Since dogs rest, snooze, or sleep for a large part of their lives, the type and location of their sleeping place are of great importance. But the training and dog sports huge range of top-designed dog beds can quickly overwhelm dog owners. It is, therefore, best if you are always guided by the most important question: “What is a species-appropriate place to sleep for my dog?” You can read the answer to this question and other tips below.
Choose the dog’s sleeping place wisely
Modern dog furniture, which you get offered in pet shops, dog shops, and online shops, is at least as attractive and diverse as furniture for people. But are they just as good for your four-legged friend? In your decision, the function, species-appropriate form, and equipment tailored to the needs of your special dog should be in the foreground. If these important requirements are met, you can of course also adjust the style of the dog bed to your personal taste.
The dog sleeping place is “made to measure”
First of all, it is important that you know the special preferences of your four-legged individualist well: Does he prefer to lie stretched out on the floor or high and soft? Many large and heavy breeds have exposed joints, which should be relieved when lying down. In this case, you better choose a dog bed that cushions your dog’s weight well and at the same time gives him the opportunity to stretch out.
Most dogs like to lie slightly elevated. This gives them security, and a good overview, and puts them higher in the truest sense of the word. But the dog should be able to easily reach his sleeping place alone, which is especially important for small breeds. The feeling of safety is important for all dogs when it comes to their own sleeping place. Therefore, choose a dog bed that guarantees a protected lying. These include raised side edges of the sleeping area, which also allow the dog to bed his head higher.
Short-haired breeds such as whippets with thin coats often look for cuddly, warming sleeping places. You can offer them special beds shaped in the form of a cave or a large “sock”. Dogs with a long coat of hair and undercoat, on the other hand, prefer smooth underlays that do not overheat them additionally. Some sleep outstretched, others curl up very small.
Sleeping place dog: The right place
Two-thirds of the day, dogs snooze, sleep, and rest – this shows you how important it is to give them an optimal place to sleep. Not only the question “blanket or basket?” is important, but also the location of the dog’s sleeping place.
It would be unfavorable to set up the dog bed in a drafty, dark corner. Also, the basement next to the washing machine is understandably the wrong place. Directly at the heater, it can be quite pleasant for short-haired dogs in winter – but they should have an alternative place if it gets too warm for them there.
At least two sleeping places are an advantage anyway: With different documents and in different “climate zones”, the dog can choose where he would rather lie. Or he can decide whether he wants to be in the middle of the hustle and bustle or prefer to retire. For the latter, a box can serve as a dog sleeping place: If you set up the transport box from the car open or without a door in the house, it can offer a safe retreat.
An optimal dog sleeping place offers the dog a quiet place where he is left alone by people, but at the same time does not separate him from family life. Under no circumstances should you lock your four-legged companion in the garage, hallway or similar rooms.
Your dog suddenly changes the sleeping place? Observe on what occasions he does this and whether he seems stressed. Perhaps it makes sense to rethink the location of the sleeping place or the pad.
Dog sleeping place: wishes and preferences
You may need to experiment a bit until you find the optimal place to sleep for your darling that everyone can live with well. Because if he is not allowed on the sofa, that is of course not the case. Even if your fur nose might like it. Plan some time to get your dog used to the new place to sleep.
Especially puppies need a lot of closeness and still have to bond with you. That’s why a puppy sleeping place is always where its people are, preferably at night in the bedroom near your bed. Adult dogs can sleep alone at night.
Some dog breeds cope well with a place to sleep outside. But here, too, it must be designed in such a way that it optimally protects it against heat, drafts or moisture. In extreme weather, the dog’s sleeping place should be moved inwards depending on the special needs of the breed.
Species-appropriate sleeping places for special needs
Especially for older dogs, an optimal lying surface and rest area is important. The dog sleeping place for the senior should relieve his joints and tendons so that the animal can relax. Latex and cold foam mattresses are a good choice here. But there are also, for example, waterbeds for dogs, on which the four-legged friend lies weightless. The mattress filled with water should of course be firm to the bite – but not every dog likes the wobble under his paws. Therefore, it is best to test all dog beds with your dog before you buy one.
Heated blankets or thermal beds with warming floors can be a treat for dogs with acute or chronic muscle and joint pain. They are also ideal as winter sleeping places for dogs with fine coats.
For allergic dogs and those with thin fur, cotton beds or Teflon sunbeds are particularly suitable, potty train rat terrier which are also equipped with an orthopedic foam mattress. Dirt and allergy-causing pests find it difficult to find support on the Teflon coating. Such a dog bed is breathable, very easy to clean and can be used equally indoors and outdoors. These dog sleeping places are also suitable for pregnant who need a lot of space and safety for themselves and their offspring.
My dog pees in his dog bed!
Some dogs pee on their sleeping place. This can have many causes. But one thing is certain: you should not punish him for it! If it happens more often that the dog is unclean, the first way leads to the veterinarian. Here, organic causes such as cystitis or incontinence are clarified. Psychological stress, changes in the household or an inappropriate dog bed can also lead to uncleanliness. Sometimes a larger or differently designed lying surface helps if the dog has been found to be healthy.
