We weren't gonna, but...

[Mobil]

I realized that the main reason we'd decided not to let the dogs on the couch was entirely related to the old school bullshit idea that a dog won't "know who's boss" or will "put himself in the alpha dog spot" if he thought he could be on the same level with his humans instead of on the floor as befits his station. And not because I give a shit about dogs on the couch. I like dog snuggles.

they do, too!

[Dutchringgirl]

I used to think that way too, but once they started to come on the couch, I found out how much fun it is and they come up when ever they want. They must move though if they are in my spot but then they can lay on my lap.

[Raven]

I only started the "no furniture" rule after I adopted my first DS. I think there's value...to a degree. Depends upon the dog and training and timing.

As for Thor (my second DS adopt), I waited a year into training where I even invited his front legs on the couch or bed. When he showed he respected the privilege consistently, I began inviting him up full body. And he "knew" to get off when I did without ever having been told.

That said, the first time I fell asleep with him on the bed, his neck was resting on my arm. When I moved my arm in my sleep--he came out of his sleep READY...like a land shark type of ready. We went back to square one. Only later did I realize that he hadn't ever been in that situation before...before us, he was crated or kenneled. And even touching was not part of his previous life (paws, ears, feet, kisses, etc.), so there was no way I was allowing THIS dog on my level until things were understood both ways.

He's been my body pillow going on a few years now. (Literally...I threw away the body pillow.) Still invitation only, though--that will never change. Not with him. And he still gets off bed/couch when I do without being told.

Some things definitely are old-school BS. Some things are common sense, depending upon the dog and/or the training. (My staff member who came to work one day with her hands torn up because her dog ripped into her when she tried to get into the bed--her bed--that he was on...well...he was top dog with the best real estate. She let him be. No different than when a colleague said her nice dog always growled when she went to sit next to the fireplace where he camped out to keep warm. It was good real estate, man--and he was telling her that it was his digs, not hers.)