A good dog bed will provide your dog with a warm, comfy, secure place to doze. Like us humans, dogs have individual preferences for hard or soft sleeping surfaces, and may sleep curled up or stretched out. Some dogs like to rest their head on a pillow, and some prefer to do without. Choosing the right type of bed to fit your dog’s sleeping style will encourage him use it instead stealing a snooze on your best upholstery or downiest comforter.http://www.pgaa.com/canine/general/DirTgtdogbeds.html

Once your dog starts sleeping in his own bed, your furnishings will be spared from much of his shedding. More hair will end up in his own bed, which is why it’s smart to buy a dog bed with a removable, washable cover. You may even want to buy or make an extra cover for your dog’s bed so you have one to use while the other is in the wash. A protective plastic liner between the mattress and the washable cover will prevent moisture from staining the mattress and creating unpleasant odors.

Buy the best quality dog bed you can afford, especially if your dog is a destructive chewer. The best beds are made with the most durable materials and won’t need to be replaced as often. This guide will help you learn how to choose a dog bed that your dog will love!

When you’re buying a bed for a new puppy, you need to allow room for growth, but don’t want the bed to be so large that he feels lost in it! When your puppy’s bed makes him feel safe and secure he’s more likely to sleep there by himself. You may need to replace his bed as he grows, and unless he’s particularly destructive it would be more frugal to buy less expensive models until he’s close to his adult size.

Nesting balls are bean-bag type dogs beds that may be filled with styrofoam pellets or small bits of shredded foam. The filling conforms to the shape of your dog and keeps him comfortable and cozy. Dogs who love to cuddle and very small dogs often enjoy this style of dog bed. Nesting balls are often perfect for a new puppy. They make the baby feel secure in his new environment.

Dog owners can choose from dog beds that come in myriad shapes and sizes and covers made of various materials, but are made in three basic styles with minor variations. The places in your home where your dog likes to rest can clue you in as to which style of dog bed he’s mostly likely to use.

If your dog tends to curl up in your favorite armchair, chances are that a cushion bed (also called a nesting bed or donut bed) will make him happy. These beds are rounded, stuffed cushions surrounded by bolsters. Your dog can curl up in the center, and the bolsters protect him from chilly drafts.

A flat foam mattress will suit your dog if he likes to stretch out full length on your sofa or bed. Firm foam mattresses give your dog plenty of room to toss and turn, and raise him off the drafty floors. If he rests his head on the arm of the sofa or on your bed pillows, choose a style that has raised bolsters at one end or around the edges

Orthopedic-grade foam mattresses are often recommended for senior dogs and dogs with arthritis. The foam contours itself to the dog’s body and offers support to aging or damaged joints. Sick and injured dogs can be made more comfortable on an orthopedic foam mattress, which may hasten their recovery.http://www.about-dog-beds.com/beds-orthopedic.shtml

The correct bed size is determined by the size of your dog. Measure your dog before going shopping for his bed. You don’t want to guess a size that’s too small or excessively large because he won’t be comfortable in it and will continue to sleep on your best furnishings.

To find the right size of cushion bed or nesting ball for your dog, measure the circumference of your dog while he’s curled up (from the top of his head to the base of his tail), and add seven to nine inches to the measurement.The right size bed will give your a bit of room to move around in but will be small enough to keep him warm and make him feel secure.http://www.about-dog-beds.com/howtoselect.shtml

To find the correct length for a flat foam mattress, measure your dog from the top of his head to the base of his tail, and add 12 inches.Your dog should be able to stretch out his full length on the mattress without hanging over the ends.http://www.about-dog-beds.com/howtoselect.shtml