Picking out a dog bed sounds simple enough, but there are a few easy mistakes that can turn a well-meaning purchase into something your dog never uses. Here's what to watch out for before you buy.
Mistake #1: Guessing on Size
This is the most common one. People eyeball it, pick something that looks about right, and end up with a bed their dog barely fits on. Before you buy anything, measure your dog from nose to tail. That number gives you a real starting point. A bed that's too small is just money wasted. Think about how miserable you'd be sleeping with your feet hanging off the mattress every night. Then measure the space that the bed is going. Will it fit? Measuring will save you lot of trouble down the road.
Mistake #2: Ignoring How Your Dog Actually Sleeps
Spend a couple days watching your dog before you buy. Does she curl up tight in a ball? A donut-style bed is probably her thing. Does he sprawl out like he owns the place? Go with something rectangular and roomy from our dog beds collection. If your dog is older or has joint issues, an orthopedic bed is worth every penny. We've seen the difference it makes firsthand.
Mistake #3: Not Thinking About Texture
Dogs have preferences, just like we do. Some love a soft, nappy fleece. Others want something smooth and cool. Look at where your dog likes to flop around the house and that'll tell you a lot. Climate matters too. If you're somewhere cold, a heavier fabric like berber or fleece makes sense. In warmer weather, a faux suede or breathable fabric is a better fit. Browse our full dog beds collection to compare styles and fabrics.
A Few More Things Worth Knowing
New beds take some getting used to. Don't be surprised if your dog ignores it at first. Washing the cover before use helps soften it up. You can also toss an old t-shirt on the bed for a few days so it smells familiar. When you do wash it, go easy on the detergent and skip anything with fragrance.
Put the bed wherever you spend most of your time. Dogs want to be near their people, so location matters more than you'd think. And if your dog needs a little encouragement, a few minutes of training with a treat reward goes a long way. Once they connect the bed with something good, they'll use it on their own.