Deter your canine companion from countertop invading or leaping on visitors with this command instruction
In a series of Instagram posts, certified professional dog trainer Sherry Nativo from All About Training Dogs, has shared her insights on teaching dogs the command "Go to bed." This command can be instrumental in managing various behavioural issues, such as demand barking, counter surfing, and even jumping up at guests.
To begin, introduce the bed and the command. Guide your dog onto its bed using treats or a favourite toy, saying the command "go to bed" clearly. As soon as the dog is on the bed, reward with a treat and verbal praise to reinforce the positive association with the command and the bed.
Next, add the down command. While your dog is on the bed, encourage it to lie down (the "down" position). Mark this behaviour with a clicker or verbal marker ("yes") and give a treat.
Once your dog reliably goes to the bed and lies down, introduce the "stay" command while your dog remains on the bed. Start with very short durations, rewarding calm and stationary behaviour, then gradually increase the time.
To teach a release or "break" command, let your dog know when it can get up and move. This helps clarify the "stay" command boundaries.
Practice this routine regularly, always using the same command phrase ("go to bed") and rewarding your dog for completing the full sequence: going to the bed, lying down, and staying until released.
The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, with its high-density egg crate foam and four-sided bolster design, can be a suitable option for dogs who need additional support for their joints. Available in a wide range of sizes and colours, it may help encourage dogs to sleep in their own bed or a different room.
It's important to note that the puppy needs to be lying in the bed, not sitting, for the command to be effective. Also, dogs begging for food at the table is a common issue that can be managed through training. Nativo demonstrates this command with a puppy who is learning to stay in his bed during dinner, and mentions that the dog does not try to steal food off the table while in his bed.
Moreover, if your dog is fearful of strangers, Nativo's training methods can help manage this behaviour. The command "Go to bed" is versatile and can be useful in various situations, such as getting dogs to stay in one place, like their bed.
By following these steps consistently and repetitively, you can effectively teach your dog to associate "go to bed" with going to its designated place, lying down, and staying, creating a calm behaviour that can be reliably cued.
- Sherry Nativo, a certified professional dog trainer, teaches dogs the command "Go to bed" using treats or toys, guiding them onto their bed, and reinforcing the behavior with verbal praise and treats.
- After the dog learns to go to its bed, Nativo adds the down command, encouraging the dog to lie down on the bed, marking the behavior, and rewarding it with a treat.
- Once the dog reliably goes to the bed and lies down, Nativo introduces the "stay" command, starting with short durations and gradually increasing the time.
- To teach a release or "break" command, Nativo lets the dog know when it can get up and move, helping to clarify the "stay" command boundaries.
- The Bedsure Orthopedic Dog Bed, with its high-density foam and four-sided bolster design, is a suitable option for dogs who need additionaljoint support and may encourage them to sleep in their own bed or a different room.
