TLC’s Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez Get Blunt Advice About Their Dog Cheddar: ‘She Shouldn’t Sleep in Our Bed’ (Exclusive)

In a revealing sneak peek of the forthcoming episode of TLC’s ‘Jay & Pamela’, newlyweds Jay Manuel and Pamela Chavez confront both their dog Cheddar’s training needs and some difficult truths about their own parenting style. Scheduled to air on Tuesday, August 4, the episode highlights the challenges of pet ownership while navigating life with disabilities.

In the clip, Manuel and Chavez engage a professional trainer to assist with Cheddar’s obedience issues. However, it doesn’t take long for the couple to discover that their furry friend isn’t the only one in need of guidance—some of their own habits are coming under scrutiny as well.

Manuel begins the training session by disclosing that they have had an earlier training session which included the recommendation that Cheddar should not sleep in their bed. With a touch of light-heartedness, he admits, “Guess who sleeps in our bed?” This revelation sets the tone for an engaging, albeit slightly awkward, interaction with the trainer.

The professional underscores the importance of adhering to guidance regarding Cheddar’s sleeping arrangements, citing concerns that the dog may become overly possessive if allowed to share their bed. Manuel’s humorous response, “I knew somebody would be on my side,” brings a chuckle, but the trainer nicely sidesteps taking sides, resulting in a palpable tension that adds to the episode’s charm.

Chavez then expresses her feelings, indicating that the discussion is somewhat uncomfortable, particularly with a stranger present. “It’s awkward arguing in front of the dog trainer,” she quips, revealing the dynamics of their relationship and how they work as a team, or occasionally don’t.

Throughout the training session, which is aimed at teaching Cheddar to walk calmly alongside their power wheelchairs, the couple shares valuable insights into managing their new pet. They adopted Cheddar in August 2023 and consider teaching her proper walking etiquette a vital goal. Chavez insists on not letting Cheddar walk in front of her wheelchair, demonstrating their commitment to ensuring a successful integration into their lives.

Cheddar, meanwhile, appears to take a passive role in the proceedings, merely observing the trainers’ instructions. Manuel quips that their dog is particularly unhelpful, issuing comedic commentary with, “Cheddar doesn’t really help at all. She just watches. Look at her, she’s been giving side-eyes all day.” His playful dig suggests a humorous take on their pet’s lack of cooperation.

A significant focus of the training is Cheddar’s comfort level with other dogs, which becomes quite enlightening. Manuel explains that Cheddar shows signs of intimidation around larger breeds, while feeling more at ease in the company of smaller dogs. This reflects an important aspect of teaching Cheddar to navigate different situations and highlights the training’s value.

When it comes to the sensitive issue of where Cheddar should spend her nights, the trainer gives clear directives. She unequivocally suggests that the dog would be better off in a crate, rather than on the couple’s bed. This straightforward advice serves as a pivotal moment in the episode, illustrating the practical implications of their choices as pet parents.

Since their marriage, which was documented in the series’ first season, Jay and Pamela have taken significant steps in their journey together, such as moving into their own apartment. Both living with osteogenesis imperfecta type 3—a condition often referred to as brittle bone disease—poses unique challenges, evident in their shared experience of over 400 fractures between them.

‘Jay & Pamela’ not only showcases their love story but also highlights the realities of life with a disability, earning them recognition with a GLAAD nomination for their honest portrayal of challenges and triumphs they face as a couple.

Audiences can catch the new episode of ‘Jay & Pamela’ on TLC every Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT, where the couple continues to navigate their life with each other and their beloved dog, Cheddar.