You’ve decided it’s time to get Fido off the sofa or out of your bed at night, but you’re not sure he’ll use the new dog bed. It takes patience and consistency in training to break old habits, but you can do it. Here are a few simple tricks about how to get your dog to sleep on a dog bed.

If possible, start when the dog is young. If you have a puppy, pick him up while sleeping and place him on its bed. Consider putting a ticking clock under or against the bed to simulate the sound of his mother's heartbeat.

But if you’ve got an older dog, don’t worry; you can teach an old dog new tricks. It might take some time, but if you’re consistent at training, you will find out how to get your dog to sleep on a dog bed and not in yours.

The right bed

Getting the right bed for your particular dog is perhaps the most important part of training him to sleep in a dog bed. If the bed is too small or too big, or it’s not a shape that suits him, it’ll be harder, if not impossible, to train the dog to use it.

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Remedies

Measure your dog when he’s sleeping and add 8 to 10 inches to the total. This will give you the right size. Then observe how he sleeps. Does he curl up or stretch out? Get a dog bed with a shape that will accommodate your dog’s natural sleeping position.

Location

Location. Location. Location. It’s true for dog beds too. Be sure to put the dog bed in a place that’s safe, dry and warm. Quiet, low-traffic areas will provide fewer distractions and help your dog to sleep in his bed.

Smell

Dogs are led by their noses. Your scent signifies safety and home. Add your smell to the pet bed. Rub your hands and arms over the dog bed. If you’re a bit sweaty, all the better. Be sure to touch the whole bed. You can also put a piece of recently worn clothing in the bed. The more of your scent you can leave behind, the better for training your dog.

Toys

Another great technique for getting your dog to sleep on a dog bed is to place a few of his favorite toys in it. Don’t crowd him out, but one or two of the favorite toys will have familiar scents that help him relax.

Exercise

Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. Just like people, the dog will be far less restless if he gets sufficient exercise. Don’t play with him before “bedtime,” though.

When your dog seems to be ready for sleep, call him over to the dog bed, pat the surface and encourage him to get on it. Always reward desired behavior. Praise the dog when he does what you want. Don’t punish or force him to do what you want.

The key in how to get your dog to sleep on a dog bed is to be consistent and firm in your training. Don’t break the habit for a special night of sleeping in your bed, because you’ll just go back to square one. It might take some time, but if you keep repeating your dog’s training, the dog's own bed will eventually become the regular spot where he will sleep.