How to Get Your Dog to Sleep in Their Own Bed

Your dog getting a restful night's sleep is as important for them as it is for you.

Maybe your bed has become too crowded, you've replaced your dog's usual spot with another person, or you simply prefer not to share your sleeping space with your pet – what’s constant is an effort to get your dog to sleep in their own bed.

Training them for this may look challenging, with worries about whether your dog might feel excluded or unloved, but it’s totally possible to move past these emotional hurdles.

What you need is to follow some practical training tips.

Choosing the Right Bed

First and foremost, you need to pick out a comfortable bed for your dog.

The market has a range of dog beds to offer, including memory foam and orthopedic options if they have problem areas to be addressed when they rest.

A good option is the machine-washable Large Human Dog Bed from Turpit, great for the comfort of your dog’s joints and muscles.

The bed features a soft pink velvet surface and an Oxford fabric side – which is durable and stylish. It also has a non-slip, waterproof bottom and handles for easy relocation for your dog's comfort year-round.

Making the Bed Inviting

Creating a welcoming space around the bed can increase your dog's acceptance of it.

Introducing familiar scents by placing a recently worn shirt or their favorite blanket on the bed can make it more attractive to them.

To get them used to the bed, put their food and water bowls close by, especially when it’s their meal time.

Adding Their Favorite Toys

You can also make the bed more appealing by putting your dog's favorite toys in it.

We don’t have to explain the love dogs have for their territories. They are possessive about their toys, and if you add their toys to this bed, they will start to see it as their territory.

Training Outside the Bedroom

Keep the training sessions during the day and away from your bedroom. Your dog will understand designated areas and hopefully, this will reduce the likelihood of them jumping onto your bed.

Establishing Commands and Positive Reinforcement

Teaching your dog a specific command, such as "go to bed," will help them mentally attach this phrase to their sleeping area. But this only works with consistency.

You can reinforce good behavior in your dog by giving them treats or praise when they do as you ask. As you gradually stop giving them treats, they will not expect them all the time.

Incorporate Play and Meal Times

Including the bed in routines like eating and playing can help your dog feel even better about the bed.

Playing near the bed or even cuddling with your dog on it can help them see it as a comfortable place.

Sticking to a Bedtime Routine

For your dog to get used to their new bed, you should stick to the same bedtime routine every night.

A regular bedtime and calming activities are a signal for your dog to settle down.

Gently guiding them to their new bed each night reinforces the idea that this is where they're supposed to sleep.

Should Your Dog Sleep in Your Bed?

This is a personal decision depending on factors like pet allergies and sleeping preferences.

Generally, sleeping with dogs does not make sleep worse, but there are times when it does, especially if you are a light sleeper, easily get too hot, or your dog is very reactive at night.

So take some time experimenting with either route before choosing one that you and your pet are most comfortable with.