| If you find yourself wishing beds were made in sizes | | | | Like dog beds, dog crates improve the lives and |
| larger than king, if you wake to find your poodle's | | | | relationships of dogs and humans. Crates are |
| head on the pillow next to yours where your loved | | | | excellent training tools, and many dogs find them to |
| one's should be, if your sleep is interrupted by your | | | | be great sources of comfort. For those of you who |
| lab's scratching your family may be in need of a dog | | | | travel with your dogs, crates with sloping sides fit |
| bed. A quality dog bed is not only good for your | | | | easily into most cars. Cushion pads make crates |
| canine companion's health, comfort, and well being, it's | | | | homey and comfortable. |
| good for yours as well; you will all sleep better in | | | | A dog collar is not only useful for attaching a leash |
| beds made for your own species. | | | | and carrying tags, it can also be another great training |
| Like beds made for people, dog beds come in | | | | tool. Many collars on the market today control and |
| different sizes, styles and materials. Most dog beds | | | | teach without causing harm, like humane versions of |
| are round, square, or rectangular. A bed may be flat | | | | the old choke collars. They also help keep dogs and |
| or have edges; small dogs seem to have a particular | | | | dog walkers safe by restricting the dog's ability to |
| preference for the coziness of beds with sides. You | | | | pull. |
| can even buy beds that are shaped like sofas, with | | | | Dogs need toys as well as practical necessities. Dogs |
| sides and a back. A bed may be stuffed with a solid | | | | can be quite fussy about the toys they play with; |
| piece of foam rubber, chopped up foam rubber, | | | | some like stuffed animals, others prefer balls or |
| down, cedar chips, or synthetics such as poly foam. | | | | Frisbees, while others like anything that squeaks. (For |
| Covers are typically denim, canvas, heavy cotton, or | | | | retrievers, there's nothing better than a stick!) |
| corduroy, available in a range of colors. Beds with | | | | Whatever toy you select, make sure it is safe for |
| removal, washable covers are the easy to keep | | | | dogs. Button eyes on a stuffed toy, for example, are |
| clean. | | | | easy to swallow and are dangerous for all but the |
| For dogs with limited mobility-due to age or arthritis, | | | | gentlest players. |
| for example-you can find beds with therapeutic foam | | | | Having a dog is a big commitment of time, money, |
| mattresses that distribute the weight more evenly so | | | | energy, and affection. The right supplies will help |
| there is less stress on aching joints and muscles. | | | | make you and your dog happier and more relaxed in |
| Some dogs are more comfortable in a raised, cot-like | | | | your lives together. With so many choices available |
| bed, with canvas or synthetic stretched within a | | | | today, you should have no trouble finding the right |
| frame. Waterproof dog beds are ideal for dogs that | | | | bed, crate, collars, and toys for your canine friend. |
| spend a lot of time outdoors. | | | | |