Baxter & Murphy modeling a Drs. Foster and Smith dog bed.
Not long ago, I was a college grad who relocated to the rural northwoods of Wisconsin. I felt it was time for a dog. Convincing my now fiancé of this ingenious idea was the next step. We did our research and prior to bringing home our new puppy, we had to be sure we had the essentials – you know designer doggie clothes and such. Kidding! I mean things like a small kennel, some Drs. Foster and Smith puppy food, and toys. One thing that was missing on that essentials list was a bed. Yes, that’s right folks, every dog needs a bed! I of course did not know this prior to picking up my new pup, but this article help me understand how important a bed is for a dog.
Since our new friend still needed some spoiling, we took a jaunt to the retail store here in Rhinelander. I found some puppy teething rings, piddle pads, a collar and leash, and new ID tags. I also found what I thought was a great bed for Murphy. It was a nest bed, which I thought great because it was light and easy for me to move around from room to room. After returning home, Murphy thought that his new bed was the best thing since sliced bread. What was his favorite thing about it you ask? Sleeping, right? No- only that it was the biggest and best toy he had!
Forget the small fortune I spent on the puppy toys. He proudly dragged it around the living room like a new prize. I thought maybe if I put him in the bed when he was sleepy, he would associate that with sleeping. Nope, instant perk up for playtime. I knew it was important for him to have a place where he felt comfortable and that was his own. He never did care for his kennel, so I was determined to find him a bed. I tried another bed; a round pillow-like cushion that was firm. It was pretty small, I had thought, small dog = small bed. Well he just wanted to play with this one too. In fact, he played with both these beds so much, he chewed right through them! Murphy seemed only to be content sleeping on our bed or nestled in a blanket on the couch or a lap. I decided I was going to hold off on purchasing another bed because I did not want to support the bed- chewing addict.
Time for a nap
Fast forward one year and welcome Baxter the Yorkie Maltese mix. Baxter is such an opposite of Murphy in that he is not as much of a cuddler and enjoys sleeping off on his own. This meant he was often laying on the hard floor at naptime. Back to the store for a bed. I noticed he loved to lie on pillows so I gave the tufted cushion dog bed a try. Success! Funny thing, Murphy decided he wanted to use this bed too, I guess third time is a charm. Good thing we got the medium size. I felt that each room they spent the most time in should have a bed. That would mean one in the bedroom and one in the living room. After an afternoon walk to the store, I found our Round Loft Bed and decided it looked comfy, was big enough for both dogs to sprawl out on, and would look really nice in my living room. The dogs love it! We know when it is close to bedtime because both dogs will head to their dog bed and snuggle in.
Murphy has proved to me that dogs can be finicky about where they sleep – just as us humans prefer different types of mattresses. Here’s an article that may help you determine what kind of bed your dog will like. Mine are a combo of nestlers and loungers. Both like to sprawl out and have plenty of space, but also enjoy being snuggled in a blanket on their dog bed.
Other Posts You Might Enjoy:
- Dogs & Dog Beds
- Bloggers’ Choice Dog Toys
- Nail Clipping Time!
{ 1 trackback }
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I have an aging dog, he’s a 15 yr old Rhodesian Ridgeback. When we adopted him, we brought him home in a cat carrier and his bed was an old pillow. During his puppyhood puberty, he ate that pillow and we used a baby crib mattress. Now he’s a 100 pound arthritic dog and after going through several different types of bed, he now sleeps on a six inch thick orthopedic foam bed. The difference is amazing, he rests so much more comfortably. No more tossing and turning and you can just tell how much better he feels. I strongly recommend skipping the more inexpensive beds and splurging on the orthopedic foam, it’s more expensive but you end up saving the money by not having to replace the bed as often.
Three dogs, 75,50 and 30lbs respectively, three beds. Yet the favorite of all three is the larger bolster bed we purchased from FS, probably over 15 years ago. This is the second round of dogs for us;the first two also wanted the larger of two beds. They all like to curl up on one side with their head resting on the ‘arm’. Angel and Jesse are nesters which prompted me to replace the fleece top of one bed; the orthopedic foam has seem better days but they still prefer it to a regular foam pad. I think it’s time to get new beds, it’s just choosing which ones….
I found your story to be very heart warming . It shows how great, and loving a pet owner you are.Some pet owners would have given up after their dog destroyed their beds, but you showed persistence. You were determined to give comfort to your pet, and for that I praise you.