How to Make Your Dog Stop Sleeping in Your Bed

It may not seem like a big deal to let your dog cuddle with you at bedtime but allowing your dog to sleep in your bed often leads to other behavioral problems. These can include disobedience, acting out and being overly possessive. In fact, letting your dog sleep in your bed could undermine your leadership in the household and give your dog the impression that they are in charge.^{[1]XResearch source}

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Establishing Your Dog’s Sleeping Area

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1
Watch how your dog sleeps. This will help you find a dog bed that will be comfortable for them as they sleep. Pay close attention to your dog's body language as they sleep.^{[2]XResearch source}
- If your dog likes to stretch out while sleeping, go for a comfortable rectangular mattress.
- If your dog like to curl up in a tight ball, an enclosed round or oval bed will be the best fit for them.
- Older or arthritic dogs may feel more comfortable with a memory foam mattress.
2
Buy a dog bed at your local pet store.^{[3]XExpert SourceTy Brown
Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 4 June 2020.} When buying dog beds, you really do get what you pay for. Flimsy and cheap pet beds will fall apart easily and last your dog only a few months. The better the quality of the bed, the longer it will last.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} When choosing a dog bed, you should consider your dog’s sleeping style, their age, and your budget. There are several types of beds available, including:^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}.
- Orthopedic dog beds: Orthopedic dog beds are long mattresses that provide orthopedic support. They are best for older dogs and provide extra cushioning. They are also roomy, so if your dog likes to spread out when they sleep, this could be a good option.
- Donut (bolster) dog beds: This type of dog bed is a cushion with a raised side that makes it look like a donut. These are good for dogs who like to curl up when they sleep.
- Pillow or cushion dog beds: These are simple beds made of a large pillow or cushion and are good for dogs who like to spread out when they sleep.
- 'Heated dog beds: If you live in a colder climate or have an old or small dog that doesn't retain body heat well, a heated dog bed is a good option to keep your dog warm.
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3
Place the bed in a comfortable spot, like the living room or in your bedroom. Though you want to encourage your dog to stay out of your bed and in their bed, you should also make sure their sleeping area is in a comfortable spot that they are familiar with.^{[6]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
- The bed should be in an area that is room temperature and not near a draft or an open door. Look for a spot that is in a dark or shaded area of the room.
This should make the bed more appealing to them. You can also place a shirt that smells like you on their bed to encourage them to lay down on their bed.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
^{[8]XExpert SourceTy Brown
Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 4 June 2020.} It’s very important establish his sleeping area right away so they are not tempted to try to lay on your bed. Line the kennel or crate with newspaper in case of any nighttime accidents. Create an elevated area at the back of the sleep area, such as a dog bed or pillow, so your puppy is sleeping in a clean area of the kennel.

Part 2

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Training Your Dog to Stay In Their Bed

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This should wear them out and make them have less energy to fight you when it’s time for bed.
You can also hold out a treat to give their encouragement to go over to the bed. This will train their to connect the bed with a positive reward. Never pick up your dog and place them in the bed or they will associate being there with a negative experience. ^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceThe Humane Society of the United StatesNational organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfareGo to source}
3
Command them to “Go to your bed”.^{[10]XExpert SourceTy Brown
Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 4 June 2020.} Be clear with your command. Give them a treat only when they lay down on the bed.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- Every time they get up out of the bed, say “No” and calmly walk them back to the bed. Then, repeat the command “Go to your bed”. Increase the amount of time after you say the command and then give a reward only if they lay down in the bed.
- Eventually your dog will learn the command and understand that they will be rewarded if they stay in bed.
4
Ignore any whining during the night. Your dog may give you big sad eyes as you try to go to sleep, or vocalize displeasure at their new sleeping arrangement by whining or moaning during the night. But avoid giving in to these displays as it will only reinforce behavior and prevent them from getting used to their bed.
- Yelling at your dog in response to whining may only make them whine louder. If the whining continues after you have ignored it for several minutes, ask your dog if they want to go outside. If they respond and become excited, take them out. Make the trip feel purposeful, a time for your pup to go to the bathroom, not play time.
- If you don’t think your dog needs to go to the bathroom and is whining due to being in their bed, continue to ignore them whining. Do not try to punish this behavior as this will actually reinforce it. Punishing will show you are paying attention to their behavior.
- Be prepared for the whining to get worse before your dog eventually stops whining. But commit to ignoring them as it will help them get used to the bed in the long run.
5
Correct your dog if they jump on your bed.^{[12]XExpert SourceTy Brown
Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 4 June 2020.} This is an important step to establishing boundaries for your dog and reinforcing the importance of them sleeping on their own bed.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
- If your dog jumps on your bed, state “Go to your bed”. If your dog does not move, either pick them up and place on the floor or gently nudge them off the bed while saying “No.”
6
Use positive reinforcement to correct your dog’s behavior.^{[14]XExpert SourceTy Brown
Dog TrainerExpert Interview. 4 June 2020.} Many dog owners use a spray bottle of water to punish bad behavior in their dog, including sleeping on their bed or on other furniture. But positive reinforcement, where you reward your dog for good behavior rather than punish them for bad behavior, can also be an effective way to train them.
- Praise your dog if they go to the bed without you leading them or if they lay down on the bed after you command “Go to bed”. This will help them associate the bed with rewards and praise rather than punishment or negative feelings.
Never allow your dog to enter your room or crawl into bed uninvited. This will give them a sense that they are in charge of bedtime. Make sure they only act on command and when you wake up, make sure they wait calmly for your command before getting out of bed.

Part 3

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Understanding the Benefits of a Dog Free Bed

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1
Establish your dominance over your dog by keeping them out of your bed. One of the ways dogs determine hierarchy is through physical height. The higher-ranking animal will position themself higher than the lower-ranking one. So when you allow your dog to sleep on the bed next to you, they could infer that they are above or equal to you.^{[15]XResearch source}
- Maintaining your dominance over your dog is important because without establishing your leaderships, your dog could be disobedient or act out. If you have indicated that you do not have control over your dog, they may take it as license to act badly.^{[16]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
If your household has more than one pet, such as another dog or cats, keeping your dog out of your bed will also set an example for your other pets. Creating separate beds for all your pets will also allow you to get a good night’s sleep without having to worry about rolling over and crushing a furry friend.^{[17]XResearch source}
3
Eliminate the risk of catching a disease or illness. If your dog plays with, steps in, or eats feces (their own or other animals’) they could transmit dog-to-human bacteria or parasites like salmonella or heartworms. Most dogs step in all kinds of things, so the likelihood of your dog carrying bacteria you may not want all over your sheets is high.^{[18]XResearch source}
- If you suffer from asthma or other allergies, having your dog’s fur in your bed may make these issues worse. Keeping your dog in a separate bed or sleeping area will benefit not only your pup, but also your ability to get a good night’s sleep.

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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.
Ty Brown
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.
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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.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
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.
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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.
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
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.
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