What to do when your dog doesn't like his new dog bed.
The Great Dog Bed Search
You've carefully searched to find the perfect dog bed. You look high and low for a dog bed that will be the right size, comfortable, and match your home's decor. Considering warmth, you ponder thermal dog beds and various foam dog beds. You carefully evaluate wood frame dog beds versus dog pillows or dog mats. You consider comfort: memory foam dog beds, dog mattresses or loose stuffing with cedar chips for odor control?
Disappointment dé Dog Bed
Finally, you make the decision and acquire the dog bed that you know will be perfect for your dog. As you remove it from the box, your mind is filled with thoughts of your furry friend settling down for a cozy nap in the wonderful new accomodations you have so carefully chosen.
And then, it sits there. Your dog sniffs the new dog bed a few times, and then wanders away and settles down for a snooze elsewhere. And the sum of your efforts is the greatest dog bed in the world sitting unused.
Why Dog Beds Sometimes Fail to Delight
Why does a good dog bed sometimes bomb? Don't worry, it's not your fault. Here are some possible reasons:
- Old Habits Die Hard - Canines are creatures of habit. It's sometimes hard to teach an old (or any other) dog new tricks. Your dog may prefer the familiar to some new fangled contraption at first.
- A Certain Something in the Air - Dogs are much more sensitive to smell than we are. Dog beds purchases from pet stores can carry the odor of other animals. A dogbed ordered online can carry smells of the warehouse in which it was stored. Even cedar chips, which are often included in the stuffing of a dog bed to control odors, can sometimes put dogs off initially.
- Plain Confusion - If your dog has never been allowed on the furniture, or even certain pieces of furniture, a brand new dog bed may seem forbidden. Even if you physically place your pooch on the new bed, you may be greeted with a look that says, "Am I in trouble?"
- Poor Placement for Personality - Is the dog bed tucked far away from the action? This may be great for a dog that likes peace and quiet, but a
bad idea for a dog that always wants to be near you. Is the dog bed
always surrounded by activity? Great for dogs who like to snooze
nearby, but notso great for dogs who just want some time alone.
Overcoming Dog Bed Dread
So how do you get a disinterested dog to take the dog bed dive? Try these steps:
- Make your dog a part of the unveiling. Dogs are naturally curious. They want to know what's going on. They don't sniff everything for nothing, you know! If you haven't unpacked the bed already, include your pup in the unwrapping and assembly process. Let him or her see you taking things out of the packaging, and make it fun by slipping some dog treats into the process. The whole thing should be a game.
- Location, location, location. Try putting the bed in a place that your dog likes to nap, even if this isn't where you want the bed to end up. You're trying to make your pooch comfortable with the bed at first. Once it becomes the de facto resting place, he'll likely follow it anywhere you move it.
- Make it familiar. Put some of your dogs favorite toys on the bed. Even play with your dog on the bed, and slip your dog a few dog treats. The treats, toys and the action of playing on the bed will cause some familiar scents to rub off. Plus, it will help associate some fond memories with the new dog bed.
- Ease from old to new. If your pet has an old dog bed that you're trying to replace, and refuses to give it up, go ahead and put the two dog beds right next to each other, or even on top of each other for awhile. This also transfers smells, and gets your dog used to associating them with each other. If the old bed has a removable cushion, take it off and place it on the new bed until your dog becomes comfortable with the new digs.
Don't give up! It's easy to become frustrated and assume your dog will never like his or her new dog bed. But understanding the reasons for initial disinterest and following the steps above will almost always help your dog realize the benefit of his or her new gift, and love you all the more because of it.
