Does Your Dog Really Need a Bed?

If you get your dog used to sleeping in one spot it’s less likely to sleep on the floor or other hard surfaces which can cause arthritis and calluses in later years. By observing your canine, you will have a better idea of what product to look for as his daily comfortable resting place.

Some Dog Bed Considerations

Have you ever considered you dog’s specific needs for comfortable rest? Does he sprawl and stretch out completely? Does he like to hang his head over the edge? Taking some of these questions into account will help you select the perfect dog bed for your pet.

Dog Bed Features and Benefits

Orthopedic foam holds its shape for a longer time and will not need to be replaced as often as beds with traditional polyfil or cedar chips. A dog bed allows your pet to have his own space, a place where he can curl up, relax and sleep. Beds with sides are great for dogs that like to hang their head over the edge as mentioned above.

Orthopedic beds are often a good choice for a senior canine as they are designed with special high-density foam for additional comfort and cushion for your dog’s aching bones and joints.

Similar to humans, dogs also experience changes as they age. Their joints can stiffen, or their bones become thinner. Older dogs enjoy sleeping more and playing less. There are medical reasons too, old achy bodies can mean a cranky pet so look for a dog bed with memory foam or a good orthopedic bed.

If you have a little dog a small round pillow-type bed could be ideal. It will let your little dog burrow down and nest. They come in a variety of styles, materials and colors and most can be thrown straight into the washing machine, but make sure the dog is not still in it . Make sure the bed is easy to clean and machine washable.

Make sure the bed is big enough for your dog. If he’s stretched out to his maximum, make sure the bed is big enough to support his entire body. Try measuring your dog and then add 5 inches to ensure a comfortable fit. If the bed’s too small then your dog will just not use it.

Some beds are also specifically treated to eliminate mold, fungus, or other outdoor hazards which may affect your dog. These dog beds are ideal if your dog sleeps outside a lot or if he sleeps in a dog house.

A strenuous day can mean an evening of discomfort with a pulled muscle or painful joints. Your dog will enjoy a high quality dog bed for all the same reasons that we enjoy our beds!

You can get complete review about burrow bed and dog bed at http://www.burrowbed.net

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Give A Dog A Burrow Bed – Dog Bed Facts

Why does my dog need his own “doggie bed”?

The average adult dog will sleep 14 – 16 hours a day. If you slept that much, wouldn’t you want to do it in comfort? Having a washable dog bed of his own gives your dog his own space where he can feel secure. A dog bed can also save your furniture and help you get a good night sleep by allowing you to have your bed back! Many older or arthritic dogs need a cushiony, firm, supportive bed to relieve pressure on their aching joints. All in all, having his own dog bed will improve the quality of life for your dog. (Of course, he may still enjoy an occasional nap with his person on their bed or couch….)

What size and type of bed do I need for my dog?

To decide what type, shape or size of bed to get for your dog, you first need to pay attention and figure out how he prefers to sleep. Does he like to curl up in a ball? Does he prefer to stretch out in both directions? Does he spend about half of his snooze time stretched out and the other half curled up?

A dog that enjoys napping all curled up would probably prefer a round or oval shaped bed that has lots of cushion. There are several types of beds that are perfect for these “snugglers”! A bolster bed is a bed that has cushion around at least three sides of the bed, providing a more contained environment for your dog. He may feel more secure in this type of bed. There are also snuggle or cuddle beds which resemble a bean bag. These beds allow your dog to “nest” and feel surrounded in cuddly comfort. Some beds even have a tent-like cover on them that allows the dog to burrow inside and be completely covered!

If your dog curls up to sleep, measure him in that position at the longest point, then add 7 inches to each measurement. When shopping, make sure that the dimensions of the bed come close to this number.

If your dog prefers to sleep all stretched out, you may want to think about getting him a rectangular, mattress type bed or pad. These type of large dog beds come in many varieties as well, ranging from a thin foam pad a couple inches thick to a deluxe people-like mattress up to 7 inches thick!

If your dog stretches out to sleep, measure him in the stretched-out position and add 12 inches to that number to ensure the bed is big enough to be comfortable for him.

If your dog likes to sleep both ways, an oval or rectangular pad or mattress type bed may do the trick and allow him to sleep comfortably either way. In this case, measure him as you would a dog who prefers to sleep stretched out!

Other things to consider when choosing the type of dog bed are issues such as the age and health of your dog. If you have an older or arthritic dog, you want to make sure that the bed you choose is easy for him to use or possible heated dog beds. Older and arthritic pets may have trouble getting on and off of a fluffy, snuggly type bed. The firm, supportive mattress-type bed would be more appropriate in these cases. There are many specialty beds available for orthopedic support. These beds are made of a firmer mattress, baffles stuffed with poly-fil for support, or even memory foam. The idea is to not only give your companion a comfortable place to sleep, but also an easy bed to get on or off of.

Can I get a dog bed to match my décor?

You can find a dog bed to match just about any décor. There are many fabrics, styles and colors to choose from. You can even get a dog bed that looks like a little human bed! If your dog prefers to sleep in a crate, there are many types of crate beds and pads that are designed to fit the most common crate sizes. Most places offer personalization for your dog’s bed as well. There’s almost no limit to the choices available.

What other factors do I need to consider?

Most people want a dog bed that is durable, yet easy to clean and care for. If ease of cleaning is especially important, opt for a dog bed that has a removable washable cover. This will allow you to keep your best friend’s bed clean and smelling fresh. Some beds also have an inner lining that can be removed and washed.

If your dog is a chewer, you will want to make sure that the bed can withstand the most aggressive chewer. There are cot-like beds made out of aluminum or pvc pipe that are extremely durable. These beds have a nylon or canvas cot pad that is also durable.

If you are looking for a bed to use outdoors, make sure that the manufacturer has labeled the bed for outdoor use. There are fabrics and fillers that are more appropriate and durable for outdoor use.

Be careful of dog beds that have vinyl covers. Vinyl contains chemicals that are toxic chemicals that are not good for you or your dog! If it has a strong “vinyl” smell, it contains a large amount of phthalates, which are chemicals used to soften the vinyl. In Europe the use of some of these phthalates has been banned in children’s toys. While easy to clean, using vinyl in your dog’s bed may not be worth the possible health risk.

Where should I put my dog’s bed?

If your dog could answer this question, he would most likely say, “In your bedroom, so I can smell you when I’m not with you.” Your dog adores you and wants to be near you. If you decide to provide your pal with more than one bed, you could put another in the family area or outside on the back porch where he likes to lay in the sun.

Your dog will benefit from having a comfortable place to call his own. No doubt, you will find him happily snoozing away on his cherished bed. Even if you prefer to share your bed with your dog, he will enjoy having a comfortable dog bed of his own. After all, don’t we all prefer to get away for some relaxation and solitude from time to time?

You can get complete review about burrow bed and dog bed at http://www.burrowbed.net

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/give-a-dog-a-burrow-bed-dog-bed-facts-1504273.html

Burrow Bed For Your Shy Dog

It is pointless buying your dog a bed, which suit your needs and taste perfectly if your dog refuses to spend even a second on the bed. Therefore, it is important that you understand your dogs’ need before buying a dog bed. Some dogs especially the young ones are timid and often feel insecure sleeping on an open bed like a pillow bed. Most of the times, they enjoy the comfort of snuggling into the sheets or just simply hide under sheets of cloth. If your dog belongs to the shy and timid type, then getting a burrow dog bed seems to be the ultimate choice to allow your furry pal to continue enjoying the coziness of hiding in between sheets in the comfort of his very own bed.

The Petmate Burrow bed and the Cozy Cave bed are among some of the burrow dog beds available in the market. Your dogs will feel utmost comfortable delving into the hoods on these beds. The inner covers of the hoods are made from soft and warm materials like sheepskin and faux lambs’ wool to provide your dogs the warmth they need when they are snuggle up in the hoods. Also, most burrow dog beds are machine washable so there is nothing much to worry about when it comes to cleaning up the bed.

If you have a puppy, you will definitely fall in love with the cute and dainty slipper dog bed on. Available in pastel colors like pink and baby blue, the burrow bed’s shape is almost like a giant slipper. It has a canopy top for your puppies to snuggle. In addition, the internal part of this canopy top is made of textured Berber to keep your puppy warm and cozy. The inner cushion of this bed is reversible so you can choose to use either the plush side or the Berber side according to the weather and your puppy’s needs. On top of all these great features, the bed also comes with a “princess logo” sewn onto its pink plush exterior. With this, you little best friend will feel like a princess sleeping in such pretty burrow bed. Similarly, the baby blue version for male puppies comes with the “prince logo” instead.

Also, if you check out Orvis burrow dog beds, you will find burrow dog beds with suede micro fiber exteriors and plush Berber fleece interiors. Additionally, with hypoallergenic polyfil linings for these beds, you can be sure that your dog will stay healthy and cozy with a bed like this.

Finally, if your smaller dogs or puppies do not sleep well, then the problem most probably lies in the exposure of their bed. Do your dog a favor by helping him or her sleep soundly and comfortably in a burrow dog bed. Your dog will love you for the security and warmth they get from such beds.

You can get complete review about burrow bed and dog bed at http://www.burrowbed.net

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/burrow-bed-for-your-shy-dog-1504311.html

Learn How to Keep Your Dog Healthy by Avoiding Human Foods

It used to be that you would give your dog any left over scraps form the table but there are certain human foods that your dog should never eat. Avoiding giving your dog these foods can insure that your dog will stay healthy and not have any medical issues that would require them to get hospitalized.

Get Free : Dog Food Tips

First you do not give your dog and chicken, pork or fish bones. The main reason is that these bones are soft and can splinter and get stuck in your dogs throat. You have to remember that a dog will eat just about anything so to keep them protected do not give it to them. Check any pieces of meat to make sure they are bone free before feeding to your dog.

How to : Find Dog Information

Second make sure that you do not feed your dog chocolate. Whether it is white or dark chocolate it is not good for them and hard for there bodies to digest it. You may have thought this was a myth but it is true that they should never be given chocolate. You want to make that you keep any chocolate out of your dogs reach at all times.

Third never your give your dog tea, coffee or anything with caffeine in it. There is something in caffeine that can cause your dog to have seizures and can affect there nervous system. You should make yourself familiar with item that contain caffeine so that you know what is OK to give your dog.

Finally avoid raisins or grapes because they can harm your dogs kidneys. They usually will have systems such as diarrhea and vomiting when they are consumed. Doing a few steps to avoid certain foods can really help to insure that your dog will remain healthy and happy for years to come.

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Pets.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/learn-how-to-keep-your-dog-healthy-by-avoiding-human-foods-1500115.html

Learn How to Train Your Dog Properly and Avoid Mistakes

If you have a dog then you understand that is can be hard to make them act well. If you want to train them then there are things you need to be aware about so that you do not make mistakes when teaching them right from wrong. A few simple techniques will help you to teach your dog how to behave.

Get Free : Dog Training Tips

First you want to teach your dog to come when you call him. It is always a good idea that you pet him or reward him when you call because if it is something such as scolding him every time you call him then he will be more reluctant. If he associated your voice calling him to a positive experience such as petting or treats then he will want to obey you.

How to : Find Dog Information

Next you need to discipline your dog when he acts up. Many people make a common mistake to just think he will grow out of it and they do nothing. The best thing for your dog is to know what is right and wrong. You do not want to be abusive to your dog so make sure that you have a firm voice but do not hit your dog.

You want to reward your dog more often than you want to scold them for doing wrong. Positive reinforcement is a great way to train your dog rather than always telling then no or bad. You want to teach him what is a good way to behave rather than yelling at him when he does bad. He will only learn to be scared of you if you yell.

Finally it is important that you start early in training your dog. It is to there benefit that you teach them positive reinforcement so they will understand the most proper way to behave. When you only raise your voice to them they will not respond to you very well over time.

Bryan Burbank is an expert in the field of Pets.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/learn-how-to-train-your-dog-properly-and-avoid-mistakes-1500118.html

Great Names for Big or Small Dogs

I’ve been compiling a list of names for big and small dogs and puppies on my Pet Numerology website for some time now.  There are a number of inspiring sources for big and small doggie names including things that are big or small and synonyms for the words big and small.

Large animals are a good source of names for big dogs.  Bear and Moose are big hairy mammals, and so are good names for a hairy dog.  Mammoths were huge furry elephant like animals millions of years ago, and so also good names for a big hairy dog.  Dino, which is sort for dinosaur, fits any big dog.  From cryptozoology are the names Sasquatch and Monster, with Sasquatch being another good choice for a furry dog.

Large things are also good inspiration for big dog names.  Mountain, from geography, is a good choice – especially for a plumper dog.  Sumo, as in the heavy Japanese Sumo Wrestlers, is another good choice for a large and plump dog.

Mythology is a fantastic source of names.  From Greek mythology there are Titan and Hercules, with Hercules being especially good for a strong dog.  Goliath was a legendary gigantic Philistine warrior.

Finally, names that mean large are always an excellent choice.  These include Big, Colossal, Gargantuan, Giant, Huge, Jumbo, Large, Massive, Max, and Mega.

Small animals are a good source of names for small dogs.  Cub and Mouse are good for small dogs.  Flea is also good, although not as flattering, especially for a really small dog.

Small foods are also a good source of names for tiny dogs.  Cupcake (a small cake) Muffin, or Peanut (which can also mean small) are all good choices, especially for cute dogs.

Tiny mythical creatures are cute choices, including Pixie, Sprite, and Tinkerbell.  These names are probably all best for girl dogs.

Things that are small are good inspiration.  Kewpie, as in Kewpie doll is a cute name, especially for a girl.  Electron is a good name for a small dog that is also fast.  Nugget, Pebble, and Thimble are three more small things.

Finally, there are a host of words that mean small including Bitty, Itsy, Itty, Dainty (best for a girl), Dinky, Little, Micro, Mini, Peewee, Petite (best for a girl), Nano, Speck, Teensy, Tiny, and Wee.

Also popular is an ironic name, where you name a small dog with a big dog name, or a big dog with a small dog name.  Examples of this would be a Great Dane named Tiny or a Chihuahua named Moose.

Read more about Names for Small Dogs and Names for Big Dogs at www.PetNum.com.

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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Steps on Puppy Leash Training

I am glade that you decided on getting a dog for your self or your family. I think leash training is very important on healthy living with your dog.With your dog you should try to make all of this a game to the little one. You should praise them and give them rewards like a treat, play, etc.

The first step in puppy leash training is getting your puppy accustomed to wearing a collar. The first time you put it on your puppy will not like it. They will be a wild bronco but they will get use to it.

The second step is to get your puppy familiar with the leash. You should put the leash on the puppy and then reward the puppy. You should leave the leash on the dog in the house during the training but supervise it. You don’t want to harm the puppy. After it gets use to the leash then on to step three of your adventure.

The third step is to walk with the puppy on the leash. You can do this inside or outside but it should somewhere that doesn’t have a lot distractions. You want the leash to be loose and not tight or pulling. You don’t want too yank your puppy because you can hurt it and they will think of it as a game.

Once your puppy learns don’t pull and be calm on the leash your walks will be a great thing. Your friends will want you to train their dog for them. You want a happy and balance puppy.

Again puppy leash training is very important for your new puppy, and this is a must for a calm and happy puppy.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/steps-on-puppy-leash-training-1496000.html

Crate Training Your Puppy – A Training Technique You Must Do

Crate training a dog, to me is one of the most important parts of dog obedience training. Crate training teaches young dogs how live within the crate. Dogs by instinct will try their best not to soil where they sleep. This is crucial when it comes to house breaking a puppy. Give them treats when you put them in their crate or a favorite chew toy. They will soon come to the conclusion that their crate is a comforting place.

The first step is finding the right size crate for your dog. It should be big enough for your dog to stand and move around in comfortably. If you have a puppy most crates come with a divider you can use to keep the crate the right size for your puppy. The reason you don’t stick a puppy in a crate that is to large is that he might soil on one side and sleep on the other.

The second step you should take is feeding your dog in the crate. Do this once a day for a week or two so your dog gets a sense of reward for being in his crate. After the second week only feed your dog in the spot you designate for feeding.

You should set the crate in a spot where your dog can see everything that is going on. Put it in a room where the family is most often so your dog will still feel like one of the pack. If it should whimper or bark to get out but it is a designated time for them to be in their crate, don’t give in. Wait at least 15 minutes or your dog will associate whimpering or barking with getting out of the crate. Of course this is assuming it’s been outside recently to do it’s business.

Once your dog is inside their crate do not disturb them. Let them do whatever they feel like doing inside their crate. This will give your dog the enjoyment of having their own space to do as they wish. They should have plenty of things to occupy their time with chew toys or balls. In time they will be comfortable enough with their crate to go there when they are tired or when they just want to be by themselves for a while.

Crate training is a wonderful tool to use for dog obedience training. If done right you and your dog will be on your way to a great life together.

Ron Johnson trains all breeds of dogs and writes articles on dog training techniques. For more secrets to dog training and to get great offers on dog training visit: http://sites.google.com/site/dogobediencetrainingsite/ and if you want to comment on your experience visit: http://rj-dogtrainingtips.blogspot.com

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Dog Kennel Plans – Keeping the Dog in Mind When Designing Dog Kennel Plans

So I was driving home from my parents’ house, out of state, when I came across a stray dog at one of the rest areas I often frequent on my trips.  Of course my little girl just had to take the helpless puppy home, and in the end I broke down and agreed to let her come home with us.  Now we just had to break the news to my wife, as she wasn’t with us this time.  She was thrilled and loved the little puppy but put her foot down on letting it stay in the house, concerned what it would do to her beloved cats.  To keep the peace in the family I went online and began my search for dog kennel plans.

As I reviewed various plans I quickly realized that this was more than throwing together a few pieces of lumber.  There are considerations that need to be considered when designing dog kennel plans, which pertain to the dog itself and what’s needed to create a comfortable and safe living space for your pooch!

Apart from the obvious that your kennel needs to be comfortable for the dog, it should be built from plans that doesn’t involve materials hazardous to your dog’s health.  Now the dog kennel will need to be constructed to withstand various weather conditions, so treated lumber may want to be used, but consider if your dog is a chewer or not, if so, treated lumber may contain chemicals that could harm your dog.  So it may be safe to use treated lumber for the outside, but you may want to consider another type of composite building material or wood to use on the inside or areas your dog will have easy access to while lying around in its new kennel.

Another important factor in your dog kennel plans is building the kennel the proper size to allow your dog to have ample amount of space for exercise if penned up in too small an environment for excessive amounts of time your dog can pick up bad habits and it’s also not very healthy for them at all.  Also consider the amount of sun and shaded area around the dog kennel when planning it out.  Your dog should have access to the sun as much as he wishes but also needs access to shade outside of the kennel as well.

One last thing to plan for is the living area inside and around the dog kennel, depending on the climate in which you live; you may need to consider placing straw or old blankets around for the dog to keep warm in colder weather.  Keep these small plans in the back of your head when designing your dog kennel plans, it will help you to build a kennel your dog will love and will call home,  your dog will thank you for it!

Find great ideas for dog kennel plans at www.shed-and-garage-plans.info and save yourself time and money with professional dog kennel plans, that include complete materials lists, step by step instructions and more to make the job easier and quicker to complete.

Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/dog-kennel-plans-keeping-the-dog-in-mind-when-designing-dog-kennel-plans-1496125.html

Advantages of a Wireless Dog Fence

The need to fence dogs has existed for several years now. That is because, under law, an owner is liable for anything that the dog does in or outside his property. Inside the property, the dog can be controlled or will follow the orders of its owner, but it can be difficult to do that if the dog manages to escape.

If a dog injures someone or another dog outside the property, the owner can still be liable for the actions of his pet. This can cause the owner to pay a lot of money for the compensation of injuries that the victim receives from the canine.

Physical Fences Were the Norm

In the old days, people had to erect physical barriers in which the dog can visually identify as the boundary of its “freedom.” A dog trained well in fences will ultimately learn to keep himself inside the definitions of your territory, so he doesn’t do anyone or even itself any harm.

Physical barriers, however, can be weak. Dogs can leap over short fences with ease; thus some people go to the extent of erecting fences with heights that the dog cannot reach. This can sometimes give the appearance of a fortress rather than a home of a friendly neighborhood family.

Innovations in Fence Technology

Some scientists and inventors associated with consumer electronics manufacturers have come up with a new way of keeping the canines within your property without the need to put up a fence. This new way has also been effective in eliminating the worry that your fencing is too short that a dog can easily climb over it to go outside.

This new technology is the wireless dog fence. As its name suggests, it doesn’t use any collars, chains, or wires of any sort. All it uses is a wireless transmitter and a receiver collar in the dog’s neck. The transmitter measures the distance of the dog from the house from sending electronic signals to the receiver, and if the dog exceeds the maximum allowable distance, it sends a stimulation to remind the dog not to walk too far.

Benefits of Using the Technology

This new technology has several unprecedented benefits that a dog owner can enjoy. First of all, dogs don’t have to be chained in or caged. This can boost the emotional state that a dog has, since dogs excessively restrained can be moody, brooding, and even angry. With this new technology, the dog can walk around free–until it walks too far from the house, that is.

Second, of course, is the absence of the need to construct a physical fence. Hiring skilled workers to do that can be expensive, and on top of that, you have the buy the materials needed to do such a task. With a wireless dog fence, however, all you need to do is just plug in the wireless transmitter to a dedicated 110V outlet, and you’re all set to start enjoying the “discipline” these fences give to your dogs.

Wireless dog fence are very innovative in fence available at http://www.petdepotonline.comArticle Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/pets-articles/advantages-of-a-wireless-dog-fence-1497742.html

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