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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

How To Choose The Best Dog Beds

By Anton Hout, author of The Guide to Aussie Training & Care

Finding the best dog beds can be a challenge with so many options available today. How do you know what to look for and what makes one product stand out from another? There can be many factors that go into the decision, including the size of your dog, whether he's a chewer or if he's got any special medical needs that might require extra support or easy accessibility.

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Dog beds come in many shapes and styles, from soft, padded beds to elevated frame beds. Each has its own advantages or disadvantages depending on your dog's specific needs. Of course, the main focus in buying any bed is comfort.

You want your dog to have a safe, comfortable place to curl up and sleep. Just like you want a bed that provides you with support, flexibility and comfort, that's what you should be looking for in a bed for your best friend.

On the more traditional side, you can find padded dog beds that are stuffed with foam or fiber to provide a soft, warm spot for sleeping. Most of these beds, which lie directly on the floor, are designed with a non-skid bottom so that the bed won't slip when the dog gets on and off of it or moves around to get comfortable. The best dog beds have this eye toward safety, making them particularly attractive for older dogs or dogs with limited mobility.

Australian Shepherd laying on bed.

ArtKiller / stock.adobe.com

As all Aussies know—the best dog bed is your bed. ;)

Many tufted beds also feature a roll rim that not only makes them look more attractive but also provides your dog with a soft spot to lay his head, because a good pillow is important too. These beds also allow for easy cleaning with covers that zip off and can be tossed in the washing machine. They can range in price from ~$75 for the roll top version by BarksBar to ~$250 for the Orvis model with built in bolster.

Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

Some Of The The Best Dog Beds Are Still Affordable

On the more affordable end of the spectrum is the Deluxe Pet Bed from MidWest Homes. This is a one-piece bed made of a super soft, swirled plush fabric that feels comfy and cozy for your dog and better yet, is a snap to keep clean as the whole thing can be put in the washer. It can even tuck comfortably into a travel crate. Retailing for around $30, this is one of the best dog beds for the money and can accommodate dogs of any size, though it is ideal for larger breeds like the Australian Shepherd.

One of the newest innovations in the world of dog beds comes from Kuranda. This unique design features a PVC pipe frame that is elevated several inches off the floor. This provides for better air circulation to keep your dog dry and cool. You can add a soft pad that tucks in the sides of the frame to help minimize chewing damage. Your dog will love this little "perch", which may even become his personal "safe zone".

Check Out More Dog Beds on Amazon

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Guide To Australian Shepherd Training & Care

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