It seems like your dog is destined to be by your side twenty-four seven. Even after you fall asleep, no matter what, you find your pooch cuddled up beside you on the pillow. So how can you train your dog to sleep anywhere else but in your bed? Many pet owners ask how to make a dog sleep in his bed without feeling guilty about pushing their treasured companion away.
Dogs are social animals. No doubt that yours wants to spend as much time with you as possible. Being with your dog is lovely, but it can present a few difficulties—especially when you need sleep.
One of the hardest parts of being a doggie parent is trying to get a restful night’s sleep. This is particularly true if you're a light sleeper or need silence and stillness to fall asleep.
While it may seem impossible at first, you can encourage your dog to sleep in his or her own bed. And you can do it kindly and effectively. A great first step is investing in a luxury dog bed.
How To Make a Dog Sleep in His Bed
Recently, the APPA National Pet Owners, the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control conducted surveys. They found that 45–60% of pet owners share their beds with their dogs every night.
Between 13–33% of respondents believe their dogs help them sleep. But nearly all admit their dogs have disrupted their sleep at least once.
About 10% of pet owners surveyed by the Mayo Clinic say their sleep is disrupted more often than that. Another study shows 50% of dog owners are woken at least once per night by their pet.
Sleep Disruptions Caused by Dogs
Up to 63% of people who let pets sleep with them for four nights a week or more report poor sleep. Even sharing a room, not just a bed, can cause sleep problems.
Dogs can scratch, twitch, toss and turn, or snore. If you’ve ever wondered why dogs scratch their beds, it’s often part of their natural nesting behaviour—an instinct that can also disrupt your sleep.
Possible Causes for Dog Disturbances
- Snoring
- Whimpering or barking
- Getting out of and back into bed at night
- Shuffling under blankets
- Thunderstorms or loud noises
- Bathroom needs
Canine Sleep Disorders
Your dog may be waking up due to a urinary tract infection (URI) or cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS).
Once a vet rules out health issues, you might find that letting your dog sleep in your bed caused the problem. It’s best to set boundaries from day one.
If you believe your sleep will be disrupted, start your dog off with their own bed or crate. Help them learn where they are meant to sleep.
Training Your Dog to Sleep in a New Bed
Letting your dog share your bed might be comforting, but if your health is affected, it's time to train them to use their own bed.
Training isn't complicated, but it will require consistency and patience. Reinforcement will help your dog adapt to the change more easily.
Tips for Moving Your Dog to Their Own Bed
- Place a comfy dog bed beside your own to start the transition.
- Use positive reinforcement to train your dog to enter and exit the bed on command.
- Establish yourself as the pack leader. Give consistent commands.
- If your dog sneaks back into bed after you’re asleep, repeat the training until it sticks.
- Encourage your dog to use their bed during the day to form a habit.
- Clean the bed often and make sure it smells fresh and inviting.
- Consider replacing old or uncomfortable beds. Would you sleep in it?
- Prevent confusion by always keeping the bed in the same spot.
- Make sure the bed is the right size and shape for your dog’s needs. Here are tips to help you choose the right dog bed.
- Always reward your dog for choosing their own bed.
Doesn't Your Best Friend Deserve a Good Night’s Sleep?
If your bed is more comfortable than theirs, it’s no surprise they prefer yours. Invest in a dog bed your pet actually wants to sleep in.
Dog bean bags are a smart alternative to foam beds. They offer full-body support and washable covers. Many owners say their dogs won’t sleep on anything else.