10yr old Ridgeback

Dogs do what works for them.  Refusing to go in is working for him.  Since this has become a power struggle, I think I'd simply stop trying to put him in the crate, shut the doors of the places you don't want him to sleep, and just go to bed.  If need be, put a baby gate in front of your bedroom door so he doesn't scratch at it all night.

What does the dog do if your husband attempts to put the dog in his crate?  How old is the dog?  Where is the crate?  How long were you away?  Do you do any training of the dog?  Who feeds the dog? The more information you can provide, the better the chance that someone will have some insight and advice for you.

Hi Snooze,

 I have been in Rhodesian Ridgebacks for 30 years.  As I type this on my lap top there are 4 Ridgebacks sleeping happily next to me on my king sized bed.

From your post it does not sound as if you truly understand your RR's nature.  In the past he slept where he was told to and was content with it. But your husband changed the rules when he invited the dog to sleep in the bedroom.  Obviously a dog in the bed would not upset me.  But as it does you allow me to suggest a few things.

Do NOT try to muscle your Ridgeback.  They will do any thing, suffer anything and go anywhere for you as long as you understand it is THEIR choice to do so. Forcing him is just dumb, you are not strong enough , big enough or fast enough to out maneuver a healthy Rhodie. RRs do not growl lightly. And that is a HUGE red flag.  That he would growl at you indicates you are annoying him rather than trying to retrain him.

Chances are your bed is more comfortable for his older frame and he enjoyed the companionship given by your husband when allowed to sleep with him. Your attitude is just rude in his thinking.  He may love you , but you are losing points fast as you try to insist he obey. The trick is always to make them think they do things because they want to .   They want the same result, or they want the treat or they want the praise. 

I would consider moving a dog bed into your room and showing him he will have wonderful treats when he lays on it.  Is he obedienced trained at all?  if so work with extended downs and stays on the bed.  always release him , and then ignore him. He will quickly understand that being on his bed is a happy thing.  I would keep try a noise correction first, when he starts to jump on the bed Clap your hands loudly and say firmly         " OFF"   !  Do not Yell, scream or become shrill, just use a firm and strong tone of voice. Do not litter the command with unnecessary words.  A simple and strong OFF accompanied by the loud clap should get his attention. Should he quickly lay down on the bed you get up,  gently take his collar and instruct him to "OFF" if need be have your husband do this as well so he does not have mixed signals.

If you are genuinely doing everything and getting no where then consider having a spray bottle filled with water ,  As he jumps up give the "OFF" command and a short spray of water.  My  pack will halt in it's tracks when a spray bottle is brought out. They are not afraid of window washers or other spray bottles,  they know these are not tools used to arrest activity.  When my husband was ill recently I was feeding him in bed. He was miserable at first since the rude younger dogs would simply wait until I left the room to become pushy demanding tidbits.  I only had to prop the spray bottle near by for them to all stay on the floor until invited up.

Final word of caution , just grabbing a spray bottle is not the best solution.  Training with positive reinforcement , followed by consistent expectations it the NUMBER one goal.  Learning to never Force him is a huge lesson to learn and finally never ever over use any correction. By teaching them the command or the No No noise along with removing him or the spray bottle teaches him to anticipate the correction AND realize why it is being given. 

Sorry but one more thought.... Why on earth is your Rhodesian being made to sleep outside?   What exactly does that accomplish ? In 30 years of Ridgebacks , breeding, training, showing and doing Rescue I have NEVER ever made a dog sleep outside.  They are despite their size a house dog.  IT is even in our contracts that chaining a dog or even making it live outside is grounds for return to breeder , they must sign a paragraph giving me permission to enter their property and remove the dog should it become known to me that the owner is not  living up to the agreement made upon placement.  Rhodesians thrive living as housedogs. When they are put out they resort to pack mentality and are not the superior breed of hound they would be living side by side with you.  I have no issue with crating your dog inside when need be , but they do far better when they are close to you.  Have you asked your breeder for their input and advice?   Raising Champions, Therapy Dogs and Performance Dogs  I can speak with a qualified  level of education on the breed.

Hi Bonita - thanks for your reply.

We are actually from the UK but are in Asia at the moment where the nighttime temps are from 28-30 degrees - I'd quite like to sleep outside sometimes...

I understand what you were saying in your previous post about their true (stubborn!) nature but I know that if I give in and let him sleep outside his crate (which he has done very happily and comfortably thank you for the past 6 odd years without ANY problems) and where he wants in the house he will start growling and intimidating everyone into getting his own way - be it for food - his or someone elses, bathtime, walks etc.  Hence it was either bed or outside.  

I shall have a major re-think on the way I am dealing with it.

Thanks again.