To start, move your dog’s bed in your room. Coax him to bed with you when you go to sleep at night. Allow him to take some time getting used to your bedroom. Dogs can become stressed by new routines. If your dog is used to sleeping in his own bed in the living room, sleeping in your bed is a whole new behavior. This can be stressful and your dog may be hesitant at first. [1] X Research source Also, you need to make it clear that you’re in charge. If your dog thinks the bed is his, he may become territorial about it. This could lead to him taking up too much space or whining when he can’t get in the bedroom. These kinds of behaviors should not be encouraged or reinforced. [2] X Research source
Dogs live in the immediate. Reward the action as soon as it happens. It might be helpful to keep a small bag of treats in the bedroom. This way, you’ll be able to reward your dog as soon as the behavior occurs. [4] X Research source There are many ways to reward a dog. Some people buy training clickers at a local pet store. When the dog behaves, they click and give him a small treat. The dog will learn that a clicking sound means he’s done something right. However, if you don’t want to go that route you can simply offer the dog praise when you see him noticing the bed and provide a small treat as well. Dogs tend to respond well to food as a reward. [5] X Research source
Teach your dog to sit before the bed. If he starts trying to jump in the bed, say, “No” and then have him sit. Wait a few moments and then say something like, “Go to bed!” while patting the bed to signify that it’s time to sleep. [6] X Research source Do a few training sessions each day while you’re still establishing the rules. You can use positive reinforcements, like praise or treats, when your dog completes the behavior successfully. [7] X Research source Eventually, you’ll want your dog to come sit by the bed and wait for an invitation before climbing in bed with you each night. [8] X Research source
Try feeding your dog on or near the bed. You can lay down a towel over the bed to prevent a mess. Put some things your dog likes in the bed with you. Allow him to have some of his toys and blankets in the bed. [12] X Research source Spend some time just sitting in the bed with your dog. Watch TV or read a book and allow your dog to hop up on the bed with you. Periodically pet him or praise him. Be careful, however, not to teach him to associate anything too disruptive with the bed. You want him to sleep through the night and not disturb you. Therefore, playing with your dog in the bed may be a bad idea.
Dogs may not respond well to punishment or scolding. It’s sometimes easier simply to ignore bad behaviors. If your dog sees he’s not getting a response, he may stop. For example, if your dog is whining or barking at night, just ignore it. Yelling at him might make him feel like you’re barking back, encouraging him to keep it up. [13] X Research source If your dog is continuing to behave poorly, taking something away is also an effective means to discourage the behavior. Sometimes dogs act out to get your attention, good or bad, and yelling may only encourage bad behavior. Instead of scolding your dog when he’s being disruptive at night, consider putting him on the floor. Do not let him back into the bed until he’s calmed down. Eventually, your dog will realize certain behaviors result in him being removed from the bed. He’ll stop engaging in those behaviors. [14] X Research source
