How to Train a Dog to Sleep With You

Many people love their dogs very much, and would like for them to be able to sleep in their beds or at least in their rooms with them. However, this does require a bit of training, on both your part and on the dog's. If you are able to train both yourself and your dog, you'll find that sleeping with your dog can be the most pleasurable thing possible.

Things You'll Need

• Dog bed or blanket
• A dark room
• Patience
• Training rewards

Instructions

1. Create a spot for your dog in the room. If you want your dog to sleep on the bed, put a dog blanket or towel at the bottom of your bed. If you'd rather that they sleep in a a dog bed, put it down in the room. Make sure that their area is safe, comfortable, and away from high traffic areas.

2. Let the dog get used to their new area, and make sure that they seem to like it.

3. On the first night, take the dog out to go potty, and then bring them back into the house.

4. Give the command "Bedtime!" in a cheerful voice, and point towards the bedroom.

5. Guide your dog into the bedroom, praise them,and give them a training treat or reward.

6. Guide your dog into their area or dog bed. Keep in mind that some dogs prefer to sleep on the floor next to you, so let them settle into a spot that they like. Give them a training treat.

7. You can now proceed with your nightly routine, whether this is just changing and going to sleep, or whether you read or watch TV. Encourage a small amount of petting and loving with the dog, but don't play with them or give them any toys. Make sure all toys are out of reach.

8. When it is time to go to bed, turn out the light. If the dog nudges you or barks, tell them firmly "No" and lay back down to sleep.

9. Ignore anything further that the dog does, including jumping on you or barking. When they have calmed down, praise them and tell them that they are a good dog. However, do this while staying in your bed. It is now nighttime and they must learn how to behave.

10. Allow your dog to get up, walk around, and change positions all that they would like to at night. However, if they want attention from you, ignore them or tell them no. They must learn that bedtime is about sleeping, for everyone.

11. If you get up in the middle of the night, don't talk to the dog or pet the dog. Leave the dog sleeping.

12. If the dog gets up before you do, and you do not wish the dog to learn how to be your alarm clock, ignore the dog until you are ready to get up.

Tips & Warnings

• Training a dog to sleep with you takes time, so be willing to put in the time

• Ignore all behaviors you don't want your dog to have during the night

• Praise all good behaviors

• Give it enough time to let your dog become accustomed to the new sleeping arrangements.

• Don't give up too soon!