Things to Look for in an Indestructible Dog Bed
On your search for the best indestructible dog bed, you should look for the following to ensure you choose something durable and lasting for your dog:
Chew Resistant
If a bed states that it’s chew resistant that’s usually a good indicator of strength. Some beds will state the strength of chewing they are designed to withstand (for example, light chewing or average chewing). It’s a good idea to check for this so you can find something that suits your dog’s chew strength.
Avoid beds that specifically state they aren’t designed for chewing. It’s important to note here that if your dog is a power chewer and is absolutely determined to destroy their bed, it’s likely that even the strongest of beds will be unable to stand up to their chewing. However, when you combine a chew-resistant bed with training you can get the results you need.
Waterproof or Water-Resistant
Waterproof or water-resistant beds tend to be more durable. These beds usually have stronger covers and are generally more likely to stand up to wear and tear
Durability
Aside from being waterproof and chew-resistant, there are other indications of durability. Take the type of materials into account. Some materials are ‘rip-stop’ which means they’re less likely to tear or be chewed up. Other materials, such as strong nylon, are more likely to be durable and are generally more hardwearing.
If your dog is particularly destructive, metal-framed beds without stuffing may be more suitable. They tend to be strongest and are least likely to be a safety hazard if they are chewed.
High-Quality Materials
A bed made from high-quality materials is more likely to be strong, durable, and indestructible than those made from cheaper materials. If your dog is destructive, a high-quality bed is worth the investment.
Ease of Cleaning
All dogs are prone to making a mess and shedding hair all over their beds, so finding a bed that is easy to clean is crucial. Many beds will have removable covers to pop in the washing machine, while others will be easy to wipe down.
Correct Size for Your Dog
Choosing a bed that is the right size for your dog ensures they can stretch out fully and are as comfortable as possible.
Why Do Some Dogs Destroy Their Bed?
There are many reasons your dog might be destroying their bed. Some dogs destroy their bed out of boredom, because they aren’t getting enough physical or mental stimulation. Others may destroy their bed due to lack of training, often because they’re rescue dogs or puppies and haven’t learnt the rules yet.
Puppies may chew their bed and anything else around them during teething, to try to soothe their sore mouth. Some dogs chew their bed out of hunger: this may be because they’re not getting enough food or might be due to a medical issue.
Dogs often exhibit destructive behaviors when they’re stressed or anxious, which can have multiple causes such as separation anxiety or a specific stressor in the environment (e.g., a new home, fireworks, a thunderstorm, or a big change in the home).
If you’re wondering why the bed itself becomes a target, it’s often because it’s soft and squishy, resembling a toy or a prey animal. It’s also typically where your dog spends a lot of time, so it’s simply an easy target.
Tips to Tackle Destructive Behavior
Getting your dog an indestructible dog bed can help, but it will be most effective when paired with other methods to deal with the root cause of the behavior. First, you need to figure out why your dog is chewing up their bed. This is often a trial-and-error process and requires paying close attention to your dog’s behavior to identify potential triggers.
In general, the following steps can help:
- Give your dog more exercise to ensure they are getting enough physical stimulation. This is particularly important before you leave them at home alone.
- Provide your dog with long-lasting chews and chew toys to redirect their destructive chewing and provide mental stimulation.
- Ensure your dog is being fed enough and gets their meals on a regular schedule.
- Work on training to tackle destructive behavior. There are lots of great guides online and if you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to seek the help of a professional.
- Remove your dog’s bed when they’re left unsupervised while you work on training, for their own safety. You can gradually reintroduce the bed when unsupervised as their training progresses.
- Once you’ve identified specific triggers of anxiety or stress, deal with them proactively.
If your dog is suddenly displaying destructive behaviors and it’s out of character, it’s always best to get them checked by a vet to ensure there are no underlying health issues.
Indestructible Dog Bed FAQ
Do dogs need beds?
Yes, just like us dogs need to be comfortable and supported when they sleep.
Conclusion
When your dog is persistently destroying their bed, it can be frustrating and confusing, as well as worrying for you. Thankfully, with the right approach and an indestructible dog bed, you can ensure they’re comfortable and safe at naptime.
