Even when you think it’s a no-brainer, introducing your dog to a
new bed isn’t that easy.
Don’t expect your pooch to immediately curl up comfortably in it
since he may not get the idea right away. Even if you spent hours finding the perfect bed
for your furry pal, he may still choose to lay on his old bed or the convenient
floor instead.
Part of the reason why your dog doesn’t seem comfortable with
his new bed is that it is something foreign and isn’t part of his “territory.”
Moreover, the new bed doesn’t have the smell of your dog or his “pack” (you and
everyone else in your household) which makes him unable to trust it yet.
Fortunately, with patience and a little effort, you can get your
dog to enjoy his new bed in no time:
1. Make the bed
smell like home
You can make the new bed seem more familiar and feel like home
by attaching your scent to it. This way, your dog will start getting
comfortable with it, and hopefully, lay on it as well.
In order to do this, consider following these steps:
●
Get rid of the old bed to give your dog a clean break.
●
Add your scent onto the bed by rubbing your hands all
over it or laying one of your old shirts to draw your dog in.
●
Let each of your family members do the same thing so
that the bed will smell like everyone in your dog’s pack.
●
If the scent isn’t enough to convince him, use one of
your dog’s blankets to cover the bed.
●
Be patient as it can take time for your pooch to adjust
and want to stay in his new bed.
●
Don’t forget to give a reward every time your dog lies
down on his new bed.
2. Choose a
comfortable location
A
dog will usually look for a dry, warm, and safe place to sleep. In
this case, you have to make sure that the location of his new bed is in a quiet
part of your home. If you’re introducing a bed for the first time, check where
your dog usually curls up to sleep.
Most canines have a favourite spot to sleep. As long as the spot
your dog chooses is feasible, you can place his new bed there. A dog is an animal
of habit which makes the process of making him comfortable with his new bed
easier.
3. Create a happy
place
Making a happy place for your pooch is essential in helping him
warm up to his new bed.
Positive things can encourage your dog to try something new. To
get your furry pal get used to his new bed, create a positive atmosphere by
using the following:
●
Familiar toys and blankets
●
Treats
●
Coaxing and encouragement
●
Peace and quiet
4. Remove
unfamiliar features
Sometimes, a dog can be wary of a new bed’s design and texture.
If your dog isn’t comfortable with a raised bed, try taking the
legs off. Once you see that your pooch has begun to relax in it, gradually put
the legs back on.
5. Get the old
bed scent
It may be hard for your pooch to let go of his old bed. If this
is the case, before you get rid of the old bed, do the following:
●
Cover the old bed with a sheet.
●
Leave the sheet for a few days on the old bed so that it
can absorb a good amount of scents.
●
Remove the sheet from the old bed and use it to cover
the new one.
The sheet will still smell like the old one which will help
disguise the new bed.
Once your dog has accepted his new bed, you may then get rid of
the old bed. After quite some time, you can slowly remove the sheet and, by
then, your dog won’t have any problem sleeping in his new bed.
Patience always
pays off
It may take a while for your dog to get used to his new bed.
Don’t rush things and reprimand your dog for not sleeping in his
new bed as this will only pressure your pet so that he may end up disliking it
further.
What’s important is that you remain patient, follow the above
advice, and wait for your pooch to adjust on his own.
AUTHOR BIO
Andrew
Kevan has been the Account Manager at Sandleford Holdings since 2016. He
studied at Monash University and completed his Bachelor of Science degree,
majoring in Zoology. Andrew is the owner of a beautiful Rottweiler named Lady
who is constantly spoiled and loves her Fido & Fletch Large Pet Home.