Help Your Pet Adjust to a New Bed
Bringing home a brand-new bed is exciting for you, but your pet might not share your enthusiasm right away. It is completely normal for dogs and cats to be cautious about new items, especially if the bed has unfamiliar materials, smells, or an enclosed shape (like a cave or teepee).
Pets rely heavily on scent and routine. If your pet is ignoring their new bed or treating it like a chew toy, don't worry! Here are the best ways to help them transition smoothly and claim their new spot as their own.
1. Make It Smell Like "Home"
The number one reason pets reject a new bed is the "new factory smell."
The Laundry Trick: Toss a piece of your unwashed clothing (like a worn T-shirt) or a blanket your pet already sleeps on into the new bed. Your scent provides instant comfort and signals that this is a safe space.
Air It Out: For our Felt and Cushioned beds, if there is a noticeable packaging odor, let the bed air out in a well-ventilated room for 24–48 hours before expecting your pet to jump in.
2. Choose the Right Location
Location matters just as much as the bed itself. Place the new bed where your pet already likes to relax.
Avoid high-traffic or noisy areas (like the middle of a hallway or right next to a loud TV).
Corner Placement: Dogs and cats naturally feel more secure when they can keep their backs to a wall. Try tucking the bed into a quiet corner or next to the sofa where you sit.
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Note for Teepee & Cave Beds: If the bed is highly enclosed, place it near where you spend most of your time, so they can still keep an eye on you while feeling hidden.
3. Make It a Positive Experience
Turn the new bed into a "reward zone."
Treats & Toys: Toss a few of their favorite treats or a familiar toy into the bed. You can also feed them their meals right next to or inside the bed.
Praise: When your pet sniffs or steps into the bed, use a calm, happy voice to praise them. Avoid forcing them into the bed, as this can create a negative association.
For Cats: Sprinkle a little catnip or silvervine on the bed to spark their curiosity.
4. Style-Specific Adjustment Tips
Different bed styles require different approaches based on our collection:
Teepee Pet Beds & Cave Beds: These can feel a bit like a trap to a nervous pet at first. Tip: Fold up the front flap or door initially. Let your pet explore the open space first. Once they are comfortable sleeping inside with the door open, you can lower the flap.
Modular Felt Bed: Try setting it up in a simple, flat configuration first. Once your pet gets used to the material, you can shape it into a more enclosed, cozy form.
Woven Pet Beds: Woven materials can feel stiff and cool to the touch. Add a soft, familiar blanket or a Flat Mat inside to make the surface more inviting and comfortable.
Bolster & Sofa Beds: Sometimes, the raised edges can confuse pets. Try gently placing their front paws on the bolster to show them it's a comfortable place to rest their head.
5. Give It Time (And Don't Force It)
Patience is key. It can take anywhere from a few hours to a full week for a pet to decide a new bed is safe.
Do not force your pet to get in.
Leave the bed out. Even if they ignore it for three days, they are likely investigating it when you aren't looking.
Don't wash away the scent. Once they start using it, try not to wash the bed immediately, as you want to preserve their natural scent on it for a while.
Still having trouble?
Every pet is unique! If your furry friend refuses to use the bed after a week, snap a photo of where the bed is placed and share a little about their behavior with our customer support team. We are always happy to suggest alternative placement or help you find a style that better fits their personality.
