Q&A for How to Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed

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  • Question
    How do I get my dog to stop sleeping on my bed?
    Ty Brown
    Dog Trainer
    Ty Brown is a Dog Behaviorist and Trainer and the Owner of Ty the Dog Guy, a business that provides dog training through digital resources (podcasts, web series, and online courses) along with in-person dog training. Ty has over 17 years of experience in dog training and specializes in both mitigating unruly pet behavior and service dog training. Ty has been awarded the "Best of State Award" for dog training in Utah ten times and his work has been featured in ABC, NBC, CBS, Spike TV, and Entrepreneur Magazine.
    Dog Trainer
    Expert Answer
    Make sure your dog has a really nice bed he will enjoy sleeping in. Then, train your dog to go to his bed on command. Crate training can also help your dog form a positive association with his crate, which will encourage him to sleep there at night instead of in your bed.
  • Question
    I live in a loft and can't use a baby gate. Do the sprays work?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Sprays act as a deterrent and work best when they appear to be an 'Act of God', so the dog links stepping onto the stairs with an unpleasant blast of air and not with your presence. Your best bet is to get a can of compressed air that is motion-activated, and site it on the lower step. That way when the dog goes to go up the stairs they get an unpleasant surprise. This will make the dog think the stairs are a no-go area, which is what you want to achieve.
  • Question
    How can I stop my puppy from jumping onto my bed at night?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Try crate-training the puppy. The idea is to provide a den-like space that is the pup's, so that he's happy to rest there at night. Otherwise, you need to distract the pup with his favorite toy and train him to get down (if he's big enough) or put him on the floor and then reward and praise him for being on the floor. If he goes to jump up, say a short, sharp "No!", so he understands his place is on the ground.
  • Question
    Can I still have my dog up for a cuddle in bed?
    Community Answer
    In the same vein as treats, it's okay to sometimes invite your dog onto your bed, as long as you make it clear it's for cuddling/playing and not for sleep, and that it is a special treat for the dog -- and only after it has the habit of going to its own bed for sleep.
  • Question
    My dog sneaks onto my bed when I leave so is there anything I can do to stop her?
    Community Answer
    It is as simple as shutting your bedroom door. If you're afraid that she'll scratch at the door, try using a baby gate or a white one what you screw into the wall and the door opens.
  • Question
    How can I stop my 4-year-old male dog from sleeping with me in my bed every night? He is becoming possessive over his space on the bed.
    Community Answer
    The best solution to this is to get a kennel. Short of that, providing him with a bed may help, but you may have to sleep in a separate room from your dog.
  • Question
    I have a little chihuahua at home, and whenever I leave, she always goes through my trash and leaves it all over the floor, how do I stop her from doing this?
    Community Answer
    Keep her in a crate during the day. Though it seems mean, dogs were meant to sleep in dens.
  • Question
    How can I dissuade my dog from sneaking onto my bed when I fall asleep?
    Community Answer
    Try to put a shirt or other fabric that smells like you near your dog's bed to make him more comfortable there. You could spray some of your perfume on it too. Use a baby gate to block him from your room.
  • Question
    I have a Labrador that is always cleaning herself on my bed and the bed becomes damp, what can I do?
    Community Answer
    Often times the constant licking of paws or underbelly by the hind legs is caused by a skin condition from tromping in streams or puddles. The vet gave us a medicated shampoo and the licking stopped immediately. Rinse off your dog's paws and underbelly after she's been walking around in a wet, muddy area.
  • Question
    How do I get my dog to not get on the bed?
    Community Answer
    You can close the door, and lock them out of the room. You can also try crate-training your dog.
  • Question
    I have a puppy and it is my fault that it has become a habit that she sleeps in my bed. Now, she always gets up out of her crate when it's bed time and starts wandering around the house. What can I do?
    Community Answer
    Try closing the crate. If she whines, you can buy some earplugs so you can get some shut-eye.
  • Question
    I have 2 small dogs who have been with me for a long time, and they fight with my new dog. What should I do?
    Community Answer
    You have to get them used to each other in neutral spaces. Of course your older dogs are territorial and are ganging up on your new dog. Take them for long walks together to get used to each other. They will also be more likely to rest together when they are worn out from exercise. Feed them separately and don't give them treats and toys around each other.
  • Question
    I've got an 18 year old dog. How do I keep her off my bed?
    Community Answer
    If you have an older dog and s/he has always slept on your bed, it will hard if not impossible to keep her/him off your bed. Instead, cherish the time you have left and snuggle your dog.
  • Question
    I'm having issues keeping my dog out of my bed on school nights, what do you suggest?
    Community Answer
    Dogs don’t really know the difference between weekdays and weekends, and they thrive when given a predictive routine. Try being consistent throughout the week if you can.
  • Question
    We acquired our son's 6-year-old golden after he died. Will placing a dog bed for her in the bedroom but leashing her to the bed post so she has some movement but can't jump on the bed work?
    Community Answer
    I would not advise that. There's too much of a risk of her getting tangled up in the leash and accidentally hurting herself. If you don't want her jumping up on the bed, the best option is to keep her in a large crate during the night. She will whine at first, but she will get used to it.
  • Question
    My dog starts off the night in her own bed, but then sneaks into our bed while we are sleeping. It doesn't wake me up, but it does wake up my partner. How can I make her stay in her own bed?
    Community Answer
    I have the same problem. Basically, you have to shut the door or crate her right before bedtime. Another option is to have a baby gate.
  • Question
    How can I make my dog be more comfortable about being left alone?
    Community Answer
    Tire your dog out during the day so he has less energy, and leave him alone for just a few minutes at first. Ignore him if he cries, then reward him when he is quiet. Gradually extend the time he is alone.
  • Question
    My dog keeps scratching my door but doesn't want to come in. How can I have her stay in her bed?
    Community Answer
    My dog does the same. Try offering her a treat to follow you. Rumor has it that if you pat your knees with your hands and encourage your dog to come, it might happen. If that doesn't work, try leaving your door open/cracked a little.
  • Question
    If a new puppy (8 weeks) whines for long periods in his bed in laundry room, is it best to wait him out, or move his bed into adult room for company?
    Community Answer
    Move him to a room close to you so he knows where you are.
  • Question
    My chihuahua is about 12 years old and sleeps in my bed. I just had a baby recently. Is it too late to train her to not sleep in my bed?
    Community Answer
    It may be too late to start training, but your dog will eventually stop once you purchase a bed for them. Showing your dog the bed and using positive reinforcement will help with it transitioning to its own bed.
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