Does Your Dog Need a Dog Bed?

Like humans, pets need care, love and comfort to lead healthy and happy lives. Where your dog sleeps can have a big effect on its health and habits, so it's something you need to consider very carefully. While dogs are great to snuggle with, inviting them into your bed can lead to a host of problems down the road. After sleeping in your bed, even for a short period of time, dogs expect it to happen over and over again. Once you approve that type of behavior, it's very hard to teach your dog that it's actually not okay after all. Pets need consistent training to really understand what is expected of them, so sending mixed signals can make it harder to train your dog in the future.

In addition to contributing to your pet's behavior problems, sleeping with your dog can have a negative impact on your health. If you are a somewhat light sleeper, a dog can constantly disrupt your sleep. Dogs can also damage expensive bedding and bring fleas or potentially dangerous bacteria into your bed. The best solution to keeping both you and your pet happy is getting one. There are hundreds of high-quality beds available in today's market, so it's very easy to find one that fits both your pet's needs and your budget.

They are especially important if your pet sleeps outside on the porch or in the dog house. Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors are constantly exposed to the elements, which can eventually lead to serious health problems. In fact, even if your dog sleeps in your home but spends a lot of time outside it's a good idea to get a dog bed, so your pet can be comfortable if it needs to lie down during the day. While a bed won't protect your dog from rain or snow, it's perfect for dealing with hot or cold temperatures and drafts. Bedding provides a protective layer against cold or hot surfaces and blocks drafts that can cause colds and soreness. It's great for protecting younger dogs and a must-have for older pets that need special care. Dog beds make perfect cushions for elderly dogs with arthritis and joint problems.

Besides health benefits and protection from the weather, a dog bed is great for training your dog and giving it a sense of security. Dogs are naturally territorial, so they need to have their own space. A bed also lets your pet know that you are in charge and that the rest of the home is your domain. Establishing the chain of command that puts you at the top makes it much easier to train your pet and control its behavior.

When choosing a dog bed, remember to pick one that corresponds to your pet's size and comfort needs. Dogs that have health conditions might need special beds that provide extra cushioning or firmness. While your pet's dog bed shouldn't take up too much of your space, make sure that it's big enough to accommodate your pet when it needs to stretch out or turn over. Remember to keep the dog bed in the same place, so your pet can get used to sleeping in it and thinking of it as its own personal space.

Berker's Dog Beds - Your source for the best elevated dog beds, chew resistant dog beds and large breed dog beds.

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