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Posts Tagged ‘ Choosing ’

Like humans, dogs are creatures of habit. You will often find them sleeping in the same area, so it is important to choose the right dog bed to fit into your dog’s current habits.There are three important factors to consider when selecting a dog bed:1. Size- Your dog’s bed must be large enough and durable enough to match your dog’s breed but not so large that you waste money on unused bed space. Carefully measuring your dog will help you to find the right fit.When your dog is standing up, measure from tip of nose to base of tail and also from floor to shoulders or head. Add 12 inches if you are planning on purchasing a mattress dog bed. This will give you an approximate width and length for a flat dog bed. Then again measure your dog in his favorite sleeping position. If he likes to stretch out when sleeping, measure his length. If he likes to curl up into a ball, measure his diameter. If planning on purchasing a nest and ball-type dog bed, measure the length of your dog while he is curled up, measuring from the top of his head to the point where his tail meets his hindquarters, and then add 7 to 9 inches.The correct size dog bed will match or be slightly larger than your measurements. If your dog’s bed is too small, he may not be comfortable on it. If your dog is still growing, be sure to allow room for growth, and also allow room for movement, regardless of whether your dog is still growing or if he’s already at his adult size.2. Climate and local weather- How and where will your dog bed be used? Do you want it to provide warmth in the winter or air circulation in the summer? Will it be located outside in a dog house, on a front porch, in an indoor crate or kennel or in an open area in your house? If using it outside, what are the seasonal temperature ranges where you live? You will need to select a dog bed that will withstand all elements of nature.3. Shape and style- You can determine the shape and style of your dog’s bed by the size and sleeping habits of your dog. Observe his favorite sleeping positions and locations. Do you find your dog sleeping in a sunny spot in the morning and by the bed in the evening? You may want to choose a dog bed that you can easily move around the house and that fits the decor in several rooms. Purchase a dog bed that matches the room where your dog spends the most time sleeping. This is usually wherever the family spends the most time.If you find yourself constantly washing your dog’s bed or you travel a lot with your dog or you need a cushion for a crate or kennel, consider a flat dog mat. These come in a variety of standard sizes, fabric choices and colors and have padding sewn inside. Flat dog mats can usually be easily cleaned by throwing them into the washer and dryer.On the other hand, if your dog enjoys or needs a little extra cushion and you have a designated space for his bed, consider purchasing a pillow dog bed. These dog beds take a little more consideration to choose and have involve a little more maintenance, but they are well worth it for the additional comfort and support they provide, especially if your dog has arthritis or an orthopedic problem of some kind. For this type of bed, you will have to consider how large your dog will grow, if he is not yet full grown. Something else to think about is whether more than one dog will end up using the same dog bed.Finally, pay attention to your dog’s sleeping habits before you choose your dog’s bed. Does he like to curl up in a ball or spread out? Does he like to sleep by himself, tucked away in a corner or does he plop down in the middle of a room? Does he look for the most comfortable cushion he can find or does he just flop down anywhere, even on a hardwood floor?You can find a dog bed for any personality sleeper, from high-quality flat dog mats to cushy and luxurious pillow dog beds. Dog beds come in all sizes – for miniature toy breeds, small dogs and puppies, medium-sized dogs and large dogs. There are many colors, patterns, styles and fabric choices to choose from, and now some dog bed manufacturers offer eco-friendly dog beds that are made from recycled or organic materials for the dog who wants to “go green.”Whatever dog bed you choose, consider purchasing a high-quality and durable dog bed that will save you money over the long term and will give your dog a comfortable place to get a good night’s rest.
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Dogs never demand, they never speak but that doesn’t mean that you will not take care of heir basic needs. One such need is sleeping space and that is why you should always pick up crate dog bed. Dogs love to sleep and they like to sleep comfortably and not in a cramped manner and hence you need to ensure that the crate dog bed that you are purchasing is large enough and made of comfortable material. When you go out in the market, it might be difficult to choose large dog beds for your retriever or gun dogs and hence you should always consider certain aspects in advance. The first thing you need to consider is the age of your dog. With age, your dog will grow feeble and his health might not be as good as it used to be. So you will need to choose large dog beds that provide maximum comfort. Some of the crate dog bed available in the market that provide comfort and are high on value for money include the orthopedic beds. Most vets recommend orthopedic beds for older dogs as well as those who are suffering from hip dysplasia, arthritis, elbow dysplasia, any joint problems, and calluses. Dogs are also prone to bed sores and hence if your dog is recovering from any illness or any surgery then you will need to get orthopedic crate dog bed. The good thing about orthopedic crate dog bed is that it will help them to sleep peacefully and recover from their illness as quickly as possible. There are different styles of orthopedic crate dog bed available in the market and hence you need to consider the following features before buying one:   The orthopedic large dog beds should have a washable cover along with a heavy-duty zipper The orthopedic crate dog bed should have a layer of medical-grade orthopedic foam These beds should be firm enough so that your dog can get up with ease after their sleep   Some of the premium orthopedic crate dog bed will have a solid foam inner core for extra cushioning. One other thing that you should consider while purchasing large dog beds is the size of your dog. Beds are available for dogs of all sizes but it is still better to measure your dog from head to tail and from the shoulders to the paws. This will ensure that you don’t get an under-sized bed for your dog. An over-sized bed is still better!  Some of the desirable features in large dog beds include:   Should provide comfort It should help your dog to conserve his body heat It should protect his bony prominences It should be easy to wash/clean Durability is a major factor The large dog beds should be waterproof and will be able to resist moisture  
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Selecting the right dog bed is important because it is where your dog calls home. Your favorite pet will spend a great deal of time sleeping, relaxing and resting in his dog bed so finding one that suits him well will help to make him more comfortable in his new home.
Some owners already have an idea of what they are looking for in a dog bed, but other owners are unsure of even where to begin looking for one. While it may seem as easy as just going to a local store and selecting a bed, there are actually a large variety to consider, and with this comes a variety of different factors to take into consideration before purchasing a bed.
Pet Size
There are a large variety of dog breeds from very small to extra large and with this comes a wide variety of different dog bed sizes available. One of the most important factors to consider when selecting one is the size of your dog. Although you might simply think a small dog will need a small bed and a large dog will need a larger one, it isn’t always this simple. Remember that if you are looking at the same bed in two different sizes, it is quite possible that the larger bed will cost a substantial amount more than the smaller bed, simply because it costs more for the extra materials.
Often small dogs like to feel snuggly and warm while large dogs will most likely want to stretch out. With this in mind small dogs often feel most comfortable in a bed with bumpers that they can snuggle up against at night. On the other hand, large dogs would be extremely uncomfortable in a bed with borders and will instead be most comfortable on a flat feather pillow bed.
Pet Health
Orthopedic dog beds are available that add extra support for older pets or pets with joint injuries, such as hip problems, disc problems, knee problems or are just old and have trouble getting around. Most orthopedic beds are made from similar materials as human orthopedic beds, with high-density foam that allows for extra support on the joints and makes it much easier to go from sitting to standing.
Remember that because you will be paying for extra padding and extra support, the cost of an orthopedic bed is likely to be substantially more expensive than a regular dog bed. As well, you may have to special order an orthopedic bed from the pet store or through your local vet.
Choice of Fabric
Believe it or not, dog beds are available in canvas, denim, fleece, cotton, suede and even upholstery material. Your choice of fabric will be dependent on the type of dog you own and the climate you live in. For dog owners with a long-haired dog or an outdoor dog like a Siberian Husky, you will want to select a cool cotton or canvas, so they won’t overheat while staying inside the house.
For owners of small or short haired dogs that might get cold more easily, you should look towards a warmer material that will help keep them warm year round. A great choice for these dogs would be a fleece, suede or even couch like upholstery material.
You may also want to consider a bed cover that is machine washable, especially if you have a dog that sheds a great deal or that gets dirty easily. You may also want to consider a fabric that can be washed easily without fading or shrinking.
Location of the Bed
Where you plan on placing the dog bed in your home is probably the most important factor when selecting one. Consider whether the dog likes to sleep in the owner’s bedroom, in a spare bedroom, in a crate in the kitchen or in the living room. Remember to select a location that is large enough for the dog’s bed, but that will also make them feel safe at night.
Although it may seem silly, you will also want to consider the location of a bed so that you can purchase one that matches your interior decorating. Purchasing a red dog bed and putting it in a green and black room might be a bit of an eyesore. Find something that blends in well, if at all possible.
Keep in mind that if you will have a dog that will be crated at nighttime, there are specific crate beds, which are long and can easily be placed in the crate to provide your dog with comfort while they sleep at night.
Price
One price does not fit all when it comes to beds for dogs. Similar to human beds, there are a variety of different brands and costs. Believe it or not, there are even designer and luxury dog beds available! These will offer extra cushioning, extra support and extra room. Many of them actually resemble a couch while others look similar to a human bed. Some designer dog beds that are specially ordered will even be personalized with the dog’s name.
Because of the wide range in dog beds, there is a large fluctuation in as well. Owners can select a basic one for around $20-$30 for a small dog and $50-$60 for a large dog, all the way up to designer or luxury dog beds that can run as high as $150-$250.
When author Richard Livitski isn’t busy catching up on his own sleep, he’s busy searching for more unique, cool and funny dog names for http://www.dog-names-and-more.com where dog names as well as other helpful dog related topics can be found.
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Choosing a Dog Crate

December 21, 2009 by Best Reviews

Dogs, like their wild cousins, wolves, are naturally den animals. If introduced correctly, wire or plastic dog crates provide a sense of security – a refuge where your dog can go whenever he needs to get away from the high activity level of your home, or just wants some peace and quiet. Reasons to purchase a Dog Crate House training: It is a dog’s natural inclination toward dens that makes a dog crate so useful to house train puppies. Since puppies will not normally soil an appropriately-sized ‘den,’ crates are extremely effective for helping puppies gain control over their bladders. They help reduce the number of accidents you will have to clean up, and cut in half the time it takes to teach puppies where they are supposed to relieve themselves. When it comes to house training a new puppy, there is nothing that makes the training go faster or easier than a puppy crate. Placed in a crate that is just the size they need to lay down and no more, house training is often completed in 10 to 14 days. Protecting the puppy and your house: Dog Crates are useful during the puppy period as a way to protect your home from the mad dashes that knock over the plants and furniture, chewing teeth, and generally uncontrollable behavior. Dog Cages can keep puppies from forming bad habits when they are not under a watchful eye. As an adult, the crate will be just as useful. If puppies are introduced to a crate correctly, they will not resent them, and most will actually consider them their private hideaway spot. Traveling: Traveling with pets, be they puppies or adults, is safer and easier when you use a crate to control them. Plastic and wire dog crates are both very good products for dogs and cats. Today’s wire crates offer convenience and versatility features that usually make them a better choice for most pet owners. Advantages of Wire Dog Crates Many wire crates are collapsible, Fold & Carry styles, making them easier to store and transport. Wire dog crates can be sized to your growing dog with removable divider panels that expand living space. Wire dog cages are easier to clean — particularly crates with the new, seamless-style polyethylene floor pans. Wire crates offer better ventilation. Wire crates provide more and better visibility for your pet. Advantages of Plastic Dog Crates There are, however, instances when plastic crates are a sensible choice. If you plan on traveling with your pet by plane, plastic crates are required by law. Also, some owners feel plastic crates provide a greater sense of security and privacy for their pets. This quiet den-like refuge is good for high activity level households, particularly those with young children. However, a blanket or cage cover placed over a metal crate can provide the same result. Dog Crate size Especially if you are using the dog crate to house train your puppy, do not make the common mistake of buying one that is too large for your puppy. If it is too spacious, your puppy will eliminate in a ‘remote’ corner. Buy a puppy crate you will only use for training, or buy one that you can use throughout your dog’s life and add divider panels when the dog is smaller to reduce the area to the appropriate size. The right size crate is one in which your pet can lie down, turn around, and have three to four inches of extra head space when sitting or standing. While the right-sized crate may seem too confining or too small to you, it is not for your dog. As mentioned above, divider panels can be used in wire crates to adjust their size. If you decide on a plastic crate, understand that you may need to purchase a bigger one later as your puppy grows, since it must be sized to the puppy to ensure successful training. If you feel uneasy about crating your dog, we strongly encourage you to talk to your veterinarian, professional trainers, or other pet owners who have used crates. Anyone who knows dogs will know the value of crates.
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I am amazed by how many people are unaware of the choices available today in their search for the right dog crate for their beloved dog.    When a lot of people think of a dog crate, the first thing that comes to mind is a wire dog crate.  Today there are many alternatives to wire dog crates if you would prefer to have a more stylish crate.  Although a wire dog crate can look aesthetically pleasing in your living area.  Simply adding a dog crate cover can dress up your dog’s wire crate so it will blend in with your decor.  There are colors of dog crate covers to compliment just about every decor.   Soft side dog crates are the most portable.  They’re light weight and easy to transport.  You can easily move from one room to another if you don’t want it to be seen by your guests.  It’s easy to take along when you travel too.  Most soft side dog crates fold away flat and many are stackable.  These are not suitable for dogs with a history of chewing or puppies in the chewing stage.  If you need a crate for your puppy, it’s best to start with a wire dog crate until you get to know his behavior patterns.  Wicker dog crates are another fine alternative to a wire crate.  They are stylish and dogs love them.  Most wicker crates boast an attractive rattan finish that also blends well in any decor. Rubber feet keep these dog crates in place and protect floor surfaces.  Unfortunately, wicker dog crates are not suitable for puppies or dogs with a history of chewing.  They will more than likely try to chew their way out of the wicker crate.  Aluminum designer pet den and dog crate furniture is another excellent alternative. Lovely aluminum dog crates make for unique dog beds that double as functional, attractive tables to fit your home decor. No more dog crate covers, these round puppy beds are sturdy end tables attractively designed to function as small dog beds and dog crates, making for stylish designer dog furniture that doubles as human furniture, too. Another beautiful alternative to wire crates are wooden dog crates.  Most of the wooden dog crates double as fine furniture.  Most of them look just like end tables.  In fact many are called dog crate end tables.  They’re a stunning addition to your home and pet ownership.  Most of your friends would be surprised when you tell them it’s actually a dog crate!  I wouldn’t recommend wooden dog crates for puppies or dogs with a history of chewing.  They will more than likely try to chew their way out and damage your fine piece of furniture.  Then Rover will really be in the dog house!
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