Technically, the dogs have to wait to be invited up on the bed. There is one exception to that rule, Franklin. Franklin gets up and down at will. He likes to sleep by our feet and use my legs as his pillow. Franklin is allowed to this as it's such a huge step for him. He used to afraid of his own shadow. It's just been the last six months or so that he's been brave enough to snuggle. So we let him.

When Stuart is away, Earle and Chum take over his side of the bed. Chum often sneaks up on the bed during the night anyway. He's smart enough to only do it on my side. He knows I'll let him stay!

Lots of them like to take over our bed when no one is in it and that's allowed. We also leave the futon in the living folded down for them most of the time. It's only up when we have guests over who might like a couch to sit on!