How can I get my dog off the bed at night?

Monday 26th August 2013 @ 11:18 AM. (NZST)

Doggy Dan

Doggy Dan - Trainer

Question: Hi Dan, I have a little bichon shih tzu cross, and I have gotten into the bad habit of letting her sleep on our bed. Now I'm 6 months pregnant, and I'm needing to train her off our bed. Do you have any advice, she is not responding well to being left outside the bedroom?????

Hi Heidi,

this can be a tricky pattern to break as you are experiencing unless you first become the pack leader during the day time ! Becoming the pack leader first means that she will learn it is not necessary to follow you around during the day and keep an eye on you. If she is a dog who struggles to be alone during the day it can be difficult to move her out of your room at night time. In terms of the actual training for moving her out of your bedroom, I would become the pack leader first, and then after a couple of weeks, slowing transition her out. This could be done by either moving her consistently and calmly off into a bed on the floor and then slowly inch by inch at a time out of your room. Or you may need to use a crate so that she does not keep jumping up back onto your bed! If she cries your best approach is to stay quiet and ignore her. Leaving her with some of your clothing can help so comfort her. It is always an option to simply move her straight out of the room however she may well struggle to adapt so I would take it slowly.

To learn how to become the pack leader check out my video website www.theonlinedogtrainer.com This will show you how to become the pack leader and much more. 

Hope that all helps…regards, Doggy Dan