7 Ways to Get Your Dog to Use Their Dog Bed
A dog bed is a great investment for any pet parent. Not only do they provide a comfortable and private space for your furry friend to rest, but they can also help to prolong the life of your furniture and floors. If your dog is resistant to using their bed, though, it can be frustrating trying to get them to change their habits. Luckily, there are a few tricks you can use to encourage your pup to start sleeping in their bed instead of on your couch or in your bed.
- Put Their Bed in Their Favorite Sleeping Spot: If your dog typically sleeps on your couch, put their bed right next to it so they can still be close to their favorite people and things. They'll be more likely to use their bed if it's in a place they're already comfortable sleeping.
- Make It Cozy: Dogs are attracted to comfort just like we are. Add a cozy blanket or some of their favorite toys to their bed so it feels like home.
3.Encourage Them with Treats: Every time your dog gets in their bed, give them a treat as positive reinforcement. They'll start to associate their bed with something good happening, and they'll be more likely to want to stay there. - Set a Schedule: Dogs are creatures of habit, so if you make it part of their daily routine to sleep in their bed at certain times, they'll be more likely to follow through.
- Get Them Used to It Slowly: If your dog has never slept in a bed before, start by letting them get comfortable with it while awake before expecting them to sleep in it overnight. Put their food and water dishes near the bed so they have to spend some time there during the day and praise them whenever they go near it or lay down in it.
- Be Consistent: Dogs can sense when you're getting frustrated with them, so if you're trying to train them to use their bed and you get angry or punish them when they don't, they're just going to become more resistant because they won't understand what you want from them. Be patient and consistent, and eventually they'll catch on.
7.. Reward Them For Staying In Their Bed: Once your dog is sleeping comfortably in their bed through the night, continue rewarding them with positive reinforcement in the form of treats or verbal praise so they know that this is where you want them to sleep and that they're doing a good job following your rule.
With a little patience and consistency, you can train your dog to sleep in their own bed and leave yours alone! Just remember that every dog is different, so try out different methods until you find one that works for both you and your pup..
