Hello everybody!

[tootchie'smom]

Hi!

I'm Tootchie's Mom. Tootchie is my daughter's 5 month old Jack Russel. My daughter is pretty attached to Tootchie and my daughter wouldn't go anywhere without her. I thought it would be a nice idea to have some new friends who knows about this breed because I don't know much about it too:-) It was a gift to her on her 5th year birthday.

My first question is, my daughter is quite fond of taking Tootchie to her room. Is it totally safe that Tootchie sleeps with her on bed or should I tell her to just let her sleep on her doghouse which we put on our covered lawn?

Thanks!

[uberglamorous]

“You may prefer to have your dog sleep in bed with you. It is perfectly natural for a dog to sleep with other pack members, and it is also a powerful way to bond with your dog. But don't forget the rules, boundaries, and limitations; it's your bed -- not your dog's.”

You must have your “pack” relationship properly established before considering allowing your dog to sleep with you. This means educating your pet that sleeping with you is a privilege not a right, and that when you say “off” they must vacate the bed."

Cesar Millan – the Dog Whisperer

[melody]

I agree, the moment you let your dog in your bed, it means that you are granting Tootchie a new place in the pack. This is especially true if you have other dogs in the house.

Personally, I wouldn't allow my dog to sleep with my daughter. First because her smell will leave your blankets and sheets the next morning. Second is that your dog may have brought home a few friends and when your daughter wakes up, she has flea marks on her body. Don't forget that your dog will also bring in the dirt she caught during the day.

If the dog was sleeping with me I'd probably give it a second thought but sleeping with my daughter? Not possible. :-)