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How to get a dog to like water. Learn the fun and easy way

Water, most dogs love or hate it with some unable to stay dry when they are near to it and others positively terrified at the sight of it.

The easiest and best way to get a dog to like water is to take him to the beach or river on a hot day, let him run around, maybe play fetch and get him nice and warm. Then, take off your shoes and socks and go for a paddle, encouraging your hot and panting dog to join you in the nice cool water.

Make it a game and he’ll soon enjoy water.

Get your dog to like the water

For a dog that has not had much exposure to water, the concept of going into a fast flowing river or rough sea, or large pond can be scary and it makes sense that many dogs are afraid of water.

Like a young child a body of water can seem massive to a dog that has not seen it before and is not used to it.

If you think about it, it isn’t a natural reaction to get into water is it?

The simplest and best way to get your dog to like water is to make water a fun experience that your dog will enjoy.

Take your dog out when it rains

Have you ever seen children jumping in puddles? It might come as a surprise to learn that most dogs love doing this too.

A good way to increase your dog’s exposure to water if he is afraid, is to take him out when it is raining and let him explore puddles and pools of water.

If he enjoys fetch, then take his favourite fetching ball or toy and play fetch with him, occasionally throwing the toy into puddles. If he is reluctant to go into the water to fetch, encourage him and make a big game of it to show him that it is safe.

Don’t get anxious of frustrated with him if he doesn’t manage it. Slow and gentle perseverance and encouragement will work, just take your time.

Go out with another dog that loves the water

Dogs love to play and have fun with other dogs and you can use this to your advantage if you have a dog that is afraid of water.

If you have another dog, or a friend that has a dog that loves water then why not take the dogs out together for a walk and a play?

Try to find somewhere where there is some gentle water, on a warm day, let the dogs play and eventually they will get thirsty and hot and will head for the water for a drink and to cool off.

The water loving dog will most likely charge in and hopefully your dog will follow. Again encouragement and thinking doggy will eventually work.

Get a paddling pool for your dog

This is a good option and can work really well for dog owners that have children, or who like to be children.

Get yourself a doggy paddling pool, there are plenty available on Amazon that have thick panels and bottoms and are suitable for dogs. I bought one that my dogs love that you can see here.

When it is a reasonably warm day, play with your dog to get him and yourself nice and warm and, put your Speedos on and get into the pool. Encourage your dog to join you and cool off together.

With a bit of encouragement and perhaps a few tasty treats you should be able to entice him into the pool where you can have some fun or just chill out.

Do not listen to the old wives tales ‘experts’

No doubt if you are looking at ways to get your dog to like the water you’ll have come across the armchair or pub experts that are loaded with advice but have never worked with dogs.

The biggest mistake that you can make is to take their advice.

Never:

Throw a dog into the water – if he is already scared of it then you will traumatise him and he’ll be terrified.

Do not fasten him to another dog which will drag him in – you’ll scare the living daylights out of him.

Don’t do anything that these people tell you – smile sweetly and walk away.

Recommended dog paddling pools

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Why does my dog seem to dislike water?
This can vary from dog to dog, but the most common reasons are that they may have had a negative or scary experience with water in the past, they could be naturally afraid due to their breed’s traits, or they may not have been properly introduced to water at a young age. It’s also possible that they may just not like the sensation of being wet.
How can I gradually introduce my dog to water to help them get used to it?
Start with smaller bodies of water, like a shallow kiddie pool or even a bathtub. Make sure the water is warm but not hot, as that can be more comfortable for your dog. You can also try adding their favourite toys or treats in the water to create a positive association. If your dog is reluctant, don’t force them into the water, but instead, be patient and encourage them with praise and rewards.
My dog loves playing in the sprinkler but hates bath time. Why is this and how can I make bath time more enjoyable?
Dogs often love playing in sprinklers because it’s a fun, interactive game for them. On the other hand, bath time can seem like a chore or even punishment if not handled correctly. To make bath time more enjoyable, try to mimic the playfulness of the sprinkler by incorporating toys or games, and always use warm water. Reward your dog after a successful bath with a treat or praise, and they’ll start to associate bath time with positive experiences.
What precautions should I take when introducing my dog to swimming in a pool or lake?
Firstly, make sure your dog knows how to swim, or at least, is comfortable in the water.
If they’re not, consider using a dog-friendly life vest. Always supervise your dog when they’re in or around water, even if they’re good swimmers.
Avoid letting them drink the water, especially in pools where chlorine can be harmful, or in lakes where there may be harmful algae or bacteria.
Lastly, always rinse off your dog after a swim to remove chlorine, salt, or any other potential irritants from their fur.

Final Words

Getting a dog to like water is not difficult it just takes some time and thought and some ever dogs will take longer than others to enjoy themselves when around water.

Try to look at the water through your dog’s eyes and think about how you can help him to overcome any fears that he may have. Shallow, gentle water is always better than cold, scary conditions.

If you are prepared to get wet and take your time you may even eventually end up swimming with your dog, and that is a real treat.
Are Cocker spaniels high maintenance? Read the truth here.

As an owner of Cocker spaniels I am more than familiar with this wonderful breed of dog.

There are many that comment on the needs of Cocker spaniels, but, reading their views, it is clear that they have had little exposure to the breed.

Cocker spaniels are not high maintenance. They are a high energy breed that require exercise daily but this is true of most dogs. With thought, consideration and a little effort there is no reason for a Cocker to be demanding. So, no Cocker spaniels are not high maintenance.

Cocker spaniels are not high maintenance

With any dog ownership comes responsibilities. For feeding, cleaning, grooming, housing and exercise.

Cocker spaniels need all of these things as do all dogs.

Like other canines, Cockers enjoy going out for exercise and playing, they also enjoy chilling out, sleeping and generally lying around with their owners.

You may consider the prospect of taking a dog out for a walk as being high maintenance, or, feeding, grooming and general care may be something that is too much.

If this is the case then a Cocker, or for that matter any other type of dog should not be your preferred pet of choice.

What is meant by ‘high maintenance’?

When people ask things such as ‘are Cocker spaniels high maintenance?’ often, what they really mean is ‘will I have a lot to do if I get a Cocker spaniel?

I suspect that people who use the term ‘high maintenance’ when referring to something such as a Cocker spaniel are using the term as an excuse for them not being prepared or ready to make the effort and commitment to look after the dog properly.

When you think about it properly, it is impossible for a dog to be born ‘high maintenance’.

In the dog’s mind he is living life as a dog and the things that bother you ( as the owner ) are simply not even on his radar.

My view is that there are plenty of high maintenance people out there who have dogs of all breeds and blame the dog for their inability or readiness to learn about the dog and make the effort.

Active but not high maintenance

Do Cocker spaniels need more than other dogs?

Cocker spaniels do not have any specific needs that place them away from other types of dog.

They are known as a high energy breed of dog, but you could argue that all dogs have high levels of energy.

Exercise and walks are a high point of a Cocker spaniel’s day and he will enjoy getting out and about, chasing his nose and exploring.

This does not make him a high maintenance dog – it is normal for him to want to do this – and the same can be said of all other dogs too.

Cockers get muddy and dirty, but so do other dogs. It is in the nature of dogs to get mucky and with this goes smelly too.

Does this mean that a Cocker spaniel is high maintenance? I doubt it.

The issue with your dog getting dirty and smelly is yours, your dog doesn’t care.

Some people say that Cocker spaniels are high maintenance dogs

So, I’ve seen the other websites and articles written about Cocker spaniels and one thought comes to mind, that is I often wonder just what experience the authors have of Cockers.

As someone who spends time with Cocker spaniels and has also owned other spaniels, I can vouch for the behaviour and tendencies of the breed.

Cocker spaniels are intelligent dogs that require stimulation and exercise but, given that this is true of all dogs, their needs are no different and not unusual.

The energy levels of Cocker spaniels could be misinterpreted as being high maintenance, but really this is not about the dog as much as it is about the owner.

‘High Maintenance’ Cocker spaniels..

What about grooming? Do Cocker spaniels need a lot of work?

Nope. Cocker spaniels are clean living dogs that look after themselves and keep themselves clean and tidy.

Some Cockers do have longer coats with feathering but this should not be a major problem for an owner and certainly does not equate to ‘high maintenance’.

Cockers do not need grooming daily, as some authors claim, and bathing and washing doesn’t need to occur more than a couple of times a year.

This is true of most other dog breeds too, so the claim that Cocker are high maintenance because of their coats and grooming needs, is quite unfounded and not true.

Playtime is a great way to help your Cocker to burn up energy

Are Cocker spaniels high maintenance health wise?

Like most dog breeds, Cocker spaniels can have health issues but these are no more commonplace than in most other breeds.

Responsible dog owners will make sure that their dog is vaccinated annually and regularly wormed.

Cocker spaniels are no exception to this and their demands are normal and no greater than other dogs.

One of the main areas of concern with Cocker spaniels can be their ears, which can collect foreign bodies and become infected if not cared for.

This is true of all of the spaniel breeds though, and Cockers are no more prone to this problem.

In older dogs arthritis can be a problem, but, again, many active dogs experience this as they grow older.

A well cared for, exercised Cocker spaniel, will be a healthy dog and will be no more high maintenance health wise than any other dog breed.

What makes a dog ‘high maintenance’?

Dogs can become demanding and this is often as a result of learned behaviour rather than anything specific to the type of dog or breed.

Problems are normally caused by the owners, particularly when the dog is younger, and, of course, mistreated dogs develop problems that can appear to make them high maintenance.

Cocker spaniels are no exception to this and they can become demanding if they are poorly socialised, ill treated or otherwise neglected.

Most issues with dogs and Cocker spaniels can be traced right back to the human owners who have often failed the dog resulting in him becoming, in their minds, high maintenance.

How to avoid turning your Cocker into a high maintenance dog

Learn as much about dogs in general as you can and take the time to try and see the world from the perspective of your Cocker spaniel.

Remember that he is a dog, he is not high maintenance and the things that bother you ( such as him having dirty paws) are not problems for him.

Realise that if there is a hint of high maintenance then it is you that are the issue.

Final Words- Are Cocker spaniels high maintenance?

I hope that you’ve seen that many of what people call high maintenance issues when referring to Cocker spaniels, are, in reality problems with the owner and not the dog.

Cocker spaniels are not high maintenance and often the dogs are blamed for failings with the owners, that the owner either does not realise or understand, or refuses to admit.

Most, if not all, dog problems are as a result of the owner not understanding the dog or simply ignoring the dog’s needs.
Do dogs understand human laughter?
Many people believe that their dogs understand everything about them and will often say that their pooch knows every word that is said to him and how the owner feels.

It is fair to say that dogs are very intuitive and can often tell just how their owners and family are feeling.

But do dogs understand human laughter? Dogs that are well socialised and live among humans can determine when their owners are happy and will know if their owner is laughing. From your tone and appearance your dog will understand your feelings and laughter.

Does your dog know that you are laughing?

Yes, he probably does. Dogs are very sensitive to the tone of your voice and a dog that spends time with you will quickly know when you are happy and laughing.

Often your dog’s reaction to your laughter may be wanting to play, becoming excited, bringing you one of his favourite toys, wagging his tail, showing a doggy smile and even laughing himself.

Do dogs laugh?

There are several ‘experts. who claim that dogs do not laugh or smile or respond to human laughter, but anyone who spends time around dogs will likely disagree with many of these views.

If you have ever seen a ‘doggy smile’ accompanied with fast, shallow panting then you’ve seen what can be considered dog laughter.

In her best selling book ‘Inside of a Dog‘ author Alexander Horowitz describes the dog process of laughing as being that of the rapid panting that so many owners will be familar with.

So, do dogs laugh? I believe that they do.

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Do dogs understand human laughter?

Why does my dog nip me and bark when I laugh?

Because he understands that you are happy. He recognises your excitement and expresses his emotion through a friendly nip and excited bark.

His nipping is not a sign of aggression but stems from playfulness and his way of expressing his excitement and willingness to join in the fun.

Final Words

Your dog, if he is well socialised, will know when you are laughing.

Dogs react in different ways to human laughter but most join in and want to be part of the fun.

Enjoy laughter with your dog but always end when you want to and don’t let things get out of hand.

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Can dogs eat steak? Things you should know
Steak is enjoyed by many people and there is little doubt that dogs love steak whenever they are lucky enough to share it. But, with their digestive system, is it wise to give them this treat and can dogs eat steak?

It shouldn’t come as much of a surprise to learn that steak is a great, tasty and nutritious treat for a dog. As a natural carnivore you’ll find that your dog would love to share your sirloin, rump or even T bone and he’ll slobber everywhere until he gets some.

Steak is healthy for dogs to eat

It might come as a surprise to learn that steak is a healthy meal option for your dog.

Many people have had concerns about red meat and heart health in the past but, if fed in moderation, steak can provide your dog with most of his nutritional needs.

Beef is a source of a variety of nutrients that a healthy dog needs including protein, omega 6 and fatty acids.

The fat and protein content of steak varies according to the cut of steak and how it is prepared. The nutritional information below is for 85g of grilled beef tenderloin.
- Calories: 179
- Fat: 7.6g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fibre: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 26g
Can dogs eat raw steak?

Dogs can eat raw steak but that doesn’t mean that they should.

Steak meat doesn’t contain the same bacteria as other meats like raw chicken, and issues with things such as Salmonella are not a concern when eating raw beef.

The main advantage that dogs have when dealing with raw food is that they are able to process any bacteria to good effect, unlike humans who can become unwell.

One key disadvantage to feeding raw foods, such as steak to your dog is that raw meat is not as easily digestible as cooked meats, with the end result that they don’t provide your dog with the same levels of energy.

Steak that has been cooked is easier for your dog to process and turn into energy as well as use for muscle building and immune system development and maintenance.

How to cook steak for your dog

When it comes to cooking and preparing steak for your dog to eat the best option is to keep things as simple as possible.

Your dog is not bothered at all about added spices or other flavourings and, in fact, you should never add anything as it could make your dog unwell.

The easiest option is to either grill, fry or barbecue steak for your dog, let it cool and then cut it up into bite sized chunks for your dog to eat.

Your dog will not be fussy over rare, medium rare or well done options but you should make sure that the steak is cooked through to make digestion easier.

Nutritional benefits of steak

Carbohydrates

Steak is free of carbohydrates including sugar and fibre.

Fats

Beef contains good levels of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids which are used by your dog’s body for the production of energy and building blocks for cell development.

Grass fed beef is better for your dog than grain fed steak as it is lower in fat content and higher in good fatty acids.

Protein

Steak is a great source of high quality protein and it provides all of the essential amino acids that your dog needs.

Vitamins and minerals

Steak is a good source of vitamin B12, niacin, selenium, iron and zinc. Grass fed beef is a better, more natural, source of nutrition for your dog.

Favourite steaks for dogs (and humans)

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Final Words

Steak is a great option for your dog to eat.

When served cooked and perhaps mixed in with some of his regular food, you will be giving your dog a great, tasty and healthy treat that he will love.

The only tricky decision that you will face will be whether he likes rare, medium or well done.

Read Next

Do dogs understand human laughter?

Are Cocker spaniels high maintenance?

Is it okay to play tug of war with a puppy?
Does your dog really love you? Maybe, it depends on you.

Your dog is the best. You go on long walks together, cuddle up on the couch and enjoy sloppy kisses.

You really love that puppy. But what’s going on there? Does your dog love you back? Dogs can likely experience what we think of as loving relationships so he might. Studies show that dogs are pretty good at building relationships with humans.

Does your dog love anything?

First, let’s address the bigger philosophical question. Does your dog love anything? Can your dog love?

“I think that in many ways we could apply the same criteria to dogs and other non-human animals as we do to human animals”

That’s Mark Bekoff. He spent a lifetime understanding animal minds from coyotes and wolves to domestic dogs like yours. And he says dogs probably think and feel similar to humans.

A lot of new research on neuroimaging using MRI is showing that the same parts of dog brains and human brains light up, for example, when they’re feeling jealous.

So really, the difference between how your dog feels, joy and other emotions and how you experience them might be like the difference between you and another human.

Comes as no surprise. One study found that dog brains are highly adapted to recognise human faces and interpret our social cues. So maybe that’s why your dog is always extra sweet when it knows you’ve had a bad day.

Does your dog love you or manipulate you?

But are those puppy dog eyes just for you or is your dog pretending to love you for, you know, food?

Its doubtful that dogs understand the concept of manipulation of people to get their own way or have their desires met.

Unlike some people who use other people for their own sake it is unlikely that a dog does this conciously and that any behaviour displayed by a dog that could be interpreted as ‘using a human’ is more likely to be learned behaviour.

In other words the dog has learned that if he does something a certain way then he gets rewarded – this is exactly what we look for in dog training.

So, yes, your dog can love you. Well. All right, great. We can all go home. Well, no, just because they can doesn’t automatically mean that they do.

Each dog is a unique individual, and it’s not one size fits all.

Dogs work on trust to grow their love of you

Some of the most brutally abused dogs have the capacity to love. But in order for a dog to love a human, that love has to be earned. It isn’t just offered by the dog as is.

You have to earn their trust to gain their love

And like everything worth having in life, that trust will take time and work. But it can be done.

You sometimes just go, good dog when they’ve done nothing. And I say good dog to dogs all the time. And people go, well, why did you do that?

They didn’t do anything. And I would always just say, because they’re alive and they’re good dogs. They just it’s like, I don’t know. It’s like a human being saying to a good friend, I love you or I’m really glad to be your friend.

Devloping your dog’s trust is vital for him to grow and develop his love of you, a bit like humans in many ways.

How do you know that your dog loves you?

You’ll know when you’ve earned your pooches trust and love. Does he follow you around? Does he just hang out with you? Relax and wander around with you?

Not only when you’re feeding them or walking them, does your dog follow you around?

Does he seek you out? Do people tell you that when you’re not there, that he wanders around? Does he wait for you at the door or window when you are out without him? Does he go bonkers when you get home?

You know, is it clear that they miss you?

Conclusion

So, does your dog really love you?

Well that depends on you. It is totally possible for dogs to love people and to enjoy their company, but you have to earn the trust of a dog for that to happen.

Your behaviour, the way you interact with your dog and how you treat him will impact his trust levels and thus affect his ability to love you.

Can he love you? Yes, Does he? Well, that’s up to you.
Why peanut butter is a great treat for dogs
Most dogs have a sweet tooth and there are many foods that they enjoy and will eat whenever they get the chance.

Peanut butter is a food that dogs enjoy. It has a unique taste and smell and it’s sweetness is appealing for many dogs. The sugary and salty combination of peanut butter when combined with the rich and roasted aromas are attractive to a dog’s senses of smell and taste making it an attractive treat that they love.

Is all peanut butter safe for dogs to eat?

This is a very good question as no, not all peanut butter is safe for dogs.

Before you give peanut butter to your dog you need to check the ingredients as some varieties contain a chemical called Xylitol, an added sweetener that can cause hypoglycemia and other potentially fatal conditions in dogs.

Providing that the peanut butter does not contain Xylitol, it is safe to give your dog any kind but, probably the best choice would be an organic variety.

Although this will be slightly more expensive you will be assured of the quality and that it should contain no additives or added sugar.

You should only feed organic peanut butter that has no additives or artificial flavours.

Organic peanut butter choices for dogs

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How much peanut butter can a dog have?

It is important not to give your dog too much peanut butter as it is high in fat and has a high calorific content.

If you are feeding peanut butter as a treat for your dog then, generally, you should make sure that the combined values of all treats, do not exceed 10 percent of your dog’s total daily calorie needs.

As an example, for large dogs this would normally be less than a teaspoon a day and for small breeds about one eighth of a teaspoon.

How to feed peanut butter to a dog

There are a few options for feeding peanut butter to your dog:

Peanut butter is an ideal choice for adding to a dog toy such as a Kong.

By packing the toy with a mixture of biscuit and peanut butter you can keep your dog occupied for hours. You can see our favourite Kongs in our article here.

Use a teaspoon for a fun, potentially messy time.

Add a small amount of peanut butter to your dog’s daily meal.

Paste some peanut butter onto one of your dog’s favourite dog biscuits for a nice, tasty treat.

Peanut butter can be a good treat for your dog

Is it okay to give peanut butter to puppies?

There is no danger in giving a puppy peanut butter, providing that it is organic with no artificial additives.

However, as puppies are still developing both physically and mentally, feeding something like peanut butter to a youngster may not be the best food choice.

Puppies grow quickly and need the best nutrition that you can provide them with and you should always feed a growing puppy a high quality puppy food.

For some suggestions on the best types of puppy foods you can visit our puppy food article here.

Final Words

Most dogs love peanut butter and will happily gulp it down whenever they get the opportunity.

Always make sure that any peanut butter that you give to your dog is safe for him to eat and contains no additives.

The best type of peanut butter for your dog is organic peanut butter which is widely available.

You can see some good options here on Amazon.

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Can dogs eat cheese?

There are many human foods that are suitable for dogs but is it okay for dogs to eat cheese?

Most dogs can eat cheese and they love it. Fed in small amounts cheese can be a nice treat for your dog. Cheese is high in fat and should only be fed occasionally. Cheese does contain lactose and some dogs may be intolerant which you should be aware of before feeding cheese to your dog.

What are the benefits of feeding cheese to a dog?

Cheese is a natural product that contains good levels of protein, calcium, fatty acids and complex B vitamins.

The smell, texture and taste of cheese is something that dogs love and as a dog owner you can take advantage of this when training, using cheese as a tasty edible reward for your dog.

You can also use cheese as a way of getting your dog to take pills as it’s strong odour masks the smell of medicines making it easier to administer these.

How to feed cheese safely to a dog

Most dogs love cheese and, if given the opportunity, will eat far too much cheese than is healthy.

Overall cheese is a safe treat for your dog but you do need to remember a few things when feeding:

Cheese is high in fat and could cause weight gain to a dog if fed too often and in too high amounts.

There is a risk of some dogs developing pancreatitis – inflammation of the pancreas, the organ that produces digestive enzymes.

Some cheeses contain ingredients that are harmful to dogs, things such as onions and garlic which are toxic to canines and can be harmful.

Lactose – many dogs struggle to deal with lactose which is found in products made from cow’s cheese.

What types of cheese are best for dogs?

When feeding cheese to your dog it is a good idea to consider low fat options such as cottage cheese or mozzeralla.

Good options are cheeses such as Feta, goat’s or sheep based cheeses – all of which are low in fat and contain less lactose than cow milk based cheeses.

Hard cheeses such as Parmesan and Cheddar are also good examples of cheeses that contain lower levels of lactose, making them more suitable for dogs.

How much cheese can a dog eat?

How to help a Cocker spaniel lose weightMost cheese is high in fat and, as such, an amount that is siuitable for a large dog would be too much for a smaller one.

Like all dog treats, you should only feed cheese in quantities that are appropriate for your dog.

Typically a slice of cheese will contain about 90 calories which would be excessive for a small dog when his other daily food intake is taken into account.

Like children with sweets you should monitor your dog’s weight carefully when feeding cheese and, if he begins to gain weight, then reduce or stop feeding it.

What is the best cheese to give to a dog?

For healthy adult dogs with no medical issues cottage cheese is one of the best cheeses to give to a dog due to it’s low calorie content and high calcium levels.

Cheeses such as Cheddar, Parmesan and Swiss cheeses have low lactose levels and are among the best for dogs along with Feta and Mozzeralla.

Finally goat’s cheese is a great option for dogs and is a good choice for those that are lactose intolerant.

Providing that you follow some basic guidelines it is perfectly safe for dogs to eat cheese.

Choose a low fat, low lactose option to reduce the chances of your dog gaining excess weight or experiencing lactose intolerance issues.

Goat’s cheese and cottage cheese are among those recommended as the best cheeses for dogs.
Is it safe for a dog to sleep under the covers?
Many dog owners find that from time to time their dog, if he lives inside, will attempt to get under the bed covers at night to sleep.

For most people they see this as potentially dangerous and wonder is it for a dog to sleep under the covers?

Providing that the covers are not restrictive and that the dog is able to get out from underneath them on his own then, yes, it is perfectly safe for a dog to sleep under the covers., he will enjoy it and will come to no harm providing that he can get out when he needs to.

Why do dogs like to sleep under the covers?

In many ways some dogs like to sleep under the covers for the very same reasons that humans do. It is warm and secure and the covers help to provide a sense of protection and comfort.

Your bed will smell of you and for your dog it is an ideal place to settle down, get comfortable and relax and goto sleep. Often he will feel cold and crawl under the blankets for extra warmth, this can be common when the weather gets colder in the winter months.

It is also worth remembering that dogs are social animals and it is in their DNA to live in a community. The domestic dog lives alongside humans and he likes to pile up with them for relaxation and sleeping.

If you are under the covers then there is a fair chance that your dog would like to get under them as well to be beside you.

Is it bad to let your dog sleep with you?

Your dog enjoys being with you and this extends in many cases to dogs wanting to sleep with their owners. As to whether it is bad is questionable and really a matter of personal choice.

Your dog does need to understand that if he does sleep with you then it is on your terms and that you must be comfortable before you will let him have his space on the bed. A growling dog that doesn’t let you into the bed is no good for anyone.

Your dog needs to sleep somewhere and, if you choose to let him sleep on your bed then it won’t do him any harm at all.

As for you – well, get used to sharing your bed with an animal that can snore, break wind and take up all of the room and shove you over the edge.

Do dogs need something comfortable to sleep on?

We all appreciate a nice warm and comfortable bed and so does your dog, which is why, for many dogs, the human bed is their preferred option.

Dogs need a warm and comfortable place to sleep and even if they do spend some of their time sleeping on your bed, they will also need a space of their own where they can settle down and rest during the day.

Thankfully dog beds have evolved from the hard plastic items that were once common and it is now possible to get beds that would put a five star hotel to shame.

If you would like to get your dog a bed that you would like for yourself then I’ve found some fantastic dog beds over on Etsy.

These beds are unique and will provide your dog with a bed that his doggy friends will envy. You can see some of them here.

Can a dog overheat under the covers?

Your dog could overheat when he is under the bed covers but the chances of this happening are rare.

Your dog is able to regulate his temperature sensibly and easily in these circumstances and simply, if he gets too warm then he will get out from beneath the covers to cool off.

If your dog does sleep beneath the covers then just make sure that he can get out easily and you’ll have very few, if any problems with overheating.

Final Words

Many dogs enjoy sleeping under the bed covers with their owners. For the dog it helps to create a sense of security and safety, it is also warm and while under the covers he is next to his owner.

Providing that the dog can easily get out from beneath the covers when he needs to, he will come to no harm sleeping with his owners under the blankets.

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Should I let my dog eat grass?

Most dogs will eat grass at some point but many owners become concerned when they see their dogs eating grass and wonder if they should let their dog eat grass?

Grass is perfectly safe for a dog to eat but owners should be careful where and when their dog consumes this unusual treat. If the dog is exercised in areas where weedkiller or other chemicals could be applied to grass then steps should be taken to prevent the dog from eating it to avoid illnesses. Likewise areas of grassland used by livestock and other animals should be avoided.

Why do dogs eat grass?

Dogs are by their nature scavangers and will take every opportunity to have a free meal whenever possible.

Although a seemingly strange choice, most dogs enjoy a chomp of grass every now and then and, most likely, enjoy the taste and smell – something which, as humans, we cannot appreciate.

Many people suggest that dogs eat grass to make themselves sick when they are unwell, and, although some dogs will vomit after eating grass, there is no evidence to support the suggestion that dogs are intelligent enough to consider that eating grass is a cure for illness.

Does eating grass make a dog throw up?

Less than 25% of dogs that eat grass actually throw up and most dogs that eat grass simply do so because they enjoy it.

However if your dog has suddenly started consuming large amounts of grass and is regularly being sick then you should take him to the vets for an examination.

If the grass has been treated with herbicides or other chemicals or if it has been contaminated by other animals, then it is possible that the eaten grass could cause a dog to throw up.

Should I let my dog eat grass?

Do dogs get any nutrition from eating grass?

Grass is probably not the best source of nutrition for dogs and there are foods that are more suited to meeting a dog’s dietary needs.

Typically grass contains:

Calcium

Selenium

Iron

Fibre

Cellulose

Dogs do not really benefit from eating grass as they cannot break down cellulose which makes grass almost indigestable for canines.

Any nutrition that a dog gets from eating grass is minimal and grass should not be considered to be of added value to a dog’s diet.

Final Words

Providing that the grass is clean and has not been treated with chemicals or subject to livestock grazing, then grass will not present any problems for dogs.

There is no harm in allowing your dog to eat grass but, if he eats a lot of grass then this could be an indication of an underlying health problem and you should consult your vet.

Grass adds little, if anything of benefit to a dog’s diet and he won’t benefit from any added nutrition.

If he enjoys the odd chomp and he is fit and healthy then it won’t do him any harm.

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