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How do I train my dog to sleep in his dog bed all night long?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hi can anyone tell me how I can train my dog into sleeping in his dog bed? I want him to sleep in his dog bed at nights. Please help, thank you !

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on November 20th, 2016

The easiest option would be to put his dog bed in a crate and train him to sleep there - this way, you can close the door of the crate to keep him where you want him to be. Otherwise, there's really no way you can keep him from choosing to sleep someplace else. To train him to sleep in the crate, just put him in at night when it's time for bed (in your bedroom, ideally) with a special chew toy or long-lasting treat like a Kong stuffed with peanut butter, or a bully stick or pig's ear to encourage him to settle down and relax. Most dogs adapt to this nighttime routine very readily.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 25th, 2018
Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This is going to be a difficult habit to break but it can be done with the correct training. I would recommend associating his bed with being rewarded (treats, praise, etc.). One other thing you could do is crate train him so that he sleeps in his crate at night in a different room. You could also give him NaturVet Quiet Moments Calming Chews with Melatonin (can be found at your local Petco) to help calm him and help him sleep at night during this period of training. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA
Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist
Published on December 2nd, 2018
Try looking up "train your dog to place" on google - instead of "place" you can say "bed." There are lots of good resources. You will need to work on training several times per day for a few minutes each time. Clicker training may also help him get it a little quicker. Stay consistent. It may take several weeks of working on this skill for him to do it without a treat. Even then he may still decide your bed is more comfortable. Alternatively, you can crate train him and put his bed in there for nighttime.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 26th, 2017
Hi. I would recommend just making it positive. Teaching him the command of go to your bed, treat when he does, etc. Can also put it in a crate so he has to sleep in it, and he may get used to it that way. Good luck
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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