11 Easy Ways To Get Your Dog To Sleep With You (How-To)

You heard the stories of other fur parents…

And you get jealous because they sleep with their dogs.

Meanwhile, you’re left in your room alone…

Wanting to have a furry companion in your bed.

You wanna get your dog to sleep with you?

Continue reading to find out:

11 easy ways to get your dog to sleep with you.
What kind of treats do you need to use to quickly lure them.
Is there anything you need to do about your bed to make them sleep there?
And this is just the beginning…

Table of contents

How do I make my dog sleep with me?
11 ways to get your dog to sleep with you

How do I make my dog sleep with me?

You can make your dog sleep with you using positive reinforcement. Train them and give them rewards so that they climb on your bed. You can also use their favorite toys to lure them to your sleeping area. High-value treats can make your pooch sleep with you, too. Having soft blankets will also help.

11 ways to get your dog to sleep with you

#1: Use toys to lure them

As fur parents, we know that our dogs really have a playful side. Some canines may not be as hyper as others, but most of them really do love playing.

However, there’s one thing that can elevate their playtime. If you use their favorite toy… oh boy… will they just become ecstatic.

Just like us humans, when we go watch our favorite actors star in a movie, we’d get giddy. Or when our favorite sports team plays, we go all out cheering.

Dogs are the same. They have favorite toys. And it’s one of the simplest ways to make your fur baby come to you. And if you use it to compel them to sleep with you, it will be successful.

It’s like putting a fire in front of a moth. They’re just drawn to it.

“How do I use toys, then?”

Follow these easy steps:

Step #1: What you need to do is to make your pooch see the toy. Try to make it as exciting as possible. Shake it in front of their faces.

Step #2: When you have their attention, pull the toy away to make them chase it.

Step #3: You’ll start seeing your pooch try to grab the plaything. Now, slowly, climb onto your bed and put their favorite toy on top of your sheets.

Step #4: Continue making your pooch excited for the toy.

Step #5: Once they’re on the bed, give them the plaything.

Your canine will associate your bed with good things such as their favorite toys.

Note: It’s better to do this when it’s already your pooch’s bedtime. This way, the chances of them sleeping on your bed are higher.

#2: Take them to potty, then bring them to bed

Dogs are creatures of routine. They love sticking to a schedule. And will remember their activities for the day.

This is one of the reasons why sometimes your dog will nudge you. Or even try to bite you lightly on the nose, for example. It’s because they’re trying to remind you of an activity you’re supposed to do with them.

Got a bit delayed with their food? Nudge.

You forgot to take them out for a walk? Non-stop barking.

This is normal dog behavior. And we as fur parents need to realize that dogs have an internal clock.

Luckily, we can use this to our advantage. Especially in training them to sleep with us. Using the power of routines, your pooch will be snuggling with you in no time.

Dogs usually sleep after they eat and poop. And this happens often in the nighttime. Since these are the hours when most people in your home are asleep, too.

I’m not sure if you already included in your dog’s routine the time that you’d take them to go potty. If you didn’t, you should. It’s an effective way to keep accidents from happening in your home at night.

After taking them out for potty, bring them immediately to bed. Your pooch might not want to sleep at first. But keep doing this until they are more comfortable staying longer on your bed.

Try incorporating rewards during this training period. Pets, rubs, snuggles, and other forms of prizes your canine loves.

Soon, you’ll start to notice that your pooch would automatically go to your bed after pooping.

Check out next: 5 Easy Ways To Massage A Dog To Poop (How-To Guide)

#3: Use treats to reinforce the behavior

Get Your Dog To Sleep With You By Using Treats To Reinforce The Behavior

Using treats is very effective in training dogs. It can be used to make them associate actions with good things.

Just like how some parents give prizes to their kids for good grades. And it does increase their performance at school.

Well, most of the time. Humans have different learning motivators. But positive reinforcement does work sometimes.

Most dogs react the same. If you use treats correctly. You can then teach them to do a lot of things. Especially behavior that you want them to show.

Even the VCA backs this up. What they suggest is to use positive reinforcement. And at the same time hold back on the punishments.

This awesome combination of training techniques can make your dog sleep with you.

Here are a few steps you can do to make your canine rest in your bed:

Step #1: Buy high-value treats. These are ones that are smelly yet attractive to dogs.

Remember, what’s “bad smelling” for us might smell like Chanel No. 5 to our furry friends. You can try these HVTs:

Step #2: Call your dog. Do this when it’s near their bedtime. Using vocal cues such as “come here” can make your furry baby come to you. Once they jump on your bed, give them treats.

Step #3: Cuddle with your pooch. It can make them more comfortable in your space. However, make sure that you’re not invading their privacy. Some dogs like to be left alone for a while.

As long as they’re still on your bed, it’s already a plus. If they get off the mattress, call them back again. Especially if you see them going to their usual sleeping spot.

Step #4: Repeat these steps at approximately the same time every day. Once this becomes a routine, your pooch will stick to it.

You might also be interested in: 13 Reasons Why You Should NEVER Hit Your Dog (Check #7)

#4: Make your bed comfortable for them

Some dogs only sleep in places that make them feel relaxed. Most fur parents understand this, too. Would you sleep somewhere stressful, loud, and uncomfortable?

Well, I’ve had a few rough days in my life, too. And in those moments I did sleep in beds that are far less desirable. But I always dreamt of resting somewhere better.

Like getting a place in a nice neighborhood. Or being in an apartment that has good lighting and ventilation.

I live somewhere way better now. And I’m glad I didn’t give up when I was a bit struggling before

Have you ever been in a situation like me? If yes, then you’d understand why comfort is important.

And if we desire things like this, your dog wants them, too. That’s why as much as you can, make your sleeping place comfortable for them, too.

So comfortable and relaxed that they’d stick their tongue out when sleeping. “How can I do this, then?”

Most canines like to have their stuff around them. Especially ones that have their scent. It can be anything they play with. Or maybe something your fur baby wears.

All of these items are familiar to your dog. And if they’re surrounded by these, it can make them more relaxed.

You also need to check the temperature. According to research, too much heat is bad for your fur baby.

Canine athletes are prone to heatstroke. And so are military working dogs.

The “wrong” temperature can make a dog uncomfortable. And consequently, they won’t be able to sleep well.

Try to see if there’s proper ventilation in your room. Or if your pooch has thick fur, they might want it a little bit colder.

Turn the AC on if you have a cold-weather canine. Examples of these are:

Saint Bernard.
Newfoundland.
Siberian Husky.
Japanese Akita.
Alaskan Malamute.
Bernese Mountain Dog.

Warning: Exposure to too much cold can also make your dog sick. Make sure that your pooch has a blanket nearby. This can help insulate body heat.

You also need to check with your vet about the appropriate temperature for your canine.

#5: Bring their dog bed to your sleeping area

This is one of the more obvious tips on this list. If you want them to sleep with you, bring their bed nearer.

This is similar to what I mentioned in #4. Canines can become more comfortable if they have their bed around.

This can be more effective if they’re used to sleeping in a bed. Some dogs may not have mattresses, though. And they sleep in rugs. Or any pile of soft material such as:

Carpets.
Blankets.
Used clothes.

Whatever item your dog uses to sleep on, you can choose to bring it to your bed. However, you gotta expect it can have a bit of a smell.

It’s natural for some canines to have pungent scents. After all, they use this to mark their territories. This can be one reason why your dogs pee inside your home.

And maybe even on their dog bed. This can happen despite being home-trained.

If their bed is too pungent for you, try washing it. Remember to use mild soap so they won’t be scratching their nose out of irritation.

You can use unscented detergent. This way your pooch will still be comfortable in their beds. Check out the all Liquid Laundry Detergent from Amazon.

It can also keep your dog away from skin diseases. Germs and bacteria can live in their beds. And all these microorganisms can affect both you and your pooch.

Study shows that having fur babies can affect your gut microbiome. This isn’t necessarily bad, but some harmful bacteria can be passed to you. This may also include skin diseases.

#6: Teach them the “bed” vocal cue

I’ll discuss a sleep-specific vocal cue you can give to your pooch. This doesn’t mean other commands won’t work in making your dog come to you.

The “come here” vocal cue is good if paired with proper training. The difference is, this command makes your pooch come to you. Instead of directly saying, “go to your bed.”

I would say that one is better than the other. Since with “come here,” you can use it in multiple scenarios. Whereas the “bed” cue is specific for sleeping only.

“Can I teach my dogs both?”

I don’t see why not. Dogs have the capacity to learn and understand both phrases. They are very intelligent beings.

“Okay! Now, how do I teach them “bed?”

Here are the easy steps:

Step #1: Bring a bag of treats to help with using positive reinforcement. Once done, go to your room and stand next to your bed.

Step #2: Call your pooch over and make them jump on the bed. You can do this by tapping on your mattress. Or simply lifting them and putting them on it.

Step #3: Your dog may look confused first. But once they understand what you want, they’ll jump onto your bed. If they do, give them treats.

Step #4: Repeat steps 1 to 3 over the next few days. Every time you do it, move away gradually from the bed. Increasing the distance will help you command your dog from afar.

Step #5: When your pooch picks up on the command, try doing it at night. Especially during sleeping hours. Or after they poop and pee.

#7: Buy a bigger bed

One reason why your pooch doesn’t sleep beside you? The place is too small. When your pooch doesn’t have a space in your bed, they can be uncomfortable.

Some dogs are bigger in size. Which means they’ll take up more space. And if this happens, they might feel too hot and get uncomfortable.

Another situation would be you’ll be kicking your dog around. This applies to people who move a lot when sleeping.

If you’re a Bruce Lee in bed, your pooch will wake up regularly. However, this can be solved with a bigger bed.

More space to move around means extra comfort for your dog. And, well, for you too.

Some canines even circle around first before lying down. You know that thing they do that looks like they’re scouting the area? That’s a doggy behavior passed down from wolves.

Experts say that canines do this so they can easily ward off attackers. This was when your pooch’s ancestors lived in the wild.

Well, yeah, your dog isn’t in the woods anymore. But, their DNA will still tell them to turn around.

Dogs sometimes walk around you to protect you. This is also the same for when they’re about to sleep. Your canine is protecting themselves.

And that’s why some dogs need a huge space to circle around and sleep in.

“How big of a bed do I need?”

For starters, consider the space your pooch needs. You can try measuring them from their noses to their tail bases.

After taking the length, add 6 in. to 12 in (15 cm. to 30 cm.) to both ends. The total measurement should be the diameter of their space.

#8: Have a more relaxing presence

I know, I know, this is easier said than done. But being relaxed can help your pooch. And will make them sleep with you.

Like us, canines want to be safe and relaxed. Especially during sleeping hours.

Have you ever had a roommate barge in all angry while you sleep? Or maybe your partner was ranting to you before bedtime?

All these can give undue stress to us. And can affect the quality of our rest. Our minds might still be awake from all the things we hear. Or maybe we can feel the tension in the atmosphere.

These situations just aren’t sleep conducive. All these apply to your fur baby, too.

If you are always stressed, your dog might wanna stay away. Anger can cause the same reaction, too.

After all, research says dogs can read our emotions. More specifically, our hormones. And when we are stressed, our cortisol levels increase.

Our stresses can affect how our dogs behave. Some canines might be uneasy. This is why in the study, the dogs were standing a lot if their parents had higher cortisol levels.

Some dogs show stress differently. But generally speaking, they just become uncomfortable. And what happens when you’re uncomfortable? You are restless.

And this will happen to your dog, too.

As much as possible, come home with a cool mind. Let your stresses subside first. You can take a quick stroll with your pooch to ease your mind.

This can also tire your fur baby a little bit. Which can help them sleep better.

You might also be interested in: Help, I Keep Losing My Temper With My Puppy! 11 Vital Tips

#9: Your bed has poor back support

How long have you had your mattress? Does it already have a concaved middle part? This can be a sign that your bed is getting too soft.

Or maybe your bed is newly bought. It’s just that you’re into softer mattresses.

I’ve got a little bit of unfortunate news for you…

Your pooch may prefer sleeping somewhere with better back support. Well, most canines don’t need this type of ergonomics.

I mean, they don’t sleep like us. Most dogs lie on their bellies when resting. Unlike us humans that sleep on our backs. Sometimes on our side. Some people even look like contortionists when sleeping.

Despite the difference in ergonomic needs, most dogs still want a stable bed. Ones that don’t almost fold over when you lie on them.

Another reason why dogs might want a harder bed is because of a medical condition.

It’s called Mitral Valve Disease. This is a condition that affects your dog’s heart. What happens is that their valves degenerate over time.

Due to this, their hearts may not be able to pump blood out properly. Causing some blood to flow back inside.

And for dogs who have this, difficulty in breathing may occur. Especially if they lay somewhere too soft for them.

A clear symptom of this is a low murmuring sound of your dog’s heart. They might also prefer to sleep near a window. Or somewhere that eases their breathing.

If you think your pooch has this, immediately visit the vet. They’ll give medication to help with proper blood flow.

Your vet might also suggest giving your dog a low-sodium diet. And to refrain from strenuous exercises.

#10: Keep the scent of other dogs away from your clothes

Did you know that dogs get jealous, too? This usually happens when you pet another fur baby.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a dog or a cat. If they’re unfamiliar with the scent, they can get “mad” at you.

You might wonder why your pooch sometimes barks at you all of a sudden. Especially when you come home after you pet another dog.

A study shows that dogs get jealous of objects that you give your attention to. The researchers used a jack-o-lantern, a stuffed dog toy, and a book.

All of these are seemingly harmless, right? But still, the dogs tried to get rid of the objects.

Just watch these fur babies feeling jealous:

How much more if they smell another dog on you? Even if you pet the other canine a while ago, they can still detect it. Dogs have excellent noses and can sniff out pheromones.

And if you had an interaction with an aggressive dog, it can startle your pooch.

#11: Turn the lights and the music down

Blinking lights can disturb your pooch’s sleep. And because of this, they might not want to stay with you.

If you really must have a light on, use a night light. Preferably one that you can control the brightness and hue.

This way, your fur baby won’t be disturbed while they sleep.

And if you’re like me who listens to music before sleeping, you might wanna turn the volume down. It’s not like we’re partying… well, I don’t know what music makes you sleep.

But if it’s a bit loud, then it can distract your pooch. Dogs have sensitive hearing. And can detect small noises.