Sleeping En Masse

I sleep en masse with my dogs. In other words, my dogs and i share the same bedding on a nightly basis. All six of my dogs sleep in my bed, and honestly, it is probably the most vital part of my relationship with at least two of my dogs. Hooter is a blind and deaf (since birth) australian shepherd, that is just now 8 months old. Dobi is a two legged (birth defect) rat terrier who is 3 years old. Both share my bed, and have come to understand who I am in their world through this ritual more than any other. Dobi clearly recognized that sleeping positions in the bed held rank, and quickly recognized who dictated the positions. For Hooter, I quickly became the common stimulus whenever her most relaxing and vulnerable times were (sleep - especially for a deaf and blind dog)....thus quickly advancing her recognition of my scent and presence as a positive, and quickly became less apprehensive in handling her through new situations....such as water. As always, I use all of my other dogs in the process of teaching a new member of the family - they usually do more work than i do. Dogs are amazing creatures, and I completely understand the desire to NOT have your dog bed with you. Just remember, it doesn't always make them spoiled, or pampered.....sometimes it helps make them family.