If you’re bringing a new dog home, you probably know that you’re going to have to find a place for your new family member to sleep in. And it’s an on-going debate whether your dog should have its own bed or a crate. Well, ask 10 different people and you’ll probably get 10 different answers and reasons as to why one is better than the other. But the truth is, it will depend on the individual dog, his training and behavior. That being said, consider the pros and cons of both before you make a decision.
Dog Beds
Most dogs will love having a bed of their own, although, for some reason, they’ll probably still prefer to get into your bed. However, with proper training from an early age, your dog will probably grow to love its own bed. There are many different types and sizes of dog beds available. It goes without saying that the bed should accommodate your dog’s size, so if you have a larger breed, you’ll want to look for large dog beds, even though your dog may just be a pup at this point. Even if you have a smaller breed dog, you can still look for large dog beds for him. The little dog won’t complain if it has too much space to lay around on.
When browsing the wide variety of options available, you’ll come across dog beds that are as simple as small cushions, as well as beds that resemble real furniture with wooden frames, etc. You can match the dog’s bed with your home’s decor, although your dog won’t care much about the decor as all he’ll be looking for is comfort.
Dog Crates
Teaching a young puppy to sleep in a crate can be one of the most important things he needs to learn. When a puppy is in his crate throughout the night, he will control his bowels and bladder, as most puppies don’t want to make a mess where they sleep. Additionally, crates can be the perfect place to leave an unattended puppy throughout the day.
Furthermore, crates are great for keeping your dog in one place when you’re cleaning or have guests over. That being said, teaching a dog to use a crate when he’s young will help ensure he’s comfortable in crates for the rest of his life. So if you’re traveling and want to bring your dog with you, you’ll probably have to use a travel crate of some sort to transport him.
