Dogs may doze off faster than most humans, but they’re not all that different from us in terms of bed preference. Size, style, firmness, fill and structure of the bed all are factors, so finding a bed your dog will like by trial and error is a gamble. If you take the clues your pup is already giving you about preferred sleep habits and personality, it’s easy to find a bed they’ll eagerly return to day after day, and add a bit more serenity into your household—for all the species that live there.
Your dog’s personality matters in choosing the best dog bed for them. For example: Dogs that experience any separation (or general) anxiety, or dogs that need some alone time away from the chaos of the household, tend to prefer a donut dog bed. They’ve become best-sellers for their effectiveness in calming dogs, as well as their light weight and easy machine washability.
Dogs’ lives are basically sleeping, eating, and playing, with the bulk of their time spent sleeping. Even if they’re allowed on the couch or bed, it’s important for dogs to have a place that feels comfortable and secure where they can camp out. Size and materials, as well as how your dog sleeps and the location you choose to keep the bed in your home, all affect this. If your dog tends to prefer a hidden corner, place the bed there. If they like to be in the middle of the action, keep the bed where they can see what’s going on. Likewise, consider whether your dog burrows under blankets or stretches out long and belly-up, for example, when selecting a bed design.
Any dog bed requires upkeep and cleaning. If your dog sheds a lot, check that the bed you choose allows for your easiest cleaning — especially for big shedders or dogs that track in dirt from the outdoors — to make it as painless as possible to use for an extended period of time, without your home ending up smelling distinctly of dog.