Go to Your Bed

Recently I’ve taught my dogs the “Go to Your Bed” cue.  Today I’d like to explain the benefits and how easy it is to teach your dog to do the same.  At times it can be useful when a visitor drops by, and other times you may want to use it as your family sits down for a meal together.  It’s important to keep it positive and fun, as we never want this to come across as a punishment to your dog.  Their bed should be a pleasant place to go and not a place to go when they’re in trouble.

Training Steps

1. Choose your dog’s resting spot. Be sure it’s a comfortable place.  We have crates that we use, and the dogs love them.  You can either use the cue, “Go To Your Bed” or “Go To Your Mat.”   Be consistent with whatever  you use.

2. Stand with your dog a couple of feet from the resting spot.  Give the cue, “Go To Your Bed” while pointing towards the spot.  At the same time throw a high value treat/toy onto the bed.  Use a treat your dog loves.  Your dog most likely will go over to the bed to get the treat.  As soon as he does be sure to praise him and give another treat.  Repeat this over and over again.  I recommend teaching your dog “Down” and “Stay” prior to this exercise.  You can then have your dog go into a “Down-Stay,” when they’re on their bed.  Then close the crate door, and give another treat.  Make it rewarding by giving a food-stuffable toy like a Kong when they’re in their crate to make it an even more positive experience.

3. You can gradually increase the distance between where you and your dog are standing and the bed.  The key is to add distance slowly and only as success is achieved.  If your dog isn’t succesful at 5 feet away, then decrease the distance and try again.

4. Next we’ll use the treat as strictly a reward for the behavior that we want. Say “Go To Your Bed” while pointing towards the bed, but this time do not throw the treat.  If the dog responds to your command by going to her bed you’ll then give the treat and praise. If your dog doesn’t do it go back a step by using the treat as a lure again.  Continue this exercise over and over again.

5.  Try giving the cue from a distance away, and eventually build up to another room in the house.  Proceed slowly, as the greater the distance, the harder the exercise is for your dog.

6.  Finally, you can add distractions like a door bell ringing.  Start with a mild distraction, and build up from there as success is achieved.

7.  You can now wean your dog off the treats. Give a tasty treat every now and then, to keep your dog wondering when it may come.  In the dog’s mind it’s almost like a Slot Machine, as they’ll never know when they’ll hit the jackpot.  Do so gradually.