Choosing Dog Beds

"How To Choose The Perfect Dog Bed For Your Cocker Spaniel"

There are many types of dog beds available today, from designer beds for dogs to a very simple cushion or pillow type bed and they come in all sizes, shapes, colours, and materials.

Your dog will likely spend a long time in his bed, so it's important to choose a bed that will not only help keep him warm, cosy, and comfortable, but will be the right size for him too.

Let's have a look at how best to determine the right size of bed for your pampered pooch!

Most dogs curl up before going to sleep and would happily sleep in that position all night. Others, however, like to lie on their back, fully stretched, or on their side, legs outstretched.

Your dog needs to be able to stretch out fully without resorting to hanging his body or his head over the edge of the bed.

Whatever position your dog sleeps in, his bed needs to be big enough to accommodate his entire head and body, so it's really important to buy the right size.

To make sure you get the correct size bed for your dog, simply measure from the tip of his nose to the base of his tail and then add 30 cms (12") for comfort - that should do it!

Once you know what size of bed your dog will need, you may want to consider the following before making your choice:

• If your Cocker Spaniel is getting on in years, he may benefit from a specialist dog bed for older or arthritic dogs. An orthopaedic bed can help to support and cushion old bones and arthritic joints.
• There is a selection of orthopaedic dog beds available with pillows that can be gently warmed in the microwave.
• To keep your dog cool in the summer, you can also buy a gel pad that you can either freeze or put in the refrigerator and then place under the cushion in his bed.
• If your dog likes to snuggle down on a cushion, he may prefer the circular or square pillow-type beds.

• If your house is draughty, you may want to consider the nest type of bed which has raised edges on three sides, and will protect him from any cold draughts.

  Your dog will feel more protected in a bed with sides and will often rest his muzzle on the raised edge or use it as a pillow!

• If your dog's sleeping area is prone to dampness, you may like to conisder the plastic bed with a soft pillow or cushion insert - dog crates are ideal for combatting damp.
• The bed should be machine-washable to allow you to keep it clean and bacteria-free. Would you be happy washing your dog's bed by hand every week? I didn't think so!

Unfortunately, when we bought our first dog bed for Max, we didn't get it quite right. Although the main bed itself was washable on a gentle wash cycle, the pillow insert wasn't.

The first time the pillow was washed the filling clumped together into one solid ball rendering the pillow unusable.

Rather than throw it away, we resolved the problem by unpicking some of the stitching at one end of the pillow, removing the lump of filling and replacing it with bean bag filling (fire retardent of course!).

His bed is good as new and it's now more comfortable than ever! Max squirms around on it until he gets it into the shape he wants, before settling down with a contented sigh and falling asleep.

Because the price dog beds can vary quite considerably, I recommend that you decide how much you want to spend on your dog's bed and then research the market fully to ensure you get the best price.

There are many dogs who don't have a bed, but sleep in a dog crate with a couple of dog blankets or a fitted piece of vet bedding; however, there are also many dogs which have both!

Dog crates can provide a safe haven for both puppies and dogs, providing their own special area where they can go when they want peace and a quiet place to rest.

Dog crates are also a great help if you're still potty training your puppy!

If the traditional, soft dog beds don't float your boat and you'd like to learn more about crate training puppies and dogs you'll find our comprehensive article on crate training a puppy very useful.

Titles In The Dog Beds and Sleeping Arrangements Series

Separate arrangements should be made for sleeping dogs if you're to avoid challenges to your role as alpha dog. With such a diverse range of cosy beds and blankets available there's no excuse!

Let Sleeping Dogs Lie!

Allowing sleeping dogs in your bed can be dangerous - we don't recommend it! Your Cocker Spaniel should always sleep in his own bed.

Types Of Beds For Our Dogs

There are many styles of dog beds available; from designer beds, rugs, mats, nests, to plain blankets. However, before making your choice there are several points we recommend you consider...

Designer Beds

There was a time when our dogs where happy with a couple of blankets thrown into a cardboard box! Today, however, novelty and designer dog beds are sold almost everywhere.

Choosing A Bed For Our Dog

With the vast array of beds available to choose from, it's easy get carried away and choose a bed simply on impulse - find out how to choose the right bed for your pet.

Dog Blankets

A couple of dog blankets will help to keep your Cocker Spaniel warm and cosy and, once his scent has permeated his blanket, it will become a source of comfort to him.

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