Sponsored Post: How to Get Your Dog to Sleep in His Own Bed
So many dog owners run out and buy a host of items in anticipation of the new family arrival. Once the dog arrives all the rules you were thinking of goes out the window, maybe you think the puppy is too young to sleep on his own, it’s his first night away from his mother or you just feel guilty banishing him to his own bed which you just spent a lot of money on at the pet shop.
There are a couple of things you need to bear in mind, remembering that with the right training, your dogs bed will be a place of comfort and security, enabling him to sleep throughout the night without any problems.
Dog Beds Size
The very first thing you need to do when heading out to buy dog beds is to ensure you buy a bed that is big enough. If you’ve purchased an eight week old puppy which is going to grow into a large dog, looking at large dog beds from the start will ensure the bed will be big enough as he grows and you won’t need to constantly be replacing it.
Buying dog beds that meet the size needs of your dog from the first also means he had the same bed throughout his life, a bed he is comfortable with and knows, has all the smells he is familiar with making it easier for him to use it night after night.
Bed Placement
There is no problem if you choose for your dog to sleep in the same room as you, but you need to ensure that dog beds are placed away from ‘foot’ traffic. Don’t place the bed in front of the wardrobe which you need to open on a regular basis.
Often dog beds are better placed out of the way, maybe the kitchen or utility room. Don’t feel guilty that your dog is far away from you at night, once he’s used to the comfort of his bed, he will be happy to sleep in his own little sanctuary each night.
Comfort
From the start make the bed as comfortable as possible; add some comfortable dog bedding and a favourite toy to encourage your dog to use the bed. Most dogs love something soft to sleep on, so finding the right bedding can make the world of difference when you start teaching your dog where they must sleep.
Comfortable dog bedding can be blankets and pillows; things that are soft and appealing to the dog that makes him want to use his bed.
Training and Repetition
Now comes the hard part, getting your dog used to his bed. So many owners make the mistake of not keeping strong when it comes to getting dogs to sleep in their own space.
Start by carrying or leading your dog to the dog bed when it is time for bed and tell them to “go to your bed” or “go to bed”. Each time you lead them back to the dog bed, give them the same command.
When they leave the bed and cry, lead them back giving the same command. Eventually it will sink in as with any training and your dog will know when given the command it’s time for bed and he will also know you do come back in the morning.
If your dog is struggling, try placing a personal item of clothing into the dog bed to give them the security they need and smells that are familiar to help them through the night.
Note: This is a sponsored post, written by Michelle Kuhl on behalf of http://www.dogbeds.co.uk/.
Great post. But how do you make the switch from crate to bed?
I am yet to buy a dog bed because I know my puppy will grow to be a very large german shepherd, and the prices of dog beds big enough are outrageous! He currently is crated at night and still wets the crate so buying a dog bed isn’t an idea yet.
Switching from the crate to the bed takes time. The best advice I can give is to do it slowly – leave your dog out for short periods, like naps, then slowly build up to all night. You’ll know when he’s ready, but I agree that waiting until he stops having accidents might be the right time!
I use the command “go to your bed” for Ace several times per day. He loves his bed. It helps to buy a bed your dog prefers. Ace likes a round bed with sides that he can curl up in and get cozy. My foster dog prefers a flat bed that she can stretch out in.
I think it also helps if you don’t allow the dog on the furniture, at least for the first six months or so. Teach the dog that he either gets to lie on the floor, in his crate or on his bed. That will help build good habits. Then if you want to allow the dog on the couch or on your bed, teach the dog that he can do so only if he’s invited first with a command such as “up!”
Great advice, Lindsay! Thanks for sharing!
Don’t forget that your pup has just left a pack puppies who would have all slept together since birth, so they will be a little freaked out.
Good point, Leroy!
Washability makes a big difference. Our babies sleep on horse blankets. They’re folded for cushioning. They’re tucked into corners of the bedroom, which make the dogs feel secure. I can throw them into the washer, which keeps the stink and fur levels to a minimum. Washing those big dog beds has got to be a nightmare. The horse blanket can go into a crate, and is difficult for puppy teeth to destroy.
You are so, so right! Washability is key with dog beds!
Good timing. We just won a plush dog bed. And I’m wondering if we can make the switch from crate to the fancy dog bed. Normally, it’s tough to keep Honey off our bed. I’m hoping that a dog bed that’s cushier than our mattress will work.
BTW, this is probably the best sponsored post I’ve read.
Good tips…Thanks for sharing such a useful information with us.
Limiting other options will almost automatically train your Dog where to go, and where not to. Nice post.
We just adopted a one year old cockapoo, and he jumps right up on our bed like it IS his bed. Our Westie never did that, his legs were too short so he couldn’t make it up there. Now I’ll actually have to train the dog to get off, or learn to snuggle him. Tough choice.
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