Ask Dali Mama

DEAR DALI MAMA:

I love my wife and love our dogs of which there are many but they are crowding us out of our bed and always sleep in between us, which I am not crazy about. How do I reclaim our bed without upsetting my wife?

—Sleeping with the Dogs (United States)

DEAR S.W.T.D.:

I understand your situation all too well. Haha.

Have you considered putting dog beds on the floor of your bedroom? I have even seen some people make doggie bunk beds for the doggie family members, depending on how many dogs they have.

Let your wife know you want to be snuggling with her at night, not the dogs, even though you love them too! You might have to train the dogs at first to go to their beds since they are used to sleeping with the two of you, but if you are firm and consistent, they should eventually happily adopt to their new sleeping arrangements over time if they are still in the same room with you.