After a long day, the last thing you want is chaos while you’re trying to wind down. Whether you’re cooking dinner, watching your favorite show, or getting the kids to bed, having a dog underfoot can make things more stressful than soothing. That’s where the “Go to Bed” command comes in. It’s a simple cue that can transform your evenings into a much more peaceful experience for both you and your dog.
This command isn’t just about obedience. It’s about creating a safe, relaxing space your dog learns to associate with quiet time. And the good news? Any dog can learn it.
Why “Go to Bed” Is More Than Just a Trick
Some people see this as a cute party trick. In reality, it’s a useful tool that gives your dog direction during moments of excitement or transition.
Think about the usual evening routine. Food smells fill the air, family members come and go, and the environment gets busy. For dogs, especially younger ones or those with anxious energy, all this can be overwhelming.
Teaching them to go to a designated spot be it a bed, blanket, or mat, offers structure, predictability, and a chance to decompress.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
You don’t need fancy gear. Just gather the following:
- A dog bed or mat your pup finds comfortable
- Treats (start with small, high-value ones)
- A leash, if your dog has trouble staying focused
- Patience and consistency
Step-by-Step: How to Teach It
1. Introduce the Spot
Bring your dog to the mat and let them sniff around. Reward them just for engaging with it at first. You want the bed to be a positive place, not a timeout zone.
2. Lure and Mark
Hold a treat and slowly lure your dog onto the mat. As soon as all four paws are on, say a clear marker like “Yes!” or click a training clicker, then reward.
Repeat this a few times so they start to understand that being on the mat = treats and praise.
3. Add the Cue
Once your dog steps onto the mat easily, say “Go to bed” right before you lure them. Eventually, they’ll begin associating the words with the action.
Tip: Only say the cue once. If they don’t respond, guide them again, but save the cue until they’ve shown understanding.
4. Build Duration
Now that they’re going to the bed, it’s time to teach them to stay there. Start small, just a few seconds. Gradually increase the time, rewarding them as they stay put. Use a release word like “okay” to let them know when they’re free to get up.
5. Practice With Real-Life Distractions
Try the command while you’re prepping dinner or watching TV. Reward quietly if they stay in place, and gently redirect if they get up.
Common Hiccups and How to Handle Them
- They won’t stay: Go back a step. Make sure the bed feels rewarding and safe. Reinforce short durations more frequently.
- They ignore the cue: Don’t repeat it endlessly. Instead, reinforce the connection between the cue and the action during practice.
- They treat it like a game: Some dogs pop on and off for a treat. Only reward when they stay calmly.
The Benefits Go Beyond the Evening
Once this command becomes second nature, you’ll find plenty of uses for it, welcoming guests, mealtimes, work calls, or even packing for a trip. It gives your dog a purpose and gives you breathing room.
It’s a win-win, rooted in trust and consistency.
Dogs don’t naturally know how to settle down when the world around them is buzzing. That’s something we can teach them. The “Go to Bed” command offers a simple but powerful way to invite calm into your home. And over time, your dog won’t just obey the command, they’ll look forward to it.
