How to Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed

Establishing Your Dog’s Sleeping Area

Watch how your dog sleeps. This will help you find a dog bed that will be comfortable for them as they sleep. Pay close attention to your dog's body language as they sleep. If your dog likes to stretch out while sleeping, go for a comfortable rectangular mattress. If your dog like to curl up in a tight ball, an enclosed round or oval bed will be the best fit for them. Older or arthritic dogs may feel more comfortable with a memory foam mattress.

Buy a dog bed at your local pet store. When buying dog beds, you really do get what you pay for. Flimsy and cheap pet beds will fall apart easily and last your dog only a few months. The better the quality of the bed, the longer it will last. When choosing a dog bed, you should consider your dog’s sleeping style, their age, and your budget. There are several types of beds available, including:. Orthopedic dog beds: Orthopedic dog beds are long mattresses that provide orthopedic support. They are best for older dogs and provide extra cushioning. They are also roomy, so if your dog likes to spread out when they sleep, this could be a good option. Donut (bolster) dog beds: This type of dog bed is a cushion with a raised side that makes it look like a donut. These are good for dogs who like to curl up when they sleep. Pillow or cushion dog beds: These are simple beds made of a large pillow or cushion and are good for dogs who like to spread out when they sleep. 'Heated dog beds: If you live in a colder climate or have an old or small dog that doesn't retain body heat well, a heated dog bed is a good option to keep your dog warm.

Place the bed in a comfortable spot, like the living room or in your bedroom. Though you want to encourage your dog to stay out of your bed and in their bed, you should also make sure their sleeping area is in a comfortable spot that they are familiar with. The bed should be in an area that is room temperature and not near a draft or an open door. Look for a spot that is in a dark or shaded area of the room.

Put their favorite toys near the bed. This should make the bed more appealing to them. You can also place a shirt that smells like you on their bed to encourage them to lay down on their bed.

Set up a sleeping place for your dog in a kennel or crate if they are a new puppy. It’s very important establish his sleeping area right away so they are not tempted to try to lay on your bed. Line the kennel or crate with newspaper in case of any nighttime accidents. Create an elevated area at the back of the sleep area, such as a dog bed or pillow, so your puppy is sleeping in a clean area of the kennel.

Training Your Dog to Stay In Their Bed

Take your dog for a long walk before bed. This should wear them out and make them have less energy to fight you when it’s time for bed.

Keep your dog on their leash and lead their to their bed. You can also hold out a treat to give their encouragement to go over to the bed. This will train their to connect the bed with a positive reward. Never pick up your dog and place them in the bed or they will associate being there with a negative experience.

Command them to “Go to your bed”. Be clear with your command. Give them a treat only when they lay down on the bed. Every time they get up out of the bed, say “No” and calmly walk them back to the bed. Then, repeat the command “Go to your bed”. Increase the amount of time after you say the command and then give a reward only if they lay down in the bed. Eventually your dog will learn the command and understand that they will be rewarded if they stay in bed.

Ignore any whining during the night. Your dog may give you big sad eyes as you try to go to sleep, or vocalize displeasure at their new sleeping arrangement by whining or moaning during the night. But avoid giving in to these displays as it will only reinforce behavior and prevent them from getting used to their bed. Yelling at your dog in response to whining may only make them whine louder. If the whining continues after you have ignored it for several minutes, ask your dog if they want to go outside. If they respond and become excited, take them out. Make the trip feel purposeful, a time for your pup to go to the bathroom, not play time. If you don’t think your dog needs to go to the bathroom and is whining due to being in their bed, continue to ignore them whining. Do not try to punish this behavior as this will actually reinforce it. Punishing will show you are paying attention to their behavior. Be prepared for the whining to get worse before your dog eventually stops whining. But commit to ignoring them as it will help them get used to the bed in the long run.

Correct your dog if they jump on your bed. This is an important step to establishing boundaries for your dog and reinforcing the importance of them sleeping on their own bed. If your dog jumps on your bed, state “Go to your bed”. If your dog does not move, either pick them up and place on the floor or gently nudge them off the bed while saying “No.”

Use positive reinforcement to correct your dog’s behavior. Many dog owners use a spray bottle of water to punish bad behavior in their dog, including sleeping on their bed or on other furniture. But positive reinforcement, where you reward your dog for good behavior rather than punish them for bad behavior, can also be an effective way to train them. Praise your dog if they go to the bed without you leading them or if they lay down on the bed after you command “Go to bed”. This will help them associate the bed with rewards and praise rather than punishment or negative feelings.

Practice inviting your dog to the bed. Never allow your dog to enter your room or crawl into bed uninvited. This will give them a sense that they are in charge of bedtime. Make sure they only act on command and when you wake up, make sure they wait calmly for your command before getting out of bed.

Understanding the Benefits of a Dog Free Bed

Establish your dominance over your dog by keeping them out of your bed. One of the ways dogs determine hierarchy is through physical height. The higher-ranking animal will position themself higher than the lower-ranking one. So when you allow your dog to sleep on the bed next to you, they could infer that they are above or equal to you. Maintaining your dominance over your dog is important because without establishing your leaderships, your dog could be disobedient or act out. If you have indicated that you do not have control over your dog, they may take it as license to act badly.

Keep your other pets happy and safe. If your household has more than one pet, such as another dog or cats, keeping your dog out of your bed will also set an example for your other pets. Creating separate beds for all your pets will also allow you to get a good night’s sleep without having to worry about rolling over and crushing a furry friend.

Eliminate the risk of catching a disease or illness. If your dog plays with, steps in, or eats feces (their own or other animals’) they could transmit dog-to-human bacteria or parasites like salmonella or heartworms. Most dogs step in all kinds of things, so the likelihood of your dog carrying bacteria you may not want all over your sheets is high. If you suffer from asthma or other allergies, having your dog’s fur in your bed may make these issues worse. Keeping your dog in a separate bed or sleeping area will benefit not only your pup, but also your ability to get a good night’s sleep.