Sweet Dreams for Deserving Dogs

Sweet Dreams for Deserving Dogs

Sweet Dreams for Deserving Dogs

In the UK we know we are a nation of pet-lovers with over 10 million dogs and slightly more cats being kept as pets. What this means is that over one third of households in the UK have at least one dog in them. Where dogs should sleep is an issue open to lively debate, with half of dog owners allowing their best friends to share their sofas and beds and other half in disagreement with this habit.

Arguments put forward for allowing pets into human beds usually reflect the owner's needs rather than the needs of the animal. While some enjoy the comfort and security of the close proximity of a pet every night, others permit on the odd occasion. This can cause confusion for the dog, because of the lack of established rules: sometimes they are allowed on the bed and sometimes not. This confusion can cause trauma to the dog and result in poor behaviour.

Domestic dogs are social animals and enjoy affection and cuddles, but perhaps not as much as their owners. That is not to say that people who do not allow their dogs on furniture or in beds love their dogs any less. A more restrained approach to dog rearing does not breed insecurity in the animals, and such pets do not love their owners any less for their stricter approach to household rules. Nor will this make the dog feel any less loyal, affectionate and protective of its owner.

Just as we value the comfort of warm, cosy bed, so do our dogs, and if we love our pets, we want them to feel safe, secure and comfortable in their own space. Long gone are the days of the home-made wooden dog kennel outside; nowadays superior-quality doggy beds for indoor use are widely available and attractive enough to coordinate with the decor of any room in the house. This should make both dog and owner feel very happy.

When choosing a bed for your dog, the main thing to consider is how your dog prefers to sleep. Some dogs - often the smaller ones - like to curl into themselves, while others prefer a luxurious stretched position. Whatever sleeping pose your dog adopts, watch and take measurements to help you decide on the shape and dimensions of his bed. Allow an extra five or six inches to these measurements to allow for shifting and turning in sleep.

Nest, or donut-shaped beds with shallow walls and warm, fleecy linings are extremely popular, especially with small dogs. You pet will feel cushioned and comfortable curled up in one of these. If your pet likes to sit in dark, enclosed spaces, a tent or pyramid-shaped bed would be ideal for him as this will completely enclose him apart from one opening.

For the top of the range doggy beds, you might want to treat your pet to a fabric that matches your furniture. There are a number of leather-effect fabrics that look like the genuine article. However, it is important to consider the warmth of the dog's sleeping environment and the density of its coat and factor these into your choice. Choosing a dog bed that is washable, or has a removable washable lining is always a good idea.

Your dog's bed needs to fit in with your own decor and very stylish designer sofas are also available. These are hand-crafted and designed to look like the real thing, so your dog cannot fail to feel like a valued member of the family, as he reclines in the lap of luxury on his own personal sofa.

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