Training your dog to sleep in their own bed can be a challenging feat for any dog owner, and if you’re struggling with an uncooperative pooch, you’ve come to the right place.
No matter how much money you spend on your dog’s bed, sometimes they don’t want to sleep there for numerous reasons. In this article, I will cover some important information on why your dog won’t sleep in their bed, and how to train your dog to sleep in their bed.
Why Won’t Your Dog Sleep In Their Bed?
There are a variety of different reasons why your dog might not want to sleep in their bed. These reasons include but are not limited to:
Your Dog’s Bed Is The Wrong Size For Them
In order to sleep, your dog must feel both comfortable and safe in their bed. If their bed is the wrong size for them, such as being too small, they might not want to sleep in their bed for this reason. After all, they aren’t going to feel comfortable if their feet are hanging off the edge of their bed!
As a result, you should always make sure that you take your dog’s size into consideration and ensure that it is big enough for them to grow into if they’re a puppy or young dog.
Your Dog’s Bed Is Uncomfortable
Your dog might not be sleeping in their bed because it’s simply uncomfortable. This could come down to a variety of reasons. Perhaps the bed is old and has become worn out and uncomfy if it no longer supports your dog.
To establish whether this is the problem, try placing their favorite blanket on top if you suspect that your dog’s bed isn’t comfortable anymore.
On the other hand, if your dog is becoming older, it might be that they’re in discomfort from an underlying health condition.
Your Dog’s Bed Is The Wrong Temperature
Depending on the season that you’re in, your dog might not want to sleep in their bed because it’s the wrong temperature. During the warmer seasons, your dog might find that it is too hot to sleep on their bed and the floor might simply feel cooler and more comfortable.
In contrast, when the temperature drops during the winter, your dog might prefer to sleep near a heater. In this case, you can try moving their bed to the section of floor that they lie on by the heater and see if this helps.
Your Dog Has Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is very common in dogs, and your dog might not be sleeping simply because they deem their bed to be too far away from you.
How To Train Your Dog To Sleep In Their Bed
There are a few different methods you can try to train your dog to sleep in their own bed.
Method One
Step one – To begin, you will need to introduce your dog to their bed and make sure that it is as comfortable as possible.
Step two – Next, sit down and pat the bed whilst encouraging your dog to get in the bed. You will need to click and give him a treat while praising them, as this will show them that their bed is a safe place to be.
Step three – You will now need to choose a command, such as ‘get in your bed’. Over time, this is the phrase that your dog will associate with your bed, so make sure that it is clear.
Step four – Encourage your dog to sleep in their bed during the day by using the same command. When they follow your command and get into their bed, click and give them a treat while praising them.
Step five – When it comes to your dog going to bed at night, make sure that you use the same command consistently. Walk your dog to bed, give them a treat, and leave them.
Step six – If your dog leaves their bed and disturbs you during the night, you can redirect them to their bed with the same command. Consistency is key, so make sure that whenever they get up, redirect them back to their bed with the same command. Over time, they will learn to sleep through the night without disturbing you.
Method Two
Step one – To begin, you will need to choose the right bed for your dog. Consider their size and make sure that you choose a comfortable bed.
Step two – Next you will need to choose the perfect place for your dog’s bed. If your dog has separation anxiety or likes to be near you, this spot might need to be in your bedroom or near to your bedroom. Whichever spot you choose, make sure that you can keep their bed permanently here.
Step three – You will now need to use a command that signifies bedtime. Use the command, such as ‘Bed’ and encourage your dog to get in the bed. When they do, reward them with a treat and verbal praise to ensure that you positively reinforce them.
Step five – If your dog doesn’t follow your command when it comes to their bed time, walk them to their bed and praise them. It might take several days for them to learn, but consistency is key.
Step six – If your dog wanders around the house at night, walk them back to their bed. Eventually, they will associate their bed with sleep and their safe space to go.
Tips When Training Your Dog To Sleep In Their Bed
Make Sure That You Positively Reward Your Dog
When training your dog, you will need to reward them with treats and praise to positively reinforce their behavior.
You might think that the easiest thing is to give in and allow them to sleep where they are comfortable, but you need to assert your dominance and train them properly. If you don’t train them out of this bad sleeping habit, it could lead to further bad behaviors down the line.
Have Patience With Your Dog
You can’t blame your dog for wanting to be near you all of the time. After all, you’re their whole world! Bearing this in mind, remain patient with your pooch if they’re taking longer than you expected to get the hang of sleeping in their own bed at night.
It might take them several months, or it might take them over a year to learn, but they will learn in the end.
In Summary
Your dog might not be sleeping in their bed for a variety of different reasons. Hopefully after reading this article you have a better understanding of how you can encourage and train them to sleep in their own bed.
Hi, my name is Daniel Johnson, and I am a professional dog trainer that specializes in positive training methods. I have worked with many dogs over the years, and have provided fantastic and improved results for both the owner and the dog.
When it comes to dog training, it is important for the owner to be taught the simple but correct techniques, and the way in which you communicate with your dog is vital to this process. I recently decided to set up this blog to share my knowledge and skills with a wider audience.
