3 Steps to Get Your Dog to Sleep in a Dog Bed

Recently, we wrote an article introducing readers to different types of dog beds, and how to choose the best bed for your pet.  There are numerous kinds of dog beds, ranging from everything from four-poster, made-to-look-like-human beds to specially designed orthopedic dog beds.  But how do you actually get your dog to sleep in the dog bed you’ve bought for him?  That can be a challenge all in itself.

First off, it is important to know that not all dogs like sleeping in dog beds.  Some will never go for it, no matter how hard you try. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; you can train your dog to stop sleeping with you in your bed, but you may never convince him that the floor isn’t a suitable bed.  Some dogs prefer the floor. Other dogs may be more comfortable in a crate than in a dog bed. For those dogs (as well as puppies), a crate is best.

But let’s say that your dog actually could be comfortable in a dog bed, and that taking the time to train her to sleep in one is feasibly worth the effort.  Here are some tips that will help you achieve success:

1) Get the Right Dog Bed

Pay attention to how your dog sleeps, for starters.  Does she like to curl into a ball? Hide under your covers?  Sprawl about with her limbs splayed everywhere? Ahem…

This gives you a clue as to what type of dog bed she is most likely to take to.  You won’t get a dog that likes to spread out into a cave bed, and you won’t get a dog that likes to curl into a ball to necessarily enjoy sleeping on a rectangular dog bed.  Pick a shape and type of dog bed which actually suits your dog’s breed, size, and personality.

2) Get the Dog Out of Your Bed

Your next step is to get your dog out of your own bed, if he’s sleeping with you.  You cannot expect instant results here. As veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker writes, “Once your dog knows what’s expected of him, be consistent.  If you want him sleeping on his bed, don’t ever let him sleep on yours.  And if you’re prepared to let him lounge on your bed, don’t expect him to suddenly start hankering for the doghouse.”

You need to make sure that your dog not only does not sleep in your bed when you are in it, but does not sleep in it ever, even when you are doing other things.  It can be a challenge to get the dog out of your bed because not only has he learned to sleep on it, but he also feels that the fact he is allowed to sleep on it clouds your authority.  Why? According to canine behaviorist and trainer Clarissa Fallis, “One of the ways dogs determine hierarchy is through physical height.  Often, the higher-ranking animal will position himself higher than the lower-ranking one.  When you allow a dog to sleep on the bed next to you and a clear hierarchy has not been set, he may infer that he is above or equal to you.”

So you will have to reestablish your authority.  When your dog tries to get on your bed, you will have to routinely (for a while) be prepared to sit down on the bed and say “No” or “Off,” until your pet gets the message.  If necessary, you could even make temporary use of a baby gate, or simply keep the door to your room closed for a while.  This does not mean your dog can never enter your room; you just need to make it an invitational process.

3) Retrain Your Dog with Positive Reinforcement

While you are training your dog to not sleep in your bed, you also need to be training her to sleep in her bed.  To do this, you will want to pick a comfortable area of the home for the bed (not too hot, not too cold, and preferably an area your dog already likes).  In some cases, with particularly distraught pets, you may actually have the best luck by putting the dog bed right next to yours so you can reassure your pet as necessary during the night.  Put one of your dog’s favorite toys on the bed so that it looks instantly more inviting. Have treats on hand to reward her, and take things one step at a time. Treat your dog when she walks over to the bed and stands on it, then treat her again when you manage to get her to lie down.  Make sure you attach a verbal command to this, like “Go to your bed.”

Over time, you can train the dog to stay in the bed for longer and longer periods of time using this technique.  Again, do not expect instant results here. Dogs always take some time to get used to unfamiliar objects, and a dog bed is no exception.  Treats and toys (like in the above photo!) should work well. Another trick is to place a shirt on or near the bed with your scent on it. This is a particularly smart move if the dog bed will be outside your bedroom, since it will reassure your pet that you are close by.  You also should make sure your dog is getting plenty of food and exercise. A walk before bed will help to tire him out and will make it easier for him to relax and settle down for sleep in his new bed.

It takes time and effort to get a dog to sleep in a dog bed, but it can be well worth it.  Remember, never try to force this process. If your dog really does not want to sleep in a dog bed, then let him sleep somewhere else that is comfortable to him like the floor or a crate.  And always make sure you start by choosing a high quality, comfortable dog bed which is a good fit for your pet! This will definitely get you the best results!

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