How To Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed

Sometimes, people just don't like having dog hair all over their bed. If you love your puppy, but want him off of your bed, read this article!

Step 1  

First, find the reason why your dog is sleeping on your bed. Is it:  

• A. When your dog was a puppy, you let him sleep on your bed.
• B. He doesn't have a dog bed.
• C. His dog bed is uncomfortable.
• D. Your bed has never been off limits.
• F. Other.

Step 2  

After you've found the reason your dog likes to sleep on your bed, you need to fix it. Read the following sections.

Doggie Beds!

Your dog may be sleeping on your bed because he doesn't have a dog bed or because his bed is uncomfortable. Below is about finding and choosing the right bed.

1. Since your dog doesn't like his current bed (because it is old, dirty, stinky, or uncomfortable) or doesn't have his own bed, you need to buy him one. Go to your local pet store or online and find a bed that is comfortable (no doggie houses without cushions!), warm, and dry. Most dogs like cuddle nests, or doggie mattress beds. A good online store is www.drsfosterandsmith.com)
2. Wash your dog's bedding weekly, but if you are using towels (which most dogs don't like anyway) you must wash them daily. Read the page called "how to make a dog smell better" to learn how to wash your dog's bedding. It is on that page.

Teaching the "Bed" Behavior

Teaching the bed behavior (command isn't the right thing to say :) ) is essential if you want your dog to stop sleeping on your bed.

1. Set your dog's bed in a comfortable area of the room. This is where he will always sleep.
2. Gather up your treats and a leash.
3. Bring your dog over. Set him about four to five feet away from his doggie bed.
4. Lure the dog with the treat onto his bed. When his is all on the bed, at a sit or down, say "Bed", click and reward.
5. Repeat these steps over and over again. The final outcome should be you pointing to the bed, saying excitedly, "Bed!" and having your dog run over to it's bed, getting on the bed, and lying down. Click and reward.
6. Remember: This behavior is when your dog is on or about to get on your bed.

Teaching the "OFF" Behavior

Teaching the off behavior (command isn't the right thing to say :) ) is essential if you want your dog to stop sleeping on your bed.

1. Sit your dog on a chair, couch, or something that is high enough but not too low.
2. Gather your treats and leash.
3. Clip the leash on your dog's collar.
4. Stand next to your dog with the treat in front of his nose.
5. Toss the treat about two feet ahead.
6. While tossing the treat, softly yet firmly say "Off".
7. Now, the dog should jump off the chair or item, and go eat the treat, but if he doesn't then gently guide him off the chair with his leash (he may need a little push from behind) to the treat. Click with your clicker and reward.
8. Repeat and repeat. The end conclusion should have a hand signal with you pointing off the chair, and saying "off".
9. This behavior is used for: If you find your dog sleeping on your bed, say and point "off". Click and reward every time he goes off!

Tips

• When saying the behaviors, say them excitedly, with praise and treats.

Things You'll Need

• Dog treats
• A clicker (optional if you don't use them)
• Praise
• Nest