Covered Dog Beds
The most basic types of dog beds are small, flat
beds that can be placed almost anywhere within the house. For many these are
preferable, as they are generally inexpensive and dogs tend to take to them
fairly well, despite being such a simple type of resting area.
There are also several other single layer beds that
are thicker, rounder, taller, shorter, and a variety of additional
adjectives depending on make, style and price. But there is another type of
dog bed that may have its own benefits not only to you, but to your pet as
well. That dog bed is a covered dog bed.
What Are Covered Dog Beds?
Much like their name implies, covered dog beds are
dog beds that have roofs. In many ways they are like dog houses made
primarily of soft fabric. There are even some that are designed to look
identical dog houses, except the entirety of the structure is made of plush
pillow.
There are some benefits to having covered dog beds
in your home, including:
·
Covered dog beds allow your dog to be
slightly hidden when it is sleeping.
·
These beds are usually well designed
and aesthetically pleasing.
·
You can keep the lights on in your
home, because the covered dog bed allows your pet to fall asleep in
darkness.
But the benefits of these dog beds don’t end there.
There are benefits to your dog as well. When dogs were in the wild, they
were forced to sleep in areas that were safe, dark and private, such as the
crevices of small caves. Throughout evolution, their wolf ancestors learned
to be comfortable when in dark, enclosed spaces and uncomfortable/nervous
when out in the open.
Though dogs have been living with human beings for
generations, they still maintain some of these genetic behaviors. As a
result, dogs are far more comfortable when sleeping in dark, small areas
than they are when sleeping out in the open.
Thus these covered dog beds are actually an ideal
environment for dogs. They allow the dog to sleep in an enclosed area, but
give the dog a softness that is far more comfortable than a hard cave floor.
Dogs that are able to sleep more comfortably:
·
Experience less stress, leading to
fewer bad behaviors.
·
Experience less separation anxiety,
leading to fewer bad behaviors.
·
Experience greater comfort, leading to
fewer bad behaviors.
It is no guarantee that a covered dog bed is going
to be a comfortable place for your dog. Training, natural energy and
nervousness all play a role in how well a dog bed keeps your dog emotionally
comfortable. In addition, if you have a crate (which you should) you may not
need a covered dog bed as much. But these covered dog beds still have their
benefits to both humans and dogs, and so if you are looking for a dog bed
for your pet, and you see a covered one that you like and can afford, it may
be worth picking up.
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