The right Dog Beds
for your Dog and You

Some dogs like luxurious dog beds, some are more Spartan. Some dogs like to burrow into their beds and make a nest, others are happier dozing on top of their kennel with a layer of snowflakes covering them ... I know, because I have a Whippet who thinks almost exclusively about her own comfort, and Border Collies who have coats designed to keep them warm in a blizzard on a Scottish mountainside.

The advantage of having a dog bed that your dog actually likes is that you can position the bed where you want your dog to be when he’s switched off, then you don’t have to be tripping over him every time you turn round. I have beds under one of the worksurfaces in the kitchen, instead of cupboards. That’s where the crate goes too, when we have a new dog in the household.

I think the most important point of a dog bed from the owner’s point of view is its cleanability. You don’t want nameless stains showing up on your carefully-laundered dog bed – that’s where a patterned finish is handy! A removable, machine-washable cover is ideal.

And I find the fleece that you can buy by the yard is excellent. You can hotwash it in the machine, and it dries in no time. Great beds for dogs who like to bundle them up, carry them to their preferred spot, and hide their toys in them. You can easily fit them into a car crate too.

Also in the car you can have tough, plastic-backed blankets or even fully-fitted dog-proof seat covers (just imagine how much time that's going to save you picking up hairs and mud!).

As to the wicker baskets so beloved of artists and birthday card designers, they may look good, but don’t put your dog in one till you’re quite sure he won’t chew it to shreds. There are hard-shelled dog beds which are easy to wash and sweep out. They can take up a lot of space, but can be excellent for keeping the dog’s bedding in one place.

Then there's the roll-up bedding you can use - very handy when you're taking your dog out to a restaurant, friend's house, or dog class - so he can settle down in comfort.

Whose Bed is it, anyway?

So, when you introduce your dog to his new dog bed, simply move him off it once or twice and sit on it yourself! He’ll be puzzled by this new game, but will accept it. Now it’s your bed and you let your dog sleep on it when it suits you. Of course, whether you want your dog to share your own bed is entirely up to you!

There's an excellent book by John Fisher - an expert in living with dogs - which I found gave me extraordinary insights into what makes a dog tick.

What is important is that your dog has a place he can be left in peace to sleep when he wants. This is especially so with a puppy. Any mother knows how scratchy her child can become if deprived of proper sleep - and pups are just the same.

So everyone in the house needs to know where the pup's bed is, and that he should be left in peace when he's sleeping. Children need to know that the pup is not a plaything and must be respected.

This is where Crate Training comes into its own.



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