Introduction
It’s common for dog owners to want to keep their pets off furniture like beds for a variety of reasons. Some owners simply want to maintain boundaries and not let their dog take over the entire house. Others want to keep their bedding and mattresses clean and free of dirt, hair, and odors that a dog can bring in from outside. Certain dogs also have a habit of chewing or scratching bedding and furniture. Additionally, some owners find that having a dog in the bed leads to sleep disruptions or takes up too much space.
While dogs naturally want to be close to their humans, including sharing a comfortable sleeping space, owners have valid reasons to set limits on allowing pets in beds. Creating physical barriers is usually the most effective training method to keep dogs off beds, whether temporarily or permanently. This requires finding a barrier that safely blocks access without harming the dog or creating an obstacle for owners. Proper crate training or providing the dog an acceptable alternative sleeping space are also important accompanying measures.
Understanding Your Dog’s Behavior
Dogs often like to sleep on beds because it allows them to feel closeness and affection from their owners. According to an article on Parade.com, physical contact releases oxytocin which makes dogs feel happy and secure (source). Sleeping together on a soft surface also provides warmth and comfort for dogs. An article on Newsweek suggests dogs simply enjoy being petted and bonding with their human companions in a cozy environment like a bed (source).
Allowing dogs on beds has benefits like strengthening the human-animal bond and helping fearful dogs feel safe. However, there are also drawbacks like difficulty sleeping, dirt and hair on bedding, and lack of boundaries. Owners should weigh these considerations when deciding if dogs are allowed on beds.
Training Your Dog
One of the most effective ways to train your dog not to get on the bed is through positive reinforcement. This involves rewarding your dog when they exhibit the desired behavior. As soon as your dog gets off the bed, give them a treat and praise. You can also redirect your dog to their own bed on the floor and reward them for laying on it. According to wagwalking.com, teaching the “off” command can help your dog understand to get off the bed when told. Always use a positive, upbeat tone during training sessions.
It’s best to be proactive and set your dog up for success by providing them with a comfortable dog bed on the floor near your bed. Place it in their preferred sleeping spot and encourage them to use it by praising and treating when they lay on it. Reddit users recommend establishing it as their space early on by teaching a “go to your bed” command. With consistency, your dog will learn that their bed is where they should sleep at night.
Barriers and Deterrents
There are a few types of physical barriers you can use to keep your dog off the bed without having to close them out of the bedroom entirely.
Pet gates or mesh nets can be placed at the side or foot of the bed to block access. These allow your dog to still see and interact with you in the room, while preventing them from jumping on the bed. Pet gates typically stand 12-36 inches tall. Mesh nets attach to the bed frame or headboard. Look for heavy-duty options if your dog is strong or persistent.
Wooden rails, bumpers, or edge guards also create a physical barrier. These attach to the sides of the bed and prevent your dog from being able to get their front paws up onto the mattress. Make sure to get rails wide enough to cover the entire side of the bed.
There are also indoor outdoor mats and sprays designed to deter dogs. The mats have plastic spikes or nubs that dogs don’t like stepping on. Place them on the floor beside the bed. The sprays have smells dogs dislike. Apply around the perimeter of the bed. These provide an unpleasant sensation when stepped on to condition your dog to avoid the area.
While gates, rails and mats don’t physically prevent access, they can be effective deterrents when combined with training. Your dog will learn to avoid jumping up once they associate the barriers with being unable to access the bed.
Choosing a Dog Bed
When choosing a dog bed, there are several considerations to keep in mind if selecting a floor bed. The size of the bed is important and should be large enough for your dog to stretch out comfortably without hanging off the edges. Beds for larger breed dogs may need to be extra-large or jumbo to provide enough space. For dogs that tend to chew or scratch at bedding, look for chew-resistant beds made of tougher materials like ballistic nylon or rugged polyester (The New York Times).
Washability is another key factor if your dog tends to have accidents or get the bedding dirty. Removable and machine-washable covers are ideal for easy cleaning. Waterproof liners can also help protect the inner cushion and make cleanup simpler. Brands like FurHaven and K9 Ballistics offer beds touting stain resistance and washable construction (Forbes).
For senior dogs or those prone to joint pain, orthopedic foam beds provide improved comfort and support. These beds have memory foam or egg crate foam cushioning tailored to ease pressure points. Some also have bolsters around the edges for dogs to rest their head on.
Crating Your Dog at Night
Crate training your dog can provide many benefits at nighttime. According to this article, crates give dogs a secure, den-like environment that can help reduce stress and anxiety at bedtime. Crates also prevent destructive behaviors or house soiling while you sleep.
Choosing an appropriately sized crate and setting it up properly is key for success. The crate should allow your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Place the crate in or near your bedroom at first so your puppy feels reassured by your presence nearby. Put a comfy blanket and some chew toys inside to make the crate inviting. Take your puppy to potty right before bedtime and don’t offer food or water overnight.
While initial crate training may involve some whining or barking, be patient and try to ignore the noises so you don’t reinforce the behavior. Lavish praise and treats when your puppy is quiet in the crate to positively reinforce the desired conduct. With consistency, your dog will soon view their crate as a peaceful sleep space.
Exercising Your Dog
Getting adequate physical and mental exercise is extremely important for dogs. According to How to Safely Walk Your Dog at Night, regular exercise can lead to more restful sleep for both humans and dogs by getting out pent-up energy. The amount of exercise needed depends on factors like breed, age, and health, but in general, bigger dogs require more exercise.
It’s ideal to tire out your dog during the day with activities like walks, playing fetch, or training sessions. As noted in Should I Walk My Dog Before Bed?, a long walk a few hours before bedtime helps ensure a good night’s sleep. Mentally stimulating your dog by practicing commands or doing puzzle toys is also recommended.
According to Why Dogs Need Daily Exercise for More Restful Sleep, lack of adequate physical and mental exercise is the most common cause of restless sleep in dogs. Make sure your dog gets sufficient activity and enrichment during daytime hours to set them up for a restful sleep at night.
Establishing a Nighttime Routine
Having a consistent bedtime routine can help signal to your dog when it’s time to settle down and sleep. This involves managing their feeding schedule, taking them out for final potty breaks, and doing calming activities before bed.
It’s best to stop feeding your dog 2-3 hours before bedtime so they can digest their food and empty their bowels before settling in for the night. Take your dog out right before bed for a final bathroom trip. Some calming bedtime activities can include:
- Massaging your dog
- Playing soothing music
- Reading a bedtime story
- Using an Adaptil diffuser with calming pheromones
- Giving your dog a special bedtime-only chew toy or frozen Kong
Establishing this consistent nightly routine signals to your dog that it’s time to relax and get ready for sleep. It can help avoid late night wakeups and accidents. More details can be found in this article on nighttime routines for dogs from The Dog Blog.
When to Allow Exceptions
While keeping your dog off the bed may be best practice for training and establishing boundaries, there are some instances where exceptions can be made:
Sick or elderly dogs may benefit from the comfort of sleeping in your bed if they are having trouble getting around or need extra affection. The stress relief and bonding from sharing a sleeping space could aid in their recovery or improve their quality of life. However, be mindful of aggravating any medical issues – consult your vet if unsure.
During storms, fireworks, or other frightening situations, you may opt to have your dog sleep in your bed to provide them reassurance and reduce anxiety. The familiar environment and your presence can help create a sense of safety. Just be prepared for this to reinforce the behavior and make training more difficult once the stressor has passed.
While making exceptions at times can demonstrate care and compassion for your dog, consistency is still key in the long-run for setting boundaries and rules. Make sure to reinforce the desired behavior of sleeping in their own bed once the circumstances allow.
Conclusion
In summary, restricting your dog’s access to the bed can improve your sleep quality, reinforce training, and promote healthy sleep habits for your dog. Keeping your dog off the bed reduces nighttime disturbances, maintains pack leadership, and provides a clear boundary and designated space for your pet. Carefully selecting an alternative dog bed and providing plenty of exercise and play can satisfy your dog’s comfort and activity needs. Crates and barriers like baby gates can deter access to the bed. However, be open to occasional exceptions for special circumstances like illness or during travel. With patience and consistency, both you and your dog can get your best night’s sleep and feel happier overall.