Choosing a Bed for Your Dog

 Does your dog enjoy sleeping with you at night? Although cuddling with a pet can keep owner and dog warm and snuggly, keep in mind that most animals are not as clean as people, nor do they always follow the same sleep patterns. A dog can track mud, grass, and even nature's business between your sheets, not to mention fleas and ticks. He might want to go for a walk at 3 a.m. when all you want to do is sleep. These are some of the common reasons why pets deserve a bed of their own. The nesting routine is as old as time, so providing your dog with his own place to sleep can create a sense of security that will help to keep your pet calm and well adjusted, not to mention help you get a good night's sleep.

But how do you know which type of bed will best suit your canine's needs? Consider the following criteria before shopping for your dog's bedroom furniture.

1. Get the right size bed for your animal. How big will he get? If you have a large breed, get a bed with enough size to accommodate his full-grown stature. Ask the vet how tall and heavy your pet is expected to get, especially if he is a mixed breed. Then you can estimate the size of bed that will be needed. One that is too small will make your dog feel cramped, and he'll probably find another sleeping spot. On the other hand, an overly large bed could let your little Chihuahua feel insecure and unprotected, likewise leading to his hunt for a new location.

2. Train a new puppy where to sleep. Like children, pets need guidance about where to go or what to do. Keep your pet's bed in the same place to establish a routine. This might be in the laundry room, family room, the deck, or a doghouse. Don't let a puppy drag its bed all over the place or he will never learn where he's supposed to stay at night. Get in the habit of putting your dog to bed at the same time each night, and he will soon get used to it.

3. Choose durable materials. A foam mattress can provide solid support for the larger frames of full-grown pets, whereas small piece-type filling will lend more flexibility to a bed, and is better suited to small dogs or puppies. Check to be sure the cover is removable and washable, and launder it every week or two, using hot water and mild detergent to kill fleas and ticks. Teach your puppy not to chew his bedding, which will quickly destroy it and force you to buy another. A smart rap on the nose with a newspaper or a squirt of water from a spray bottle when he is caught in the act ought to do it.

4. Keep the bed out of the way to prevent accidents. Let all family members know where the bed will be kept, and tuck it into a nook or cranny where no one is likely to trip over it when carrying laundry or hurrying past that area. Your dog will be able to sleep better in a quiet, semi-protected environment.

Although buying your dog a bed should not be as time-consuming or costly as buying human furniture, it nevertheless pays to plan ahead and take time in making the best possible choice for all concerned.
About the Author

For more information on Dog Beds and how Dog Beds can help both you and your precious pooch sleep better, visit Absolutely Dogs at http://www.absolutely-dogs.com

 Charles Kassotis

More Articles 

Control Your Dog's Weight for a Healthier, Longer Life - Valerie Goettsch
Obesity is not just a growing problem for the human population, overweight dogs--just plain fat dogs--is becoming more common. Obesity is a common nutritional disorder in dogs. Just like people, dogs can get fat through over feeding and...

Lesser-Known Dog Breeds - Kirsten Hawkins
Have you ever seen a beagle? Sure you have. What about a basset hound? Of course! How about a Polish Owczarek Nizinny? Didn't think so. Its one of many unfamiliar breeds of dogs roaming the Earth and though it has a funny name (to Americans anyway),...

Revealed! Secret training methods for your Dog! - Ray Coleiro
Have you fallen under the spell of large limpid eyes and a saucy grin? Enchanted by the petite one with the grace of a ballet dancer and terrier –like qualities? Or were you taken by cute and goofy like appearance and personality of the larger ...

Grooming Your Dog - Shaan Randow
Dogs take care of some of their grooming needs on their own, but still need a helping hand from their owners. Taking the time to groom your dog on a regular basis has its own rewards; it strengthens your bond with her and allows you to notice health...

Obedience training and your dog - Jeff Rose
Obedience training is one of the most important and most effective things any owner can do for his or her dog. A properly obedience trained dog is a happy, productive and safe member of the family, while a untrained dog can be destructive and even...

Old English Sheepdog Complete Profile - Dooziedog com
Key Facts: Size: Large Height: Above 54 cm (21 inches) Weight: About 30 kg (66 lb) Life Span: 13 years Grooming: Very demanding Exercise: Medium Feeding: Medium Temperament: Friendly & outgoing Country of Origin: England AKC Group: Herding Other...

Does Your Dog Roll In Poop? Here's Why - Adam G Katz
Robin asks: I'm wondering if you could tell me why-- when I'm walking Yogi through some grass-- that he smells something and the next thing I know, he's stuck his head on the ground and starts to roll his body over the area he was smelling. On two...

The Profile Of A Wannabe Dog Breed - Jack Russell
Dog lovers everywhere devote so much time choosing the right dog breeds before they decide to purchase a dog. For them, the dog's breed is one contributing factor to its value. That is why most families who decide to get some dogs, they know that...

What is the largest breed of dog in the world. The Old English Mastiff - Sharon Medforth
The Old English Mastiff is the LARGEST breed of dog in the world . .They can weigh anywhere from 110 pounds to the 343 pounds. Zorba,an English mastuff ,held the world record of the world's largest dog. Most Mastiff males weigh around 160-230 pounds...

Is Dog Obedience School for You? - Tina Spriggs
Are you thinking about dog obedience school? Do you know what to expect out of it? Do you know what it costs or where to find a good school? If not, let me help take out some of the mystery of finding one to make sure you and your dog get the best...