reply yet).

I agree 100% with the importance of training and starting this when the pup is young. As a kid I had a lab, and she (or, we) went through 12 weeks of obedience school and I've kept up with dog training as a personal interest ever since. I'm no expert, but I've been around a lot & try to read a lot on the subject.

My last dog was a great watchdog and learned enough to sit and stay off leash at 10 yards. I also made sure he was not a nuisance barker and never aggressive with family or visitors. But I was busy with graduate school and work when we got him, so his training suffered.

I don't plan to enter any competitions, but I do want a dog who will always mind on leash when away from the backyard (vet trips, etc.), and I do plan to walk him around the property boundaries routinely in front & back so he is well aware of his patrol duties.

To those who mentioned dogs being family and the like, I totally understand - but who has their grown kids sleeping in the master bedroom? That being said, I would prefer my dog at the foot of my bed myself, but I have to find a balance between my wife's rights and the dog's "family rights."

I'll try to post a photo of our last guy.

 

[sheepdawg]

Even though there are rooms Dixie is not allowed in, nothing I could do could keep our dog from sleeping in the bedroom with us. She'd bark all night long. She just wanted to be near her pack (family) when she slept.

 

[M29since14]

For now, agree with all of your wife's restrictions and tell her she is absolutely right. Then just leave it up to the dog - he'll know what to do.

Many years ago, when a couple of new dogs came to our home after the really terrible loss of our old dog, my wife and I decided we would try to keep a little "emotional distance" with the two new ones, and that they would not be allowed to go everywhere in the car with us like our old dog. This philosophy lasted about a week - maybe less. She caved first.

I believe 16thVACav will be proven to be right on target.

 

[YogiBear]

Aloha,

We have always had Australian Cattle Dogs(AKA Velcro Dogs)

They ALL have had the run of the house.

No place is off limits.

They sleep on their own dog beds in the bedroom with us.

I Hate getting a cold nose in the face when one wants to go out at 3am.

On the bed Only when called.

They do shed a LOT.

We use this on the bed and sofas.

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[PatriotX]

I would echo the other posters above, in suggesting crate training.

 

[amazingflapjack]

I would suggest that you have the carpets cleaned and deodorized so that a canine is unlikely to be aware of his predecessor free range access. Then I would immediately begin training him which areas are "HIS" so that he knows what is OK. Talking to an intelligent dog like a Doby is best, telling him "this is your place-and this is not." Personally, I think that when he is inside the main house it would be better to just eliminate the BR's, and have a designated place for him to sleep. He will innately want to have access to all of the house, as his instinct will be to patrol and protect. Understanding is the key, and they don't stink or shed that much Mom.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

Well, many are not going to care for this answer, but with all the restrictions being placed I would say forget the dog-- dogs are pack critters and if it is required to keep them in a crate, or away from you, why have one--?? maybe a cat would be a better choice-- JMHO

 

[Dominus_Lex]

I am a huge fan or crate training, this allows the dog his own safe space. We have a very active Basset Hound, and this works quite well. In fact she will go into her crate on command or on her own accord if she wants to sleep during the day. She is not allowed on furniture or bed's, but we have a number of dog beds for her use. In short she is a member of the family but not all members of the family have the same rights or duties (think Kids, still members of the family but with limits).

I will be the first to say I do not have it all figured out, but this works for our family, and I believe we have a otherwise well adjusted canine.

 

[gunnails]

Maybe a water bottle with food inside is not the best, but the idea is to reward them with something they can't just scarf down right away while you leave, kinda like a worry toy.

Crate training is the bomb, keeping your pet in one all the time is not.

I used the crate for about a year and then got rid of it after the wonder dog learned not to chew on random items and was properly house broken. The crate was handy when we had to travel and stay in motels and sometimes leave the dog in the hotel when too hot to leave in the car while we ate or ran errands.

Being firm and disciplined with a dog is not wrong as the same is true with children, does not mean you don't care for the dog. I was very strict in the early years tehn as the dog age became less so then eventually not at all.

I remember one time when Jet took off running full speed toward the street chasing a squirrel, a car was coming and I was on the far side of the yard, I yelled loudly "HUP" and Jet hit the skids and sat on his butt immediately still eyeing the squirrel, of all the good things that dog did I was never more proud then in that moment.

 

[J. R. WEEMS]

I am a huge fan or crate training, this allows the dog his own safe space. We have a very active Basset Hound, and this works quite well. In fact she will go into her crate on command or on her own accord if she wants to sleep during the day. She is not allowed on furniture or bed's, but we have a number of dog beds for her use. In short she is a member of the family but not all members of the family have the same rights or duties (think Kids, still members of the family but with limits).

I will be the first to say I do not have it all figured out, but this works for our family, and I believe we have a otherwise well adjusted canine.

I concur, for the most part, but in reading the original post it would seem to me the lady in question just doesn't want a dog to begin with--- JMHO

 

[radar1972]

When our Dalmatians were pups, we trained them to a crate. When it became too small for the two of them, I just replaced the crate with two beds. They have run of the house at night, all the bedrooms are closed when we're all sleeping. I have a few pieces of aluminum foil I lay on the sofas when going to bed... that keeps them from jumping up on sofas during the night. The aluminum foil slides underneath the coffee table in the daytime.

 

[gregintenn]

I brought home a lab puppy one morning. I left him here with my wife and went back to work. She'd never dream of allowing an animal into the house.

When I got back home that evening, She was sitting on the couch, and he was lying peacefully at her feet on the rug.

Dogs can be quite persuasive.

Mine isn't allowed on furniture, but has free run of the house. It was no problem to teach him what we expected. He had a bit more trouble teaching us, but we're coming along nicely now.

 

[REM 3200]

Our 85 pound lap dog allows us in his house and doesn't put any limits on us.

 

[JohnSW]

and where do they sleep?

I got my Sheltie when he was an adolescent. He had a special, roomy, plastic "sleeping at night crate". It was like his own personal den.

I put the crate right next to my bed, at the head of the bed, with door facing the bed.

In your case, you can start with the crate somewhere else, and over time it can mysteriously creep towards, and into, the bedroom.

 

[ChattanoogaPhil]

There's something comforting about having her on the couch with me when watching TV or reading. Same for the bed where she likes to lean against me.

A cold rainy day... snoozing on the couch with Pugsters.

 

[Kernel Crittenden]

Our current dog is a 3 year old Australian Shepherd, Chloe'. She's crate trained, but we let her sleep in front of the front door a night. She prefers to sleep there. We keep her crate in the front room. When a new person comes into the house we will order her into her crate. This is because some people are afraid of dogs, and though she doesn't jump-up she is VERY friendly to strangers (especially, women).

One thing we did different when training Chloe' was to use a NO NEGATIVE REINFORCEMENT method. Chloe' was never hit with a rolled up newspaper. She was never yelled at or told "NO!!!!". She never had her nose rubbed in anything. Everything was positive. Everything. Anything wrong was ignored. Anything right was highly praised and rewarded. I was against it, but my wife insisted. My wife was right. Chloe' is the sweetest dog I have ever known, gentle, affectionate, smart as a whip, and can be trained to do anything. Friends, relatives, and even strangers are always telling us how well behaved she is. All because of positive reinforcement. I should of raised my kids that way.....

We leave the crate's door open, often you will find one, or both, of our cats napping inside. The cats LOVE the dog crate.

 

[LVSteve]

I am not convinced that everybody in the household wants a dog.