Dogs are great companions and wonderful pets to have in your home. So naturally, these fur animals will spend as much time with you as possible. Unfortunately, with this, you’ll find that your dog may develop a habit of sleeping on your bed.
Having their dog join them in bed is not an issue for some dog owners, and that’s great. However, pet owners who are light sleepers may find that your dog wakes up too early, is too big, and takes up a lot of space, or you need your bed back. People with allergies also may be uncomfortable sleeping with their dogs.
When this happens, it is time to invest in finding ways to stop your dog from sleeping on your bed.
Breaking this habit will require a consistent effort to retrain your dog to sleep by itself.
Here are some things you can implement to help you get started on training to stop your dog from sleeping on your bed.
Get the right bed for your dog
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When trying to break your dog’s habit of sleeping in your bed, the first step is to get an alternative bed.
Start by studying your dog’s sleeping habits and positions. Knowing where your dog loves to sleep will help you get a more suitable bed.
For example, a regular rectangular pet bed will do if your dog stretches a lot. However, an oval bed will be a more practical investment if your dog curves a lot while sleeping. The point is to invest in a bed where your dog will be comfortable and embrace it as its own.
Before going for a bed that fits your dog’s sleeping position, remember to measure your dog to ensure you get the right-sized bed. Take a measuring tape, measure from the tip of your dog’s nose to its tail, and add more inches for allowance.
Once you have all your measurements right, invest in a bed that also features your dog’s perks from sleeping in your bed.
For instance, your dog could enjoy the warmth of your bed. Therefore, investing in a bed with heating pads to meet your dog’s needs will allow for an easier transition.
Make your dog’s bed attractive
Getting the right pet bed will not matter much if you can’t get your dog to get on it and start being comfortable with it.
Consider making your dog cozy with different pillows and soft sheets to get your dog on its new pet bed. Doing this is an excellent way of making its bed fluffy and more comfortable than yours.
Adding your dog’s favorite toys could make the bed more appealing. Adding toys helps lure your dog into the pet bed and helps it get acquainted with its new sleeping area.
Consider having a dedicated dog blanket for the couch. Not only does it provide warmth and comfort, but it also offers your furry friend a cozy spot to relax.
Moreover, it safeguards your furniture against spills and accidents, making cleaning a breeze.
Opt for a premium blanket crafted from specialized multi-layered fabric, ensuring unparalleled coziness and softness for your beloved furbaby.
Gradually, you can start moving the blanket to other preferred spots.
Play with your dog
A great way to train your dog to start sleeping on its pet bed is by draining its energy during play and directing it to its bed to rest.
However, using this dog training method may be tricky since you may have a dog with a lot of energy to expend.
If you have an energetic dog, it may take extra time to tire your dog out. Bring it home when your dog is tired and lead it to the pet bed using the leash.
Once on the pet bed, give your dog a healthy dog treat to enjoy and get comfortable, making it more difficult to leave its bed in such a worn-out state.
If your dog gets out of its bed and goes to your bed, don’t force it back to its bed.
Doing that will lead your dog to associate it with an unpleasant experience it will strive to avoid. Therefore, you may undermine your efforts to get your dog to stop sleeping in your bed.
Incorporate commands
Dogs respond well to commands and are very obedient when told to do or not do something, provided they are well-trained.
Puppies get easier after six months, allowing you to train your dog to understand and follow commands like “no” or “off,” etc.
Using these commands during bedtime will be useful in training your dog to stop sleeping on your bed. Study your dog’s behavior. When it jumps on your bed, immediately command it to get off.
A simple command such as “off” will do the job and tell your dog that you don’t want it on your bed. However, you’ll have to do this a few times since your dog may tend to jump back on your bed.
You may consider treating your dog when it gets off and placing it on its pet bed. Over time, your dog will get used to its pet bed and go straight into it.
If your dog associates getting off your bed with treats, you must switch things up.
Mix up your commands and delay the treats to avoid encouraging your dog to think treats come easily and often.
Make getting on your bed difficult
Block your bed to make it difficult for your dog to jump on it. That will make it easier to help your dog sleep on its bed.
If you are sleeping in the same room as your dog, you may need to invest in adding barriers around your bed.
Doing this will make jumping on your bed difficult for your dog. You could also consider adding a pet-friendly gate around your dog’s bed. A barrier around your dog’s bed is an excellent idea to ensure your dog stays in his bed.
If you want to lure your dog to the bed, make it more appealing by adding some toys. Making it harder for your dog to get on your bed is a great strategy and may help retrain your dog more efficiently.
Remember that your dog will whine and throw tantrums, especially when you block access to your bed.
If that happens, try to avoid responding and ignore it since it is a way for your dog to get your attention and get back on your bed.
Keep a close eye on your dog and see how it responds to the new arrangements over time.
Changing your dog’s sleeping spot
Moving to a new sleeping area can be a stressful experience for dogs if they have been sleeping with their owners.
Like humans, dogs form strong emotional attachments to their sleeping areas, and changing them can cause anxiety and confusion.
Dogs are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine and familiarity so that sudden changes can be unsettling.
Moving their sleeping area means breaking their established routine and disrupting their sense of security.
Dogs may feel anxious or even scared in a new environment, making settling down and sleeping peacefully difficult.
Additionally, dogs have an acute sense of smell, significantly affecting how they perceive their surroundings.
Moving them to a new sleeping area removes familiar scents and introduces new ones, which can overwhelm your dog.
This can lead to feelings of discomfort or insecurity, causing your dog to become restless at night.
Some dogs associate particular objects or items with security and comfort when sleeping.
For example, your dog may have a favorite blanket or toy they always cuddle with while sleeping. When moving them to a new sleeping area without these familiar objects, they may struggle to relax and fall asleep.
Ease anxiety
Introduce the change gradually to reduce anxiety and ensure your dog’s comfort and security.
Start by placing your pet’s bed or crate in the desired location during daytime naps so that they can get used to the new space before bedtime.
Place familiar objects, such as toys or blankets, in the new sleeping area for comfort.
Maintain a consistent bedtime routine and give your dog plenty of reassurance and love during this transition. Help them feel safe and secure in their new sleeping space.
Comfort your dog during the transition
Transitioning to a new bed can be stressful for you and your dog.
However, with patience, consistency, and plenty of love and reassurance, you can help your furry friend feel comfortable in their new sleeping space.
Choose a designated sleeping area for your dog. This could be a corner of your bedroom or a separate room. Ensure the space is warm, quiet, and free from distractions that may keep your dog awake at night.
Next, introduce your dog to their new sleeping space gradually. Place their bed or crate in the chosen area and allow your dog to explore it.
You can also encourage them by placing some of their favorite toys or treats in the area.
Establish a bedtime routine once your dog has become familiar with the space. Dogs thrive on routine, so having a consistent bedtime ritual will help them feel more secure and relaxed at night.
Your routine could include taking them for a walk before bed or playing calming music while they settle into their sleeping spot.
During this transition, remain calm and patient. If your dog shows signs of anxiety or discomfort, such as pacing or whining, reassure them with gentle words and strokes.
Avoid scolding or punishing them if they don’t immediately take to their new sleeping arrangement, as this will only increase their stress levels.
Leave an item of clothing with your scent near your dog’s bed or crate to provide comfort and remind them of you during the night.
Try not to give in to your dog’s demands for attention during the night.
While it may seem like tough love, giving in will only reinforce unwanted behavior and make it harder for you and your pup in the long run.
Be patient. It may take time for your dog to adjust to sleeping independently, and there may be some setbacks along the way.
Remember to stay consistent with the routine and provide plenty of reassurance and love, and you will soon have a peacefully sleeping pup in their own space.
Be consistent
To teach your dog to sleep in a new spot, be consistent.
Consistency is vital for enforcing any new rule or routine, and this applies to training your dog to sleep in their own space.
Letting your furry friend join you in bed occasionally may seem tempting, but allowing them to do so will only confuse them and make the training process more difficult.
If you allow your dog into bed with you one night but not the next, they will become confused and may continue pushing boundaries in hopes of being let back into bed again.
Inconsistency can lead to behavioral issues such as separation anxiety, which could cause destructive behavior or excessive barking.
By consistently enforcing the new sleeping arrangements with your dog, they will learn that this is their designated sleeping space and will feel secure knowing what you expect at night.
Dogs respond well to positive reinforcement — if they consistently receive praise and rewards for sleeping in their designated spot without fussing or whining, they will continue doing so.
Nicole McCray is a die-hard animal lover who has worked in pet care for years. She is a former vet technician, a dog mom to her two rescue pups, and she grew up living and working at her family’s pet boarding facility. She loves using her writing talents to share the insight she’s learned throughout her career, hoping her knowledge can help other pet parents.