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How to teach your dog to go to bed
This fantastic skill teaches your dog to settle happily and independently in their own designated space. It’s a game-changer for preventing common nuisances like jumping on guests or getting underfoot. This game builds a strong positive association with their bed, offering you a reliable way to encourage a relaxed and settled dog.
With practice this will help you achieve:
- Calming down when visitors arrive
- Keeping them out of the kitchen
- Settling down at a pub or cafe
What you'll need
- Treats or their regular dry kibble
- Your dog’s bed or mat (make sure it’s clearly defined)
- A quiet, low-distraction space (start in your living room or kitchen)
Step-by-step
- Lure onto the bed: Hold a treat at your dog’s nose and guide them fully onto the bed — all four paws on. The moment they’re fully on, mark with “yes” and deliver several treats between their paws.
- Build the stay before anything else: Your dog needs to understand they stay on the bed until you release them. After they have had a few treats on the bed, say “okay” to release them off the bed (they may need a treat under the nose to guide them off). Repeat the first step.
- Add the cue: Say “bed” just before the gesture.
- Fade the lure: Use the same guiding gesture but with an empty hand — reward from your pocket once they’re on. If they stop responding, you’ve faded too fast.
- Add distance: Once they’re holding the bed reliably until released, take one step back. If they stay, return to them, mark and reward on the bed, then release. If they follow you off, no reaction — reset and repeat.
- Build distance and duration separately — more distance or longer duration, not both at once.
- Practice with distractions — making a cuppa, or while having a bowl of cereal at the table. Once they’re solid with those, increase the difficulty — a guest visiting, or holding the bed during a full Sunday roast.
Top tips for success
- Use something they are motivated for such as their food. This makes the bed a super rewarding place to be.
- Keep initial training sessions short and fun—just 1-3 minutes at a time.
- If your dog keeps getting off the bed, make it easier. Reduce your distance or duration. Success builds confidence.
Struggling or Ready for the Next Step?
Teaching a solid "Go To Bed" cue is a brilliant way to build a calm, well-behaved dog and create a more harmonious home. If you're finding it tricky, or want to master this skill in more distracting situations, a one-to-one session can provide the personalised support you and your dog need to succeed. I'm based in Epsom and here to help.
