How to Make Your Puppy Sleep in Your Room But Off of Your Bed

Dogs are pack animals that enjoy spending time with you to feel safe, especially when sleeping. However, allowing your puppy to get in the habit of sleeping on your bed can lead to behavioral issues later in life. Prevent late-night whimpering by keeping your puppy in your room during the night, so it can sense you are near, but set aside a separate sleeping space for it next to your bed. Train your puppy from a young age to sleep in a crate and later in its own area.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog crate
  • Dog bed
  • Blankets
  • Sweatshirt
  • Dog treats
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Set up a dog crate for your puppy next to your bed. Place a comfortable dog bed in the crate or line it with a soft blanket to make it comfortable for your puppy to sleep in.

    • 2

      Add a worn item of your clothing, such as a sweatshirt that has your scent on it, over the bed or blanket to give the puppy a sense of comfort.

    • 3

      Place some of your puppy's favorite dog treats in the crate, allowing it to find the treats on its own. This teaches your puppy to associate the crate with something good -- the dog treats.

    • 4

      Bring your puppy into your room and put it in front of the crate. Say "bedtime" and throw one or two dog treats into the crate. Close the crate and let the dog sit and eat the treats. Wait 15 minutes, then open the door. Repeat this several times each day over the period of a week, extending the time the dog remains in the crate. Verbally praise the puppy while in the crate for calm behavior.

    • 5

      Play with the puppy for 15 minutes before you plan to go to sleep to tire it out. Also take it outside to use the bathroom.

    • 6

      Bring the puppy into your room and give it the command "bedtime." It should go into the crate. Close the door to the crate and cover it with a towel to keep the crate dark, encouraging the dog to sleep throughout the night.