Choosing the Best Bed or Crate for Your Puppy

Your puppy needs it’s own quiet place to snooze, snuggle and dream. Choosing the right bed can provide that. Beds come in many different, fabrics, styles and colours but more importantly is the function and benefits it will provide your pooch.

Consider Placement of the Bed or Crate in Your Home

When selecting a dog bed ti is important to first consider where the bed or beds will be placed in your home. For example, if you want a bed for indoors you will be looking at a different product than for a bed that will be used outdoors. Also, you need to consider how to bed looks and whether it will fit in well with your home decor.

Pick the Right Size for Your Puppy

With so many dog bed options available you may be wondering which bed is the right one for your new puppy so the bed you select with highly on the size of your dog. Think about the type of your bed that will make your size and breed of puppy most comfortable. Many of the small and toy breed dogs like beds they can snuggle in and keep warm. Larger breed puppies will need more leg room and support as they will be heavier in weight. Choose a bed that is the right size for your growing puppy. The dog should be able to lie flat, completely stretched out on his side, without hanging off of the bed. A good way to judge what size bed your pup needs is to measure your dog while they're lying down — then add 20cms to ensure your pup has time to stretch out and get comfy. 
But if you are investing in a good quality bed that is made to last it is also useful to consider how big your puppy be when fully grown. As a good quality well-sized bed could last your dog until they reach adulthood.

Durability and Easy Cleaning

When selecting a bed for your puppy, durability is key! As puppies are prone to chewing and damaging bed. So it is important to select a bed that is good quality and to always check the condition of your puppy's bed and remove it if too damaged. Key things to consider when it comes to durability is the material or fabric that the beds cover is made out of, especially if you have a large breed puppy! It is also good to check if the bed has a removable and machine washable cover or whether it be hosed down when dirty and smelly. As this is particularly useful with puppies who may have accidents on their bed.

Extra Insulation and Warmth

What is your puppy’s coat like? Is it naturally insulating or will they need an extra snuggly bed? This is a good question to ask yourself when selecting a bed for your puppy. As short coated breeds like Greyhounds, Vizslas and Weimaraners may prefer a heated bed as they need the extra heat. Or even a cave-style bed where they can snuggle under the cover to keep extra warm.

Choosing a Crate

When choosing a crate, metal crates are the best option for puppies since they're durable and can't be damaged by chewing. Ensure the crate is large enough for your pup to stand up and turn around in, and choose a size that will accommodate their adult size if they're still growing. Some crates come with dividers that allow you to adjust the area as your puppy grows.

Good Sleeping Habits

Finally, it's important to instil good sleeping habits from the beginning by ensuring your puppy sleeps in their own bed or crate. While it may be tempting to let them sleep with you, it can lead to a poor night's rest for you and create bad habits for your puppy. By following these tips, you can choose the perfect bed or crate for your furry friend, providing them with a comfortable and safe place to rest.