Archive for the ‘dog beds’ Category
Dog Crate Pads-Comfort For Your Dog
A dog crate pad is a welcomed addition to any dog’s “bedroom”. When I got my crate for the dog I wanted to make it as comfortable and nice as possible. I found a blanket and folded it up so it fit just right in the bottom of the crate. I threw a couple of toys and a treat in it and then I watched my dog walk in, eat the treat. Then she circled to or three times, pawed at the blanket until it was all bunched up and then plopped down. It took about a week for her to shred the blanket.
That was when I realized the blanket was not going to work. I went and looked at dog crate pads. I found one with a non skid, waterproof backing. It was dark colored so all the hair and dirt didn’t show and it is washable. Durable plush sheepskin made it look comfortable to me so I got it and it fit perfectly in the crate.
My dog and I both loved it. She can’t bunch it up or rip it and she looks so comfortable when she is laying on it. Clara is long past the stage where she needs to be put in a crate, but I left it up and she still goes in there for her afternoon naps.
Dog Crate Pads-Choosing The Right One For Your Dog
A dog crate is a great training tool. It helps house break puppies and it will prevent destructive behavior when you are not home to keep an eye on him. In addition to being a training aid, it will become your dog’s sanctuary, providing a safe place to go for rest and relaxation.
With that in mind, making the time your dog spends in his crate as comfortable and pleasant as possible is important. Dog crate pads are made for this purpose. Here are some things to look for when searching for the right dog crate pad for your dog.
- A thick plush pad for comfort
- It should be washable
- A nonskid waterproof backing will prevent bunching
- A dark color will help mask dirt and hair
- Measure for the proper size. Crate pads sizes are generally available in sizes to fit standard size crates.
- For added comfort, a crate pad with notched corners that overlap will provide a cozy bumper.
Putting your dog in his crate is not always a punishment so don’t make it a prison cell. Add a nice crate pad for comfort and toss a treat and your dog’s favorite toy in the crate when you do have to lock him up.
Dog Crate Pads For Your Dog’s Comfort
Dog crates have become a staple in the homes of many dog owners. When a young dog is home alone, it provides a protected environment for the dog and it prevents destructive behavior. As the dog gets older and is trusted enough to be left out of the crate when he is home alone, the crate often stays in place. It is almost like giving the dog his own room. When the hustle and bustle of everyday life gets to be to much for him, you will often find him laying in his crate. It is his safe haven.
Because your dog is part of the family, you want to afford him some degree of comfort in his “bedroom”. You throw a towel or a blanket in the crate for him, but they get bunched up and aren’t really all that comfortable. Dog crate pads offer thick padding and are made to fit in standard size crates. A good dog crate pad is made with a dog’s comfort in mind. Some crate pads even provide a soft bumper with notched corners.
Look for a crate pad that is thick, durable and washable and will fit in the crate without sliding around.
Crate Training Your Dog Made Easy
Not all dogs are receptive to the idea of being placed in a crate but introducing your dog to a crate does not have to be a traumatic experience for you or your dog. Here are some helpful hints to make it easier for both of you.
- Do not force your dog or puppy into the crate.
- Focus your energy on creating a positive experience for your dog every time he enters the crate.
- Place the crate in a room wear you and your family spend a lot of time.
- Place a crate pad in the bottom of the crate for your dogs comfort. Dog crate pads are made for all standard sized crates.
- Leave the crate door opened, allowing your dog to explore the crate. Praise him every time he goes in to the crate.
- Toss some treats into the crate. When your dog enters the crate on his own he will find them. You can also feed your dog in the crate. Your goal is to get your dog to go completely into the crate on his own. If he has a favorite toy, toss that in there.
- Once your dog feels comfortable about going into the crate on his own, close the door and leave him in it for short periods of time while you are home and in the room.
- When your dog is comfortable staying in the closed crate for at least a half hour, you are ready to start leaving your dog crated for short periods of time when you leave the house. Toss a treat in the crate along with his favorite toy. Make sure that any toy you leave in his crate is safe(no toys he can swallow or choke on).
- If you need to leave your dog locked in his crate at night, consider placing the crate next to your bed so your dog will not feel so isolated.
- Keep in mind that puppies do not have the bladder control that an adult dog does, so be ready to get up at least once during the night to let him out.
The dog crate you get for your dog should be large enough for your dog to comfortably turn around in and lay down in. If you put a puppy in a crate That is too large, he will be able to relieve himself without having to lay in it. If your puppy is a large breed dog and you purchase a crate based on the adult size, block off part of the crate. Dogs don’t like to lay in their own mess.
Choosing a Crate Pad For Your Dog
From keeping your dog safe and secure when you can’t supervise him to house
breaking, dog crates have become a standard in many homes with pets. A dog crate pad will will provide the comfort you want for your dog, but how do you know what to look for?
Here are the three most important features to consider when purchasing dog crate pads.
- Durability-Is the crate pad made to last a long time.
- Washable-dog crate pads that can be thrown in the washer and dryer are the best. If your dog has an accident in the crate, washing a removable cover will not get rid of the smell in the pad itself. Even if your dog does not have an accident in the crate, eventually the pad will get that pet smell that you will want to wash out.
- Sufficient Cushioning-You will want to find a pad that will hold its shape during use and after washing. Another added feature you might want to consider is a crate pad that has notched corners toprovides a cozy bumper.
A Dog Bed For The Christmas Puppy
When looking for a dog bed for your new puppy make sure it is durable and washable. Dog beds come in many different styles. I have had many dogs in my life and they all had their own preferences. A couple of my dogs really liked an oval shaped fleece dog bed.
I have a large crate set up in my house for one of my dogs. I just leave the door opened on it all the time so she can come and go as she pleases. She thinks it is her bedroom. I have a kennel pad in it that has notched corners to create a soft bumper all the way around. She really likes it. If you plan on crate training, this may be the way to go.