You’ve bought your dog a lovely new bed, made it cosy, put it in their favourite spot… and they promptly lie down on the floor next to it. Sound familiar? If your dog seems to prefer the floor over their bed, there’s usually a reason. It doesn’t necessarily mean they dislike their bed, they may simply find the floor cooler, more comfortable, or better suited to how they like to sleep.

In this guide, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons dogs choose the floor and what you can do to make their bed a more appealing place to rest.

1. The Floor Might Be Cooler

One of the simplest explanations is temperature. Dogs can get surprisingly warm, particularly after exercise or during the summer months. A thick, fluffy dog bed can sometimes feel too warm, while a hard floor, especially tiles, laminate or stone can provide a cooler surface. You might notice your dog moving from their bed to the floor after a walk, or choosing the coolest part of the house during warmer weather. If this sounds like your dog, consider where their bed is positioned. A cooler, well-ventilated area may make it more comfortable. For dogs that regularly get warm, a breathable or cooling-style bed may also be worth considering.

2. Their Bed Might Be the Wrong Size

Dogs have different sleeping preferences. Some curl themselves into a tiny ball, while others stretch out as far as possible. If your dog’s bed doesn’t give them enough room to get comfortable, they may choose the floor instead. When choosing a dog bed, think about your dog’s sleeping position as well as their breed. A good rule is to measure your dog from their nose to the base of their tail while they’re relaxed, then allow some additional space so they can stretch, turn and reposition themselves comfortably. If your dog likes to sprawl, they may need a larger bed than you’d expect from their size alone.

3. They Don’t Like the Feel of the Bed

Dogs can be surprisingly particular about textures. Some prefer soft, fluffy beds, while others prefer something firmer. A nervous or cautious dog may also be unsure about a new bed, particularly if it has a strange smell or unfamiliar texture. If you’ve recently bought a new bed and your dog isn’t using it, give them some time to investigate it. You can encourage them to explore it by placing one of their favourite toys on the bed or rewarding them when they choose to lie on it. Don’t force your dog onto the bed. The goal is to help them associate it with somewhere safe and comfortable.

4. The Bed Is in the Wrong Place

Oftentimes, dogs like to sleep somewhere that allows them to relax while still keeping an eye on what’s happening around them. If their bed is tucked away in a quiet room, but your dog prefers being near the family, they may simply choose the floor in the room where everyone is spending time. Try moving their bed closer to where you and your family normally sit. You may find that your dog starts using it much more often simply because it’s in a better location.

5. They Prefer a Firmer Surface

Not every dog wants a super-soft bed. Some dogs prefer a firmer surface because it gives them more support, particularly when getting up and lying down. This can be especially important when choosing a bed for an older dog. A supportive or orthopaedic-style bed can provide a comfortable resting surface without being excessively soft. If your dog is getting older and has suddenly started avoiding their usual bed, it’s worth considering whether their comfort needs have changed.

6. Your Dog Might Simply Prefer the Floor!

Sometimes, there isn’t anything wrong with the bed at all. Dogs have individual preferences just like we do. Your dog might simply enjoy lying on the floor. You may even notice that they have several favourite sleeping spots around the house and move between them throughout the day. If your dog is otherwise happy, comfortable and behaving normally, choosing the floor isn’t necessarily something you need to correct. The important thing is making sure they have access to a comfortable, suitable place to rest whenever they want one.

How Can I Encourage My Dog to Use Their Bed?

If you’d like your dog to use their bed more often, try a few simple changes:

• Move the bed to an area where your dog already likes to relax.
• Make it familiar by placing a favourite toy or familiar blanket nearby.
• Reward calm behaviour when your dog chooses to lie on the bed.
• Check the size to make sure they have enough room to stretch out.
• Consider the temperature and whether the bed is too warm.
• Try a different style of bed if your dog doesn’t seem comfortable.
• Keep the bed clean and wash it regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Most importantly, don’t force your dog to stay on their bed. Positive associations and giving them a choice will usually work better.