Dogs in general tend to have peculiar sleeping habits that are formed over years of practice, but by taking the time to train a dog to sleep on it's dog bed a pet owner can keep the dog out of human beds in the home. Dogs are usually wary of new things that may pose a threat to them, and a pet owner that brings a new dog bed home and expects their pooch to jump right into it are likely to be disappointed. Any dog can be trained to sleep on it's bed but it takes time and patience to familiarize the animal with it's newest possession.
The most important step to train a dog to sleep on it's dog bed is to make certain that a bed is purchased that is appropriate in size and comfort for the specific dog. A dog bed that is too small will not provide enough space to accommodate a dog when it stretches, and a bed that is too large will allow cold air to circulate around the dog's body and make sleep difficult. The perfect size bed for a dog is one that is about 4 inches longer and wider than your dog's body when it lays flat.
Similarly, it is important to position a dog bed in a location that is agreeable with the dog's personal likes, while at the same time providing some measure of quiet and semi-seclusion. A good place is in it's master's bedroom, either at the foot or side of the human bed.
To train a dog to sleep on it's dog bed, sit on the floor beside it with a pocket full of dog treats and lure the dog onto the bed. Feed the dog a single treat and then pet and play with him/her briefly until your dog loses interest and walks away. Repeat this action several times a day for four or five days in a row and your dog will begin to equate the dog bed with getting treats. During the first week, the dog will essentially train itself to sleep on it's bed by discovering the dog bed is non-threatening and actually a comfortable place to hang out.
It is also much easier to train a dog to sleep on it's dog bed when the dog understands that it is the designated location in which to sleep. When a dog is sleeping somewhere it should not be, simply take a dog treat and walk the dog to it's bed reasserting the verbal command "dog bed". With repetition and attacking the issue on several fronts, you can train a dog to sleep on it's dog bed in less than a week.
 | Crate training a dog can be an excellent way to keep a puppy (and your furniture) safe when you are away from the house or cannot monitor your dog. |
 | To raise a happy, well-adjusted dog you need to learn the art of socializing dogs correctly from puppyhood. |
 | Teaching easy dogs tricks to your best friend is a piece of cake, if you master a couple of training techniques that all the pros use. Learn clicker training and shaping, and you can teach your dog everything from "sit" to "bring me a soda from the fridge" with enough patience and perseverance. |
So you approached crate training with patience and persistence and it is still not working for you and your dog. Crate training is not for everyone and is definitely not for every dog. This does not mean that you have a "bad dog" or that there is something wrong with your dog. |
Many issues arise when people start considering crate training there new puppy. Once the puppy is crate trained it allows for him or her to be left alone safely for hours at a time. Otherwise your new family member must accompany you every where you go until they are old enough to stay home by themselves and not get into harmful things or tear up your house. |
