Should I forcefully make dog sit on bed?

[lorrez]

My precious 9 yo GSD has slowed down considerably in the past few months. It’s heartbreaking but we’re doing all we can to manage his arthritis.

He has never liked dog beds. The amount of money I must have wasted on different kinds of beds. He prefers the cool of the kitchen tile/wooden floor. He’s been allowed on sofas but has never really taken to them either.

Should I force him to sit on a duvet/bed with a command and just train him to stay?

The idea of stripping his autonomy away from him is heart breaking. I of course don’t want to confuses him in his later years. But I’m worried about his joints!

i dont see the point. I think you should just provide the option of a padded area to sleep on, but other than that, let him choose.

Thanks for your advice. We have a large bed available next to the sofa (we get him to sit on it when giving his treats which are crumbly but he’s off the second he’s done eating)

If the cool helps him, why not try a cool mat on one of his padded beds? You can get soft fabric type that don't have any gel to worry about.

What about a nice squashy rug? My dog is not a bed fan, but will make himself comfy on a (pricey!) rug. I’ve also got a sort of spongy one from B&M Stores by the side of the bed which he sleeps on. But definitely no official beds. Hates ‘em, particularly those box-type ones.

If he doesn't want to lie on a bed, why force him? My lurcher (so much more bony) who is 14 and has end stage arthritis is currently lying down on the rug rather than the several comfy beds he could (and does) lie on instead, but obviously right now its what he feels like

Unfortunately we’ve tried many various type and he doesn’t step foot on them

I have a foster dog with severe arthritis. I asked the physiotherapist about getting a special dog bed and she said not to bother. She said arthritic dogs usually don't like them. And as long as she wasn't underweight and boney, she'd be perfectly comfortable lying on the floor.

you may have tried this one, but just in case not...our girl was unhappy in a 'normal' dog bed as she likes to stretch her old lady legs out as much as possible and the sides were getting in her way. We have one of these in XL and she loves it as she can fully lie on her side without hitting the edge. It's very supportive and solid we have a plush fake fur throw on top of it as well to make it more snuggly

Buy Petface Ultimate Luxury Memory Foam Pet Bed - Extra Large | Dog beds | Argos

He had the option so let him continue to choose. He's clearly not uncomfortable otherwise he wouldn't sit or lay where he does.

Cool mat in a cool pillow case?

I think you may need to do something rather like this... (photo coming soon).