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Training your dog to sleep in their bed is not easy, especially when they are used to sleeping with you. But that doesn't mean that it is impossible. With patience, perseverance, and a complete understanding of your dog's behavior, you can train them to sleep in their bed in no time at all.
Buy A Suitable Dog Bed
Buy a suitable bed that your dog wants to sleep in. If your dog is a puppy, you may want to provide them with a small bed with raised sides. If your pet is larger, he may not want a bed with raised sides. Older dogs may require orthopedic beds, heated beds, or beds with memory foam.
When buying dog beds prefer those with removable covers and washable cushions as they come in handy in an event of an accident as they are easy to take off and clean.
Check out our lineup of luxurious and comfortable orthopedic memory foam beds.
Get Him Out of Your Bed
They may be used to sleeping in your bed for months, or even years, and in this case, they will get stubborn. You may need to re-establish yourself and provide them with a comfortable bed to sleep on.
If they continue to jump on your bed, train them to go to your bed and correct them for jumping into yours. Whenever your dog jumps to your bed, pick him up or push him off gently and make a gesture that says he is no longer allowed in your bed.
It may take some time for them to get used to it, but patience is key.
Put familiar items in their new dog bed
You want to make sure that your dog bed is the place they want to go when they sleep and the best way to do that is to add their favorite belongings to their new bed. Put their favorite toys, blankets, or other things that can make the bed more appealing. You can also place your shirt as the scent embedded in the shirt can encourage them to lay down on their bed.
Use Positive Reinforcement To Correct Their Behavior
Many pet owners spray a bottle of water to punish their dog's bad behavior. This type of punishment is temporary and it also teaches them to practice undesired behavior when you and the water bottle are not present. Praising your dog when she lies down on his bed, or when you command them to go to their bed will help associate the bed with rewards and praise rather than punishment or negative feelings.
While training your pet, do not respond to their whimper or whining as doing it may teach them that you'll jump to their every need. Allow them to calm themselves.
Getting your dog out of your bed to sleep in their bed is hard, but it is not impossible. When training them, it is important to be consistent in their training. When you slack off, they'll think it’s ok so they go back to their old behaviors again.