Your dog needs its own sleeping place. It is not only a place to rest, but also a place where he should be able to feel safe. To spend the night it must also be comfortable and warm for the dog to sleep well. A dog that cannot sleep well will keep the owner awake, look for other ways to engage in, often unwanted, and possibly health problems. It is therefore important to choose a good sleeping place of the right material.
Size
Whether it concerns a basket, pillow, blanket, doghouse, room kennel / crate, always choose a copy that is sufficiently large. The dog must be able to lie flat in it without a bent back or head. You would rather buy one that is too large than one that is too small. After all, it is important that the dog is happy and comfortable in it.
Types
Plastic baskets
Plastic baskets are ideal. They are easy to clean and no dirt or vermin can get in. There should always be a pillow or thick blanket. A washable pillow or blanket is the most hygienic choice. In addition, plastic baskets provide support for the dog. It can lie against the edges and don’t have to worry about rolling out.
Straw baskets
Wicker baskets are popular. They are ecological and sustainable because they are made of natural materials. There should also always be a pillow or thick blanket in it. A washable pillow or blanket is also the most hygienic choice here. Just like the plastic baskets, they also offer support to the dog. They look nice too, until the dog starts to chew on them. They are also difficult to keep clean.
Soft baskets
Soft dog beds are flexible synthetic foam baskets covered with a synthetic fabric such as fleece or canvas. Usually it is not necessary to add an extra dog cushion or blanket here. This is usually provided in the soil. They are nice and comfortable, but if they are a bit larger they will not fit in the washing machine and are therefore not easy to clean. Real bad guys will quickly have destroyed these baskets.
Dog blanket or dog cushion
Old blankets
There is a lot of choice in dog blankets and dog cushions. Old blankets are probably the most used in the dog bed. There is nothing wrong with that, provided you have enough blankets and can wash them regularly. They also don’t belong on the floor. That is quite hard and is less warm, unless you use a very thick blanket and have underfloor heating. Better put them in a basket.
Synthetic sheepskin
From a hygienic point of view, the ideal dog blanket is one made of synthetic sheepskin with a woven back made of strong material. These dog blankets stay dry because the material lets moisture through, they last a long time and are not easily broken. In addition, they can be washed in the washing machine, unlike a sheep’s wool coat that cannot tolerate high temperatures. You can buy them in many places, from pet stores to garden centers and dog shows. If you buy two immediately, your dog will always have a clean place to sleep without unpleasant smells while the other is in the wash or airing.
Dog cushions
Dog cushions are available with a filling of synthetic down or with balls of Styrofoam. They are very comfortable but are a bit difficult to wash out. They are also generally more likely to be bitten to pieces. If you have a dog that likes to bite things, it is wise not to purchase a dog cushion with Styrofoam balls. The Styrofoam balls are very difficult to sweep up and pick out of mats or carpets.
Room kennel or dog crate
A room kennel or dog crate is a suitable place to put the basket or the dog cushion. They are provided with a plate at the bottom so that the dog does not have to lie on the bars. There are different kinds:
- Collapsible metal kennels can be placed at home or in the car.
- A ‘vari-kennel’ is a synthetic kennel where you can remove the top and use the bottom as a basket
- Car kennels are sturdy dog kennels with thick aluminum bars for the car and less suitable for the home.
- A cloth kennel, with walls made of synthetic material, is light and easy to transport, but less sturdy and the dog can see little.
The room kennel or dog crate has several advantages. For example, you can put the dog in its kennel if you are visited by people who are not very fond of dogs. If you don’t trust your dog at night, you can also close the kennel. However, this is not ideal. In that case, make sure that the dog has water available.
Never use the room kennel as a punishment! The kennel should be a safe place where the dog can feel comfortable. He should never feel punished when placed in his kennel.