Hi I'm still having trouble getting the dog off the bed at night?

Friday 13th September 2013 @ 9:56 AM. (NZST)

Jess Allsop

Jess Allsop - Trainer

Question:Hi Jess, I have the same question that I asked previously. I am 7 months pregnant now, and I have a shih tzu bichon frise cross who sleeps on our bed. I am trying to get her off, but I don't think sticking her in a crate at this stage is the right way to go about it, she is just under 2, and she has never spent any time in her crate. I work and am quite exhausted at the moment, and I don't have time to trawl through video's about becoming an alpha as suggested. Can you help, I just need to train her to sleep on her bed at night not ours. Also do you have any tips as a mum bringing a new baby home. I would like the transition to be a nice one for everyone. Thank you Heidi

Hi Heidi, thanks for your question.

Yes, you are right, reading about becoming an Alpha or Pack leader is pointless, it has nothing to do with your dogs behavior and will certainly not change it! Your dog sleeps on your bed because it is a comfy, secure place to be next to you, and she has been allowed to do it in the past. Dogs are pretty simple creatures, they engage in behaviors that work for them, much like you would choose a warm comfy bed over sleeping on a blanket on the floor. That said, how can we CHANGE her behavior? She needs to be provided with a comfy alternative and then be taught how to stay there instead. I would start off teaching her to lay in/on her bed for very short periods and reward her for this, if she gets out of the bed then take her back and repeat the exercise until she learns to stay when asked. Do not allow her to leave the bed and come to you for a cuddle, but rather go to her when she is still in bed, so she learns this is the best place to be. This training protocol is best instigated when you have the energy, so daytime rather than night time! I would also suggest never letting her jump up onto ANY furniture (or people) unless invited, this way she will start to think twice before she leaps onto your bed. Any uninvited visits get a firm "off" command, and remove her immediately, and everyone in the household needs to support this regime so it is really clear to her that new rules are in place. Make sure she gets plenty of rewards and attention for staying off the bed and other furniture. At night I would tether her in your bedroom so she can still be near you and feel safe but can't sneak onto your bed whilst you are sleeping (as this will get her coming back time and time again). In regard to your question about the arrival of a new baby, I strongly suggest you ensure she is following your basic commands (come, sit, leave, stay) so you can direct her to where she needs to be, your new "go to bed" command will be very useful here too. The more commands she knows and can happily follow the more relaxed she will be and the easier it will be for you when the new baby arrives. Ensure she makes positive associations with the new baby, so some tasty treats when she smells baby for the first time etc.

Best of luck, Jess.