kwirky Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Hi all, I have a wonderful old man called Hunter (Golden Retriever 13 yrs old) who I would like to 'teach' to use his bed outside. He is an indoor/outdoor dog who can come and go in the house as he pleases during the day (via the doggy door). I had noticed in recent weeks that he had taken to napping under the carport on the concrete floor so I got him a trampoline bed so he would be more comfortable. He does not seem to have any particular objections to the bed itself (is not frightened or anything) and has climbed up on it when I bribed him with treats however I got home from work and he way laying next to it (the schmakos still laying on the bed). Is this a lost cause or is it still possible for him to learn to use it? Thanks Jo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harley Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Maybe it is too high for him? Or it is cooler on the floor. Maybe try a piece of carpet? Sounds like a lucky old pooch :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwirky Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 The carpet is a great idea. I will get some today :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimax Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 If he's choosing to use the floor, he might be more comfortable on the floor! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwirky Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 If he's choosing to use the floor, he might be more comfortable on the floor! How can that possibly be comfortable Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
minimax Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 If he's choosing to use the floor, he might be more comfortable on the floor! How can that possibly be comfortable He's a dog, they find odd things nice. They find poop tasty, I don't question it :laugh: Often my pug jumps off my bed and sleeps on the floorboards - it's cooler for him and for some weird reason he just likes it! I don't mind where he sleeps - I give him options and he knows he has options, he chooses whichever he wants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dame Aussie Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Sometimes they like the floor because it's cooler Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwirky Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 Thanks guys :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
persephone Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 This weather both my dog and cat sleep on the floor ..no bedding :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pretty Miss Emma Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 At the moment Hamish chooses to sleep on my tiled floor rather than any of the 5 beds he has available to him!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RubyBlue Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 Mine often sleep on the floor next to their beds too. They also don't particularly like the trampoline beds,they will occasionally go on them but seem to prefer the pavers, grass, floorboards, backsteps, etc. If they tend to lay in one place a few times I often move the trampoline bed there for them but they just lay next to it then too. Maybe try a foam type bed for him to get a bit of cushioning between him and the concrete. At the end of the day if you give him the choice, he'll work out what feels best to him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kwirky Posted December 11, 2012 Author Share Posted December 11, 2012 I popped into Bunnings on the way home last night and picked up a foam mat (1m x 1m) (the kind which can be interlocked with other mats like a jigsaw) and we gave that a whirl. He plonked down on it quite happily. The next couple of days are hot here in Melbourne so he will probably stay inside (I leave the aircon on for him), but at least he has options now :) Thanks everyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
noisymina Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 A bit of arthritis can deter them from jumping up on the trampoline beds. We lowered the height of the trampoline for one oldie so she could continue to use it. And she did. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tilly Posted December 11, 2012 Share Posted December 11, 2012 My old boy often prefers the ground to his bed ... he also has a piece of carpet but often he only half lays on it. Particularly in hot weather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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