How to Get My Dogs Out of My Bed

Some dogs love people beds. But they can learn to enjoy a dog bed instead.

Observing behavior and patterns of behavior are essential to caring for a dog. Behavioral changes can indicate underlying health issues. An active dog that suddenly does not want to get up needs to visit the veterinarian, as does a pet that previously responded to commands and now ignores them. However, if your dogs are just unmotivated to get up and go, or are not responding to your requests to get off the bed, there are several ways to get them moving. Dogs respond to consistency and praise.

Instructions

Observe the Dog's Behavior and Reward Desired Behavior

1. 

   Dogs are social and usually choose to be with you.

   Examine your own behavior. Are you sending mixed messages about what you want the dogs to do? For example, do you ask the dogs to get out of bed without offering follow-up direction? In that case, the dogs will likely lay back down to rest. Watch your own cues. Do the dogs know that as soon as they get off the bed they will be put outside alone?

2. 

   Ideally, dogs wait for--and respond to--your instruction.

   Notice how the dogs respond to you. Are the dogs watching you for indications of what behavior you desire? If not, train the dogs to check in with you, to watch your face and hands for commands and attune to your voice. Ideally, the dog listens and watches, and responds promptly to your command. If not, you may need to back up and retrain to create a solid bond between you.

3. 

   Dogs want to be comfortable and to be with you, but they don't have to be in your bed.

   Take note of what your dogs enjoy. A dog's personality varies just as a person's does. If the dogs don't want to get out of bed, is it because they have no other place to sleep? If so, purchase or make a dog bed. Place the dog bed near your bed. If the dogs are not responding, they may be confused by your commands. One effective technique is to ask the dogs to get out of bed and then play with them. You're rewarding their behavior with attention. Five minutes of play satisfies most dogs.

4. 

   Make sure the whole family is consistent with the dog-on-the-bed rule.

   Be consistent. Dogs thrive on routine. If the routine changes daily, the dogs may not want to get out of bed because they resist the potential confusion. Make your dog's bed a safe haven and a desirable place to be. Reward the dog with praise for sleeping on the dog bed. Check for consistency. Are the dogs allowed on the bed sometimes and not other times? You'll need to never let them on the bed if you don't want them up there at all. Also, restrict access to the bed by keeping the bedroom door closed when you're not home. Make sure every family member abides by the same rules.

Motivate the Dogs

1. 

   Make time to reward your dogs with play and training.

   Dogs respond to your enthusiasm and praise. Are you asking the dogs to get off the bed and then ignoring them? Offer energy to the dogs through your voice and actions. Identify rewards your dog enjoys, such as tummy rubs or fetching. Use those rewards as behavioral reinforcement.

2. 

   Create a bond with your dog so the two of you can communicate clearly.

   Don't delay. If the dogs are not responding to you, immediately rule out health issues and then start in on developing a bond. Eventually, you'll understand each other so that your routines are in synch with the dogs going to their beds at your command of "Go lay down," and your bed becoming dog-free.

3. 

   Training is essential for a happy, responsive dog.

   Seek professional dog training help if necessary. Your dogs do not need to be in your bed with you if that's not desirable. A trainer can work with your dog to help the dog become independent and responsive.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that dogs need a lot of sleep. Adult dogs typically sleep 12 hours each day and some breeds may sleep as much as 18 hours per day. Dogs wake up more than we do so they tend to get fewer blocks of sleep. Make a comfortable bed for your dog.

• If you are concerned about a change in your dog's behavior, immediately consult a veterinarian. Dogs are confused by mixed messages. Reward desired behavior; don't yell or punish.

References

• UC-Davis: Center for Companion Animal Health
• ASPCA: Sick Pet
• The Dog Bowl: Why Do Dogs Sleep So Much?

Resources

• Motivating Your Dog