Question:
How can I break my dog from lap sleeping?

I am hoping some of you dog lovers can help me. I have two lap dogs about 14 lbs each. They think sleeping on my lap (apron) is their God given right. How do I change this habit in the two weeks I have before surgery? The problem is more of when the step on me with one little paw in one point, It is amazing how much pressure one little leg can expend, Help! Thanks, Kathy    — kathleen S. (posted on October 5, 2001)

October 5, 2001
Well, I don't know about dogs, but I do have a cat and was worried about the same thing. My husband is the one who suggested putting a pillow (a big pillow) over my stomach whenever I was lying down. It did the trick! My very spoiled cat didn't know what to make of that pillow and never even tried to jump on me with that on my stomach. I don't know if your dogs will fall for that, but it's worth a try - ?? Good luck!
   — blank first name B.

October 5, 2001
I like the pillow idea. I didn't even think about trying to train them to stay off me before surgery. I was very concerned when I came home from the hospital. My husband let the babies (2 mini dachshunds) out before I came in and made myself comfortable in a chair. I was careful to put a pillow over my incsion. He carried them in and set one at a time in my lap to say hi. Both were extrememly careful and sniffed my stomach and then settled on either my legs or on the couch, just glad to have me home. I couldn't believe how good they were. It's as if they knew what that I had just had surgery and they needed to be careful of mom's tummy. (if you look at my profile you'll see one of the babies)
   — georgiacarol

October 7, 2001
I kept a pillow on my stomach just in case my little fuzzface decided to walk over my stomach. He doesn't sleep on my but has no problem walking over me. Anyway I think he realized something was up. When my friend brought him home I was sitting on the couch and he ran full force at me. Ouch. I deflected him but after he sniffed my stomach and saw the pillows on me and me always sleeping on my back he never got near me (unusual) when I was sleeping. Now that I am 6 weeks postop and sleeping anyway I want we are back to normal with him walking over my head at night.
   — Elizabeth A.

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