What would you recommend when shopping for dog beds? My wife just spoils our little Whinny to death and I can’t believe what she wants to pay for a #$%@’ing dog bed! I love spoiling her too but I was raised with the dogs outside and I think it’s enough that she gets to be inside let alone up on all the furniture like she is. Now if she stayed in her own bed and out of ours that would be worth it. I’m worried that she wouldn’t even use it once we buy it. As far as my wife is concerned nothing is to good for our gal but I don’t know what would work. Thanks for your ideas.

ANSWER:

You are treading on a delicate path, my friend – be careful! Handled incorrectly it could be you that is looking for a more comfortable doghouse.

How does Whinny like to sleep? Does she stay curled up in a little ball or is she a splayer? Does she like a pillow under her head or does she put her whole body on the pillow? Does she make a nest with her blankets or just lay down on whatever is under her?

I know, at this point you are wondering if I am losing what marbles I have left but the best way to guarantee a dog will use the bed you buy them is to match their sleeping style to the bed.

Oh, that is after you kick them off the bed and do not let them back up but I will get to that in a minute.

If Whinny stays curled up in a ball all night, have a look at some of the donut beds or the fancy dog couches on the market. These dog beds offer back or ‘curl support’ that she will prefer. When sizing these beds, make sure they are big enough that she can still stretch out even if she does not do it all that often.

Large dogs tend to prefer to stretch out or hang out on their backs with all four legs splayed every which way. If this is the case with Whinny, she may prefer an oversized pillow or a rectangle shaped dog bed. Dog beds come in all shapes, sizes and colors to match every décor and doggy style. Watch out for cheap versions of these however as the padding will soon flatten and you will be forced to either restuff the pillow or purchase a whole new bed.

If she likes pillows or blankets, add these to her bed on the floor. One of my dogs has to make a nest out of her blankets before laying down and if there is no blanket, she digs at the bed trying to make it conform to what she wants. This is cute at bedtime but annoying at 3 am when she wants to find a different sleeping position.

Most dogs prefer a soft or cuddly surface to lay on and I personally find fake sheepskin (also called Sherpa fabric) keeps any shed fur from floating through the house and it is easy to vacuum.

As for how to make her sleep on her own bed, persistence is the key. Do not allow her on your bed anymore and reward her when she finally settles on her own with a treat or a pet. I would keep her bed beside your own so she does not feel isolate and so you can monitor her if she tries to sneak up with you during the night. Eventually she will learn her new sleeping quarters and will not mind the bed one bit.

As for convincing your wife that this is a good thing, well, I will leave that up to you. Good luck!