How to Train Your Dog to Accept a New Bed
Introduction
So, you went out and bought your pup a brand-new bed. He should immediately love it and do his best to thank you, right? It's a nice thought, but with some dogs, this simply isn't the case. This just doesn't seem fair after the hours you spent trying to find the perfect bed. But, no, your pup wants to sleep on that stinky chewed up bed that is covered in far too many slobber stains. Worse yet (yes it can get worse), when you haul his old bed away he continues to ignore his new bed in favor of a slice of convenient floor.
And if this isn't enough, he chooses to sleep on the floor right next to his new bed! Part of the problem is that your pup sees his old bed as part of his territory. At the same time, he has no idea what this new bed is. It doesn't smell of him or his "pack" and he may not be willing to "trust" it yet. Fortunately, with a little time and effort, you can quickly get your pup to start enjoying his wonderful new bed.
Defining Tasks
Whether your pup has always slept on his own bed and you are simply replacing it or he is getting his first bed, the idea is to get him to sleep on his bed instead of yours. Half the battle is making sure that the location you choose for his bed is in a quieter part of your home. Your dog will seek out a place to sleep that is warm, dry, and that he feels is safe.
If you are introducing your pup to his bed for the first time, try to see where he typically curls up to sleep. Most dogs have a favorite spot. As long as this spot is workable, it is the perfect place his new bed. Your pup is a creature of habit, which will help make the process of getting him used to his new bed go much more smoothly.
Getting Started
The big thing about a new bed is that there are no scents whatsoever belonging to any member of his "pack" anywhere to be found. If you are replacing an old bed, be sure to put the new one in the same spot. This will help your pup make the transition. To get him used his new bed, you will need a few things:
- Treats
- Toys
- Blankets
- A sheet
- Quiet
- Time and patience
It will take your pup a little while to get used to his new bed, the most important thing you can do is be patient.
The No Place Like Home Method
The Scent Transfer Method
The Sheet Method
Success Stories and Training Questions
Training Questions and Answers
Archie
Archie is a rescue, he's got a lot of eccentricities that I don't know the origins of, I've had him for 4 years. He is weird about not using any new dog bed I buy for him. I've tried scent transfer, treats, praise. He doesn't buy any of it and the old bed is in really bad shape!
660 Dog owners recommended
Hello Tony, If you have a friend with a well mannered dog who Archie likes and isn't afraid of, I suggest having that dog come over frequently and have the friend dog spend time on the new bed with a chew toy while Archie lays on his bed. Having the other dog use the bed often might make Archie want to use it more - dog's can be jealous like that. It needs to be a dog that Archie isn't afraid of though - so that he doesn't avoid that dog's "thing" to avoid a potential fight. A dog who Archie wants to play with the same toys with is what you want. Also, pay attention to the differences in the beds. We often buy our dogs a certain type of bed - like a really plush looking one or one with sides, thinking it will be an improvement over the old bed, when a firmer bed or more open bed or vice versa is more comfortable for pup. If he likes a certain type of bed, try to mimic that type. For example, my Border Collie (another eccentric breed like many herding breeds can be) preferred his old cheap bed to the new plush one that had plush arms to rest his head on for years, and would never use the new one. When I finally bought a firmer, foam mattress type bed for my younger dog I found out that my Border Collie liked firmer beds and not plushy ones and that was part of the reason he avoided the soft, new one previously. That and jealousy that my other dog had something he didn't, made him prefer a new firmer bed finally. Best of luck training, Caitlin Crittenden
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My girl does NOT like change of any kind and I'm hoping the new bed won't be too big an issue. I've read all advice and tips but am struggling with the idea of removing the old bed. We have a wonderful cat that loves Susie and she wants nothing to do with her.mute cat....LOVES this large bed.. The cat,Sister, always keeps as close as she can to Sue so it's not unexpected. Should I keep removing the cat from the bed? ( at least as long as Sue is resisting it- until she excepts it.) It's only been 24 hours. These babies are my life.. Thank you,Debra Hendriks
85 Dog owners recommended
Hello, how is it working out? I think if it were me, I would keep removing the cat from the bed until Susie feels at ease. Even consider getting the cat a new place to sleep, like a cat tree with a scratch post and a comfy perch since cats love heights! Take a look at the guide where you submitted the question and try some of the tips suggested: wagwalking.com/training/accept-a-new-bed. Take a look here as well: https://wagwalking.com/training/lay-on-his-bed. Give Susie a couple of treats after leading her to her bed. Do this for a day or two. Then, throughout the day, when Susie is not looking, place high value treats on the bed so that she finds them on her own. Eventually, she should seek out the bed herself. Good luck!
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