Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Get Your Dog to Stop Sleeping in Your Bed: 8 Vet-Reviewed Tips

Dog sleeping in his orange bad by the night light

Sleeping with the dog is a delightful idea that doesn’t always work as well as we hope. While the cuddles and warmth are welcome, the drawbacks are easy to regret before long. Dogs can muscle between spouses, pin blankets like boulders, and shed hair all over the sheets. Plus, they can disturb our rest with their constant stirring and awkward sleeping positions.

Although you might be ready to stop your dog from coming into your bed, they likely love the current arrangement. To be fair, it’s all your fault for letting them in the bed in the first place. They won’t be happy about a new routine, meaning you need a gentle, considerate approach to changing their sleeping place. You can ditch co-sleeping and get a good night’s rest with these tips to get your dog to stop sleeping in your bed.

dogster paw divider

How to Get Your Dog to Stop Sleeping in Your Bed

Abruptly “kicking” your dog out of your bed can be a harsh blow to your pet’s bond with you, as they will not understand why they suddenly are not allowed in. They consider your bed theirs, so it would be unfair and confusing for them, leaving them wondering why you’re punishing them. As much as it might help your sleep, being abrupt and careless will pull on your conscience as much as it will hurt your dog’s feelings and trust.

Like training anything else, developing your dog’s comfort with sleeping in their own bed centers on making it more rewarding than sleeping with you. It can take a while to settle into the routine, especially if your dog has slept with you for a long time.

You’ll preserve your dog’s trust and your relationship by using positive reinforcement and predictability to convince them to sleep in their space.

1. Get a Comfortable Dog Bed

You can’t expect an easy time keeping your dog off the bed if your mattress is a thousand times more comfortable than theirs. A cozy, secure sleeping spot is one of the essential incentives you have to supply to entice them into their own space. Besides, our dogs deserve the best.

Monitor how your dog sleeps so you can get a bed that fits them. Maybe they curl up in a donut, or they might be a side sleeper that extends their legs. Once you know the size and shape of their sleeping area, you can find a bed to match, ideally a soft and supportive one. You may even consider a small mattress to make it as enjoyable as possible.

Nest beds are a comforting bed style for dogs that like to snuggle. Alternatively, you can put plush blankets on their bed to enhance the feeling of coziness and security. Add in your dog’s favorite toys for further encouragement, providing extra-special “nighttime-only” toys for when they get into their bed.

Dog sleeping with leg raised
Image Credit: Javier Brosch, Shutterstock

2. Teach Your Dog to “Go to Bed”

A “place” or “bed” command is a handy way to acclimate your dog to going to their designated spot. At the same time, it gives you more opportunities to develop positive associations with their bed, encouraging a preference for it.

You can work a command into your daily training sessions and repeat it multiple times throughout the day. Rewarding your dog for getting all four paws on their bed will build that connection between the cue and the action.

Using positive reinforcement with praise, food, and toys will get them to associate their bed with a happy experience. They will eventually choose to go there themselves, but it may take weeks of patience and repetition. Keep them on the bed using the command “stay,” provide rewards, and extend the time they must stay in their place gradually. It may be as long as a minute to start with.


3. Gently Correct Behaviors

You should never punish your dog when they get on your bed. Old habits die hard, so you can’t blame them for trying to sneak in when they can. By making their bed more rewarding than yours, they’ll eventually choose the option with the most benefit.

When your dog jumps on your bed, tell them “No” in a firm but not angry voice, and lead them off by lifting them, nudging them, or guiding them by the collar. You don’t have to reward them for getting off or make a fuss over their misstep. You only have to communicate through your actions, “I do not want this, and being in this bed will not be rewarding.” As soon as they are back in their bed, give them a treat or praise their good decision-making.

Senior Golden Retriever feeeling sick resting on a dog bed
Image Credit: Yobab, Shutterstock

4. Reinforce Your Dog Choosing Their Bed

Capturing moments when your dog uses their bed is an ongoing reinforcement strategy to show how rewarding it can be. If you notice your dog goes to their bed without being told at random points during the day, give them a treat and praise.

Letting them think and decide for themselves will solidify those positive connections to their bed.


5. Create a Consistent Routine

The habit of getting your dog to sleep in their bed is what you want to reinforce, and lying in your bed is the habit you want to go extinct. According to the matching law, animals with two options will pick the one that consistently gives them the most high-value reward. Their behavior occurs according to the amount of reinforcement behind both choices.

Consistency is crucial in applying more reinforcement to the dog bed than your bed. You must avoid rewarding your dog when they get into your bed. Don’t give them any affection, words of praise, or chances to get comfy. Just say “no” and get them off the bed.

Most critical of all, everyone in the house must know and stick to the rules. It does no good if you are 100% consistent while your spouse lets them snuggle, reinforcing that old behavior. You can’t allow any leniency or excuses for letting the dog into the bed like, “Oh, just this one time,” or, “They’ve been so good.” There must be complete consistency from everyone.

2-month-old Hungarian Vizsla puppy sleeping in dog bed near pen or crate
Image Credit: ABO PHOTOGRAPHY, Shutterstock

dogster face divider

Tips to Get Your Dog to Stop Sleeping in the Bed

It can take a while for your dog to get used to sleeping on their bed. The longer they’ve been sleeping with you, the harder it will be to break the habit. The previous steps will get you on the road to success, and the following tips can help you take a few shortcuts on the way.

1. Keep Your Bedroom Door Closed

Promoting the right behaviors goes hand-in-hand with reducing the wrong ones. As you praise and reward your dog for choosing their bed, stop them from reinforcing their old routine by blocking access to your bed.

Keep the door closed day and night so they can’t sneak in, and they’ll break the habit more easily.


2. Walk Your Dog Before Bedtime

Tiring your dog out before bedtime with light exercise is a perfect precursor to a good night’s rest. A light walk or indoor puzzle games are excellent ideas. You must ensure your dog gets ample exercise and enrichment throughout the day, but an extra push just before bed will help them get to their sleeping spot with minimal fuss.

pembroke welsh corgi dog walking with owner
Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock

3. Crate Train Your Dog

Crate training is a great option for many dogs and should be started early on in a puppy’s life. The crate should be their safe and cozy place, where they can rest on a nice soft bed, play with toys, and get treats, and they will seek it when they feel overwhelmed or when it’s bedtime. With adequate training, you will not need to close the crate door overnight; your dog will prefer to sleep there themselves.

One of the many benefits of crate training your dog is building a habit of sleeping alone. Even if your dog is older, you can still use a crate to help them stay off the bed, avoid separation anxiety, and reduce problem behaviors, but only if they are used to being in a crate and feel safe there.

By giving them an enclosure with comfortable bedding and crate-only treats and toys, you can help them develop a preference for their personal resting spot.

a miniature dachshund puppy inside a crate
Image Credit: Jaclyn Vernace, Shutterstock

Dogster divider_v2_NEW_MAY_24_

Final Thoughts

Changing the nighttime routine can feel like we’re letting our dogs down or showing we don’t care about them. When getting dogs to stop sleeping in our beds, we must change our perspective as much as our pets’.

By staying positive and training your dog to go to their sleeping space, you aren’t taking anything from them. You’re offering an opportunity by giving them an alternative that can be just as rewarding as sleeping in your bed, if not more!


Featured Image Credit: Daniel Besic, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Jug (Jack Russell & Pug Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Traits, & Facts

The Jack Russell Terrier & Pug mix, affectionately known as the Jug, is a small dog that combines the energetic and playful Jack...

Dog Scared of Thunder? 6 Ways to Help

It can be worrying to watch your furry pal jump out of their skin every time a bout of thunder strikes. Dogs are...

Do Dogs Love Us Unconditionally? Vet-Approved Ways to Strengthen Your Bond

There’s no denying that humans and animals can share a special bond, and many people attest to feeling a strong connection with their...

How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live? Average Lifespan, Data & Care

Golden Retrievers are one of the most well-loved dog breeds in the world. They are so loved, in fact, that they have ranked...

More related

Brown Doberman: Info, Pictures, Origin & History

There’s no doubt that the Doberman has a rich and full history. When you think of a Doberman you typically think of a...

12 Dog Movies Based on True Stories: Inspiring Real Life Events

There’s no denying that people love dog movies. Dogs have been starring in movies and TV shows since the silent movie era, and...

Why Are German Shepherds Police Dogs? 7 Traits That Make Them Perfect for the Job

German Shepherds are commonly employed as working dogs, engaged in a variety of noble jobs, such as search and rescue, scent detection, and...

Doxle (Dachshund & Beagle Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

A cross between a Dachshund and a Beagle, the Doxle is one of the cutest and most loving breeds you’ll find out there....

Keep reading

Can Dogs Eat Haddock? Vet-Approved Nutritional Facts & FAQ

Many dog owners today are looking for healthier food options for their pets, including fish. Most fish are high in protein and other nutrients and are an excellent addition to a dog’s diet. One question you might have is whether...

Can Dogs Eat_Haddock

Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review 2025: Pros & Cons and Recalls

Review Summary Purina has been one of the top producers in the pet food industry for over 90 years and has been a trusted brand for just as long. Since it has such a large variety of brands and recipes,...

Dogster_Purina Pro Plan Dog Food Review

Good Friends Dog Food Review 2025: Pros, Cons & Verdict

When it comes to our dog’s nutrition, more and more research is developing. We now know that many of the trusted food sources we’ve picked throughout the years might not be the healthiest after all. The industry is changing and...

Good Friends Dog Food Review

How to Feed Dogs With Pancreatitis: 6 Tips & Tricks

Feeding a dog with pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can be difficult, especially when it comes to finding the right diet for them during recovery and long-term feeding. Both acute and chronic pancreatitis both require changes to your dog’s diet...

Golden Retriever dog eating

Can Dogs Eat Doritos? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Our canine companions will eat just about anything they can get their paws on, including food snatched right from our hands or plates. But just because your dog will eat something doesn’t always mean they should eat it. There are...

Can Dogs Eat Doritos

10 Best Dog Foods for Bichon Frises in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

There are a few things to consider when looking at reviews for the best dog food for Bichon Frises. Keep in mind that a few of these options include ingredients for specific diets that are not required unless specified by...

Bichon eating

Is Spicy Food Bad for Dogs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Advice

While dogs can enjoy many of the same foods as humans, they should not eat spicy food. Although most spicy food isn’t toxic to dogs, it can still lead to negative consequences. So, it’s best to avoid giving any to...

spicy grilled chicken

Can Dogs Eat Seaweed? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Sharing some types of seaweed with your furry friend is okay in moderation. Seaweed is an excellent source of iodine, antioxidants, and vitamins, and it also provides a satisfying crunch and delicious natural flavor. However, it’s crucial to ensure that...

Can Dogs Eat Seaweed