Training a Dog to use their Dog Bed

Your dog is a loving family member, and dog ownership is a huge responsibility.

Dogs appreciate comfort, and although they might snuggle up with you at times, it’s important that they have a place of their own where they can sleep and relax.

Your dog is a loving family member, and dog ownership is a huge responsibility.The best dog bed for your four-legged friend is one that provides comfort, supports his whole body, and that he uses and loves! Once you’ve chosen from the vast range of dog beds available, you might assume your dog will love his new bed immediately – but that’s not always the case! Dogs have their own unique personalities, habits, and likes, so your dog might need some prompting to use his bedis a loving family member, and dog ownership is a huge responsibility.

Also, as well as sleeping and resting on his bed, you can also train your dog to use his bed when it suits you – such as if you’re eating dinner, unpacking groceries, or have guests over – and you’d just love your dog to sit quietly on his bed. When your dog is sitting quietly on his bed, he’s less likely to get under your feet, annoy visitors, look for food, or run out the front door.

When training, repetition and patience are key – the more frequently you train your dog and the more time you put in, the better and faster he will learn.

When training your dog to use his dog bed, start by:

• Choosing a time and place where there are minimal distractions.

• Have the bed where you want him to sleep or relax on it – this may be a designated space outside or a quiet corner in a room. You may even choose to give your dog a bed both inside and outside.

Whether your training goals are to simply get your dog used to their bed so they will sleep on it, or to use their bed on your command, such as for keeping out of your way, here are a few ways you can train your dog to use his dog bed.

Remove his old dog bed (if relevant)

If you are replacing your dog’s bed with an old bed, first remove his current bed. Your dog is familiar with his existing bed and knows it’s his. The bed smells like your dog, and it is his safe place. Before expecting your dog to love and use his new bed, take his old/current bed away!

Sit or lie on the dog bed with your dog

Your dog loves you unconditionally, and dogs like to spend time in their human’s favourite places. Sitting or lying on the dog bed yourself will add your scent to his bed, which should make him feel more comfortable. You can even try rubbing your hands over the bed or putting an old t-shirt or blanket of yours on their bed to give them your scent. When training your dog to use their dog bed, simply sitting or lying on the dog bed with your dog may be enough to entice him to use and love his bed.

Put a yummy food treat on the bed

Training your dog using food treats as a reward should give him enjoyment and ensure he is eager to please. By using his favourite treat to train, it won’t take long for your pal to learn how to use his bed.

Stand near your dog’s bed and gain his attention with a treat while encouraging him to step on the bed. When your dog’s entire body is on the bed (4 paws), praise him so he knows he’s done what was expected of him. When your dog has mastered this step, make his waiting time on the bed longer until he gets the reward. Then, when he stays on the bed for several minutes at a time, step away and praise him for staying on his bed.

When your dog has learned how to go to his bed, try adding your ‘cue’ word/s such as ‘bed,’ ‘place,’ or ‘on your bed’.

Put your dog’s favourite toy or ball on the bed

Placing your dog’s favourite toy or ball to help train your dog to use his dog bed is a similar concept to using a yummy food treat.

You want your dog to love his bed and be happy to use it. Try enforcing this by putting your dog’s favourite toy or ball on the bed, or even a new toy that you think your dog will love. Doing this will help convince your dog his bed is a special place.

Give your dog some space

Remember, your dog needs to become familiar with his bed, and this can take time. Be patient and simply let your dog discover his comfortable new place for himself!

Use a command

As discussed above, when your dog has learned how to go to his bed, then link that action with a command, such as ‘bed,’ ‘place,’ or ‘on your bed’.

When training your dog to use his dog bed, ideally he should already know the commands ‘sit’ and ‘lie down’. Depending on why you want your dog to use his bed – to sit out of the way inside, or to go to sleep outside, etc. – you might tell him to either ‘sit’ or ‘lie down’ once he is on his bed.

When training or at any time, if your dog sits or lies on his bed, try giving him a reward and really praising him. This way he will understand that sitting or lying on his bed is good. He will soon realise his bed is comfortable and will probably be happy to use it. Take advantage of this by praising his behaviour, which will encourage him to continue using his bed.

- Remember, training your dog to use his dog bed may take patience and time, and every dog will learn at his own pace. Train slowly, be patient, and ensure your dog understands and has mastered one step before trying another step. With perseverance, teaching your dog to use his dog bed will be a great outcome for both you and your pal.

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