Dachshund needs training to stay off bed

Question: I have a 4-year-old dachshund named Jake, and I am trying to train him to stay off the bed. Can you give me some ideas on how to manage this? My boyfriend and I are at wits? end. He whines when I leave him downstairs gated, also I have tried to close the door, but that doesn?t work. – Gale

Answer: This is a common problem. Teaching a dog to be relaxed away from the owner is so important, yet it is often overlooked in puppyhood.

Instead of putting him downstairs, you can simply let him sleep in your room. Move the stairs or furniture that he uses to get onto your bed, give him a comfy place to lie down in your room and go to sleep. He will whine in this situation as well, however, it is best for all if you ignore him. If he can launch himself up onto the bed without any help (that is one athletic dachshund!) then, you will have to put him back on the floor gently each time that he jumps up on the bed.

You can also confine him downstairs with a cushy bed and accomplish the same thing. Make sure to leave him with a great food toy or chewy that he never gets at any other time. This will keep him occupied for a couple of minutes before bedtime.

Most dogs who are not used to this type of thing will cry in the beginning. If the dog is completely ignored, most often the crying will stop in about three nights. Completely ignoring your dog means you can’t make eye contact, he can’t see you and you can’t talk (or yell at) him. Just put your earplugs in and give it three nights.

Dr. Radosta

Lisa Radosta DVM, Diplomate ACVB
Florida Veterinary Behavior Service
PO Box 210636
Royal Palm Beach, FL 33421-0636
561-795-9398
www.flvetbehavior.com
Read more articles by Dr. Radosta | Ask her a question

Source: http://blogs.palmbeachpost.com/pawshere/2012/11/08/dachshund-needs-training-to-stay-off-bed/

unique dog costumes clown costumes for dogs christmas costumes for dogs