Canines have the natural urge to get close to their masters and will jump at every chance of being close to them. One of canines' ways is licking their owners' feet or face. Some dogs just rub their bodies against their masters. But, some canines go beyond such acts-- they insist on sleeping on their masters' bed.

Most people, especially those who never own a pet, will probably find the idea of sharing their bed with their pet a disgusting one. They may reason out that their beds are not for dogs, and that the latter should have a sleeping place of their own. Others, however, may argue that having their dogs beside them is therapeutic and relaxing. Whatever the arguments may be, having dogs doze off beside humans certainly has its ups and downs.

If your dog sharing your bed is unavoidable, you might as well face it. Here are some tips that you may employ when your dog tries to sleep with you:

-- Place extra blankets on top of your bedding. Even though the rule is to never let your pooch sleep with you on your bed or couch, you can allow such provided that you place extra bed sheets or blankets on top of your bedding. This will avoid your bedding and you to smell like your dog, especially when it relieves itself. This will also prevent your dog's mites, ticks, or fleas from sticking on the bedding.

-- Put a divider between you and your dog. A pillow will do the trick. Just place it between you and your dog. This is to avoid your dog's ticks and fleas to get their way into you.

-- Show your dog who's boss. Keep in mind that dogs have the tendency to be dominant and aggressive. You definitely won't allow yourself to end up as a stranger in your own place. You need to reassert yourself when your dog starts to grab your post. You may opt to banish it to its original place of sleep. When these effort won't work, go for the ultimatum-- physically carry your dog off your bed.

-- Don't forget that you have control over your own bed. Your pooch will realize this when you purchase a bed that it can call its own. But, do not place this bed or couch in your bedroom as this may encourage the dog to transfer to your bed when it wants to. Moreover, help your pet to make it a habit to ask for your permission if it wants to sleep on your bed. Your pet can do this by doing small favors for you before you let it sleep on your bed.

Whichever of these tips you will adopt, remember that having your dog doze off beside you is not a bad idea after all. But, be sensible enough to set some rules, so your pooch won't forget that you are, after all, the king of the house.