If you've been struggling to get your dog to lay down on its bed, you're not alone. Many pet owners find this to be a common challenge. There are a few reasons why your dog may prefer the floor over its bed, but there are also some things you can do to encourage it to lay down in its designated spot. In this blog post, we will explore the reasons why dogs choose not to lay on their beds and provide some solutions so that you and your pup can finally get some rest!
One of the most common reasons dogs choose not to lay on their beds is that they may be uncomfortable. Dogs are not naturally inclined to sleep in elevated positions, so if your bed is too high or has a pillow that your dog can't get comfortable on, it's no wonder why it would prefer the floor. To encourage your dog to lay down on its bed, make sure that it is comfortable by using an orthopedic mattress. You can also try adding their favorite blanket or toys on the bed to associate the bed with smells that they like.
There are also some dogs who simply prefer the floor because it is cooler or softer. If this is the case, you can try placing a blanket or towel on the floor next to the bed to make it more temperature appropriate.
Dr. Hannah Capon was able to provide some tips from a Veterinarians perspective on how to help your dog get used to a new dog bed!
What to do about dogs that will not use that amazing bed that you've just brought them?
Having spent all that money to watch your dog choose to go and lay alongside it instead of on top of it. Well, it is common. So first of all, don't lose your rag about it. These things happen. It's an extremely strange item that smells weird, looks weird and it's just arrived in the house. Of course your dog's gonna be a little bit hesitant.
- Do not pressure: Don't force them to use it. Be patient, be kind and accept. This might be a slow process.
- Play Tricks: Next, think about a little bit of trickery. Place it where the previous bed was placed. That's where the dog routinely goes. The new bed will be in that same exact area so there's an association there. Think about using the cover or something from the previous bed that was there, layer on top of your new Big Barker to try and get them to associate that it's a bed that they can use.
- Build Positivity: Give them permission to use the bed, encourage them to utilize it by offering them rewards when they're on the bed in the form of praise or in the form of treats, doing activities whilst on the bed so they start to have some confidence in it.
- Associate smells: You could encourage them to use the bed by using your own clothes. You could sleep in some pajamas that you're then willing to donate to the dog's bed so they associate your smell with the bed.
There's plenty of things that you can do! Do not let their immediate lack of use make you frustrated. Just give it time.
Thank you for all of the tips, Dr. Capon! As pet owners, it's important that we take the time to understand why our dogs may not be using their beds and find solutions that will work for both us and our furry friends. With a little bit of patience and some creative thinking, you can help your dog get used to its new bed in no time!
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