5 min read
Dogs love having different options for sleeping. Their favorite sleeping spaces typically include your bed, their bed, furniture, and, surprisingly, the floor. Ever wondered why your dog would choose the floor over something more comfortable — like that luxurious faux fur pet bed you bought him?
Why do you fall asleep in a chair? Sometimes really tired dogs just crash wherever they happen to be (like you in that comfortable chair after a long, hard day). Other times, your dog may be avoiding that carefully chosen bed because it's uncomfortable or he just doesn't like it for some reason. Keep reading to find out why dogs sometimes prefer the floor over their beds.
It turns out that there are many reasons why dogs sleep on the floor rather than on their cozy dog beds, ranging from not feeling comfortable in it to wanting to protect their family.
12 reasons your dog may prefer sleeping on the floor:
Always choose a dog bed that's large enough for your pet to sleep in comfortably. This is especially important with dogs who are restless sleepers that change positions frequently. If in doubt about whether a bed is large enough for your dog, go up a size. He'll appreciate the extra room!
Dogs instinctively dig and root in the process of creating the perfect sleeping environment. Adding a comfy dog blanket to his bed will allow him to meet those instinctual needs without damaging his luxurious faux fur dog bed in the process.
Choose a bed that matches his preferred sleeping style (as mentioned at #1 above) and that's in a fabric he loves. And yes, dogs have favorite fabrics! It may be cozy chenille, softly luxurious velvet, or a deliciously snug faux fur pet bed. In any case, matching your dog's size needs and texture preferences will help ensure he picks his new bed over the cold, hard floor.
A dog bed should match your dog's size, sleeping and fabric preferences, any health needs he may have (such as for joint protection), and your own sense of style. Fortunately, there are dog bed options available that will meet any and all of these requirements.
With patience and training, most dogs will learn to love sleeping in their dog bed. It may take a while, but treats, praise, favorite toys, or an item of clothing with your scent on it can all encourage your dog to try out his new bed. If all else fails, try getting in the bed first. After all, if it's good enough for his favorite human, he may decide it's good enough for him!
Regularly sleeping on the floor isn't ideal for your pet. He can develop structural issues from sleeping on such a hard surface. Rapidly growing puppies and elderly dogs especially need the soft, yet firm, support of an orthopedic dog bed that will protect their bones and joints.
Most dogs enjoy a good dog bed, as long as it matches their sleeping style and is large enough for them to doze comfortably.
If you've done a good job of matching your dog's size and sleeping preferences when choosing a bed, and have put it in a location where he feels safe and comfortable, your dog probably doesn't need a different type of bed. However, if your dog is getting older and stiffer, it's definitely time to upgrade to an orthopedic dog bed if you don't have one already.
Other reasons to try a different type of bed include:
At Animals Matter, dogs are very important to us. Ensuring that they get adequate rest in a well-designed, attractive, safe, and comfortable bed is equally important. Whether your choice is an orthopedic sturdy and durable outdoor dog bed or a luxuriously soft and fluffy orthopedic faux fur luxury dog bed, we want your pet to have a bed that he'll pick over the floor every time! Contact us for more information on picking the perfect bed for your pampered pooch.
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