 Every
dog should have his or her own bed - preferably, according
to some people, not theirs. Today you can purchase from
a wide selection of dog beds. They range from the plain
and practical to the elaborate and decorative. There are
dollar store types and designer beds. If you shop around,
you will be sure to find something in the style that suits
your dog. If you shop wisely, it will not cause a major
dent in your wallet.
However, before you go out to buy the ideal bed, consider
the reason you are on the hunt in the first place. This
should not be out of some sense of fashion consciousness.
It should not also arise from the pretty pictures found
in a book, magazine or online. You should not be out
looking for a doggy bed simply because so-and-so rock
star, TV personality or famous individual has one. You
are buying it for the dog.
First Steps
Stop and look at your dog. Look at the height, width
and weight of this animal. How big is she or he? How
much space does the canine command or demand when they
settle down? If you have a large animal, you will also
need more cushions or cushioning.
Next consider the "taste" or style of your dog. Is
this canine quite happy stretched out on a sofa or your
bed? Do you or anyone else have a problem with this?
Some dogs prefer the rug, the carpet or even the floor
to any item of furniture. If this is true, do you think
buying a dog bed will change it?
After you have established the preference and style
requirements of your dog, look at the environment. Is
your dog an indoor or an outdoor dog? You may have a
dog who likes to stay outdoors. This will demand a different
type of bed than that of an indoor dog.
You should also consider such factors as the amount
of cushioning you will need. Finally, know where to
shop and what you can afford. You can love your canine
companion and keep within a budget. Stores carrying
dog beds range from small pet stores to dog specialty
stores to general stores to super stores and on up to
retail giants. The final product and price depend upon
you and your high-powered shopping ability.
Types Of Dog Beds
Dog beds come in different sizes, shapes, colors and
materials. The most basic and practical you can select
are based on a basket. You can purchase a plastic, wicker
or similar basket. To make it comfortable you add a
cushion or place within it comfy blankets.
Make sure the basket and its accessories are all washable.
Molded baskets fit this prerequisite nicely. They also
have the added advantage of being less responsive to
the whims of a chewer. If you purchase a strong model,
it is likely to suffer from cracks and breaks. If you
have a large dog who likes baskets, this is the route
to go. You are less likely to find wicker baskets in
suitable sizes.
Another option is the beanbag bed. These are practical
and can be stylish. They come in different colors and
patterns. They are soft, flexible and retain warmth.
Beanbag dog beds are great for small dogs. They also
can be handy for puppies.
Another popular dog bed comes in an oval shape. It
is very similar to a beanbag bed. Both items are plushy
or cushy in nature. An oval bed consists of 2 parts:
the shell and a lining. The lining may be made of durable
polyester or more expensive sheepskin.
If you want to opt for the latest styles of dog beds
or go upscale, you will still be considering these same
basic types. The differences are apparent in other ways.
The choice of material, the patterns and the color place
them in a higher end of the bracket. The name of the
designer or manufacturer will be a recognizable one.
Designer dog beds come in exotic colors and patterns.
Their mattresses, blankets or cushions are made from
fur, suede, velvet or velveteen. Designer dog beds can
also be made to order. They can be constructed to fit
your own specific animal and his or her perceived or
actual needs.
Designer dog beds may be raised. They can be copies
of any human bed. You can order a pioneer style or a
canopy. You can purchase a square bed to fit in a corner.
They can be practical, frivolous or both. Whatever bed
you finally decide to purchase, however, make sure it
matches and fulfills its purpose - your dog's bed.
Information provided by Jim Jackson of Oh
My Dog Supplies, search for new deals on dog
costumes online.
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