Every dog breeder prefers to purchase a place for their pet in a store, but you can make a dog bed with your own hands. It will not only be cheaper, but also more original, since the product can be made in accordance with the taste of the owner.
Dogs are man's true friends, and everyone who understands this tries to create the best conditions for their pet. One of the attributes of a beautiful life for a dog is a bed. You can buy it in a store or make it yourself, putting a piece of your soul into the work. Manufacturers do not offer any options. Beds for large dogs, as well as small ones, are made of fabric and plastic, and sometimes these materials are successfully combined to obtain not only comfortable, but also durable furniture for the animal, because for some pets this plays a huge role.
Choosing a suitable model can be quite difficult, since you need to take into account a lot of the characteristics of the animal. This is the size, character, and breed. For example, not everyone can be easily accustomed to a bed with a roof. Many dogs prefer to sleep on top of a canopy, completely ignoring the rules for using a bed. For this reason, for such a dog, you can simply not overpay for additional equipment and choose a simple bed in the form of a sofa.
Nowadays, in stores, and especially in large cities such as Moscow, you can find many options for dog beds. These can be impressive sofas for large breed animals, or small wicker beds for small dogs in the form of a basket. However, it should be noted that most of these products are very expensive for breeders. But it all depends on the quality and size. If you don’t want to overpay for a dog bed, you should make it yourself. Of course, a beginner is unlikely to be able to cope with making a wicker dog bed, and plastic products require special equipment. Nevertheless, there is one wonderful option that every needlewoman will like. We are talking about the possibility of sewing a sofa bed for a dog. It will be much cheaper than buying a product in a store, but the quality depends solely on the hard work of the craftsman.
What should a good dog bed look like?
It is very important to choose the right material from which this product will be made. It doesn’t matter whether it’s handmade or a dog bed from an online store, the material must be durable, wear-resistant, and most importantly, very easy to care for.
Experienced dog breeders recommend that beginners pay attention to products that are equipped with covers. This will make it easier to care for the dog bed and the entire dog area. It is much easier to remove the cover once a week and wash it than to process and dry the entire lounger each time.
We must not forget that the bed must be made exclusively from natural material, otherwise it will become highly electrified and create discomfort for the animal. It is worth noting that plastic beds for large dogs should have a removable cover made of natural fabrics.
When choosing a dog bed, you must first observe the animal and see in what position the dog sleeps most often. This will allow you to decide on the model. For example, if an animal most often sleeps curled up, it is worth purchasing an oval or round bed with high sides. By the way, this option can be easily made independently. The sofa bed is suitable for a large breed dog that is used to resting with its entire body stretched out.
Material for production
If your pet has short hair, then you can take a closer look at beds made of velvet or faux fur. Such beds are most often chosen for short-haired small dogs, since the material provides good warmth, and most importantly, it is easy to clean. This is a big plus during the molting period.
Natural fabrics such as chintz, cotton and linen do not cause allergies, but they are fragile. Beds for large and active dogs made from similar materials are not suitable. The only option is to use a special cover that will help protect the mattress itself from claws.
As for the filler, the most popular ones are foam rubber and padding polyester. They are considered safer for the animal, but have one significant drawback, namely rapid deformation. The most resistant in this regard will be plastic products. They are easy to clean, but not very comfortable for the animal itself, so in any case you will have to purchase additional covers or a mattress. It is important to immediately teach your pet not to sharpen his teeth on the sides of a plastic bed. Otherwise, the plastic dog bed will quickly lose its attractive appearance and become unusable.
Useful tips
When making a homemade bed for a four-legged pet, it is important to know the nuances:
- Be sure to take into account the character of the dog. An active, energetic pet that often runs back and forth, constantly watches what is happening in the apartment, and does not lie still for a long time, needs a design with low sides. A cozy bed with soft sides of medium height and a pillow at the bottom is suitable for couch potatoes and phlegmatic people.
- When choosing material for the base and sides, it is useful to take into account the length and quality of your pet’s coat and the tendency to shed frequently. For short-haired dogs, fleecy material is suitable; animals with long hair need a smooth, but not very slippery fabric,
- useful device – pillow cover. It is enough to remove the “envelope”, wash, dry and after ironing put it back on the base. The best option is to have two or three covers made of different materials for cool and warm weather and just to replace it if the pet accidentally makes a puddle on the mattress or pillow or tears the fabric while playing,
- The bottom of the dog bed should not be too soft so that it does not press down. The animal's comfort is provided by a mattress or pillow,
- Dogs of small breeds weigh little, a problem rarely arises: the base is pressed through. More often, owners encounter another problem: the pet chews the decor on the bed and pillow. If an animal spoils ruffles, fringes, tassels, pompoms, then you should not decorate the sides and soft base. The best option is fabric of interesting colors.
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A few more recommendations:
- When choosing a material, pay attention not only to design and texture, but also to strength. Pets not only sleep on a bed: dogs often bite, “dig,” scratch, and stretch the material. Suitable fabric options: flock, velor, fleece, cotton, satin, faux fur, linen, denim. For the summer, it is advisable to sew a pillow cover made of natural material so that your pet does not feel hot. In winter, when the room temperature is low, fur or plush is suitable,
- filling for sides, bases, pillows: holofiber, padding polyester, wool, foam rubber, down. The best option is holofiber: the synthetic filler does not cause allergies, does not absorb odors, is lightweight, does not wrinkle, is durable, and does not harbor bugs, dust mites, fleas, or bedbugs. Natural fillers are lightweight, absorb moisture well and dry quickly, but harmful insects and arachnids may appear in them,
- accessories and threads must be durable. It is important to securely connect the parts of the bed. Pets love to explore all the details of the “nest”; often a poorly sewn edge becomes a loophole for tiny claws and teeth. The dog can get the filler, accidentally swallow natural or artificial material, which is dangerous for the animal’s health,
- If desired, the housewife can sew two beds: for the warm and cool seasons. It is useful to take into account the average temperature in the apartment at different times of the year, the breed of the pet (short-haired or long-haired), and tolerance to cold and heat. In summer, the dog will like a light, smooth, cool pillow cover: satin, linen, cotton. In winter, it is pleasant for your pet to lie on soft, fleecy, warm artificial fur, plush, or velor. If there is only one bed, then a sleeping pillow made of material suitable for the season will help change the character of the sleeping place.
How to accustom a dog to a bed?
In order for your dog to get used to his bed, it is very important to install it in a suitable place. It should be quiet, cozy and not too bright. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the character of the animal. Many dogs won't feel comfortable unless they have a full view of what's going on in the room.
It is necessary to take care of the health of your pet. The bed should be located on a small hill and away from drafts. At the same time, you should not install a dog seat next to a radiator or heater, since excess heat will also have a bad effect on the dog’s health.
It is advisable to accustom the animal to a bed from early childhood. Immediately after the baby is laid down in a certain place, it is necessary to transfer him to the lounger. In this case, the actions must be accompanied by the command “place”.
The bed must always be free, that is, you cannot put your things here or let other animals in. This is the dog's personal space.
You can try to lure an adult dog to a new place with a treat, and then explain in words that this is his new bed. Under no circumstances should you use force, as this can permanently destroy the animal’s desire to be in this place.
How to choose fabric for sewing a bed yourself?
Every pet should have its own place, especially since you can buy a dog bed inexpensively. For a dog, especially a large one, this is very important. Otherwise, the owners of the house may lose their sofa, which will always be occupied by the dog.
Nowadays, stores in any city, both in the capital and in the provinces, can offer a wide range of pet beds. These include houses, mattresses, small sofas, and cute wicker baskets. The products are offered in various colors and any size, that is, you can choose a suitable bed for both small and large dogs.
Of course, the cheapest option would be to sew a bed with your own hands. For this purpose, materials such as fleece, nylon or plush are most often chosen. However, it is worth considering that artificial fabrics may not be a very suitable solution for making a bed for your furry friend, since these materials are highly electrified and can cause allergies. Cotton and linen are safer, but they are not very durable. One of the best materials for sewing a high-quality mattress for a dog is natural denim. It is quite durable, but does not create problems with electricity generation.
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As for the filler, it can be anything. This includes down, holofiber, padding polyester, and foam rubber. Natural fillers are not hypoallergenic, which must be taken into account when choosing a material.
The main thing is that the filling is strong enough and does not come out of the main cover, as this can be a good reason for the dog to pull the entire contents of the sofa out. Animals love this very much.
Beds with a house
A house-bed for a dog is not at all the same as a house for a dog. Just a house - it is for play or serious matters, for example, for a puppy with a litter. A dog needs a bed with a house in other very specific cases.
Houses-beds for dogs
A dog of northern origin, sledding or herding, needs a durable home kennel, on the left in Fig. Her closest ancestors (possibly her parents) lived in monstrous conditions: they were fed from hand to mouth, they had to spend the night in the snow at -40 and below. Their owners beat them to death for the slightest offense; the sick or exhausted were abandoned to their fate, in the tundra, which was very angry and short-lived. The owners themselves could have eaten it. Amundsen's expedition to Antarctica only reached the South Pole and returned back in full force and good health, because along the way he abandoned the sleigh that had been freed from its luggage, and the sled dogs that were freed from them... ate! This caused great indignation in the world at the time, but the Norwegian polar explorers were only surprised: how could this be? What's wrong with that? These are dogs! They are not only draft power, but also food!
Note: Northern peoples do not eat hunting dogs. Training a hunting dog takes a lot of hard work and requires a lot of experience, and a hunting dog is too valuable.
These horrors are firmly ingrained into the northern canine gene pool. This is why huskies and Russian reindeer huskies respond so warmly to care and do not forgive evil. And if the owner has endowed him with a reliable shelter worth a lot of work, he will not abandon him, he will not eat him, and he must reciprocate in full. Dog logic is simple and extremely rational.
The puppy also needs a bed with a shelter house (in the center in the picture) or a cradle bed, see below. For similar reasons: he is still small. If you don’t like it, they can throw you out or give it to someone bad. And they made the house - everything took root! You can sleep peacefully.
The miniature adult lap dog has settled in quite well and knows that she is loved. But she is too small, they could accidentally step on the sleeping one. Therefore, she also needs a house over the bed, but not a soft embroidered one, like a puppy, but something stronger (on the right in the picture), so that if something happens, she has time to wake up and jump out. The sensitivity in sleep and the reaction of all dogs are quite wild, this is the instinct of self-preservation at work.
Crib house
A bed with a house for a puppy or miniature dog can be completely sewn soft. These creatures are too small and light to excite and feel the “return” of the sex to their movements and even pampering.
Patterns and sewing patterns for a dog bed-cradle are shown in the figure:
Patterns and sewing patterns for a dog bed-cradle
Due to the fact that it is all zippered, you can take this bed with you to the dacha and on long trips. The sizes are designed to be suitable not only for young animals and small animals, but also for an adult medium-sized dog.
How to make another version of a dog bed house with a cradle, see the video below:
Video: dog cradle house
A dog, like its owner, should have a comfortable place to rest in the house. On sale you can find many models of sofas and beds for large and small dogs. You can also equip a comfortable bed yourself or order it from a craftsman who can build a structure that will provide complete comfort to your pet and fit perfectly into the interior of the apartment.
How to sew a dog bed?
The process of working on a product of this type is very simple. You don’t have to be a certified seamstress to make a dog bed with your own hands; a photo of one of the options can be found below.
You need to start with the selection of material. If the dog is small, then to get a comfortable mattress you need to purchase 1 linear. m of fabric, as a rule, it is 1×1.5 m. You will also need filler, for example, holofiber. This material is good because it does not cause allergies and holds its shape somewhat better than its analogues. In addition, for the work you will need high-quality threads, a ruler, chalk and a dense base, which can be thick cardboard. You also need bias tape and strong but thin rope. You can watch a master class on how to sew a dog bed with your own hands in the video below.
First you need to cut out the center, which is determined by the cardboard circle. The diameter of this part will be equal to the bottom of the bed. We mark a circle on the fabric, and then measure about 20-30 cm from it, depending on the height of the lounger. Leave a seam allowance of about 2 cm, and then start cutting.
As a result, we should get 2 absolutely identical round parts, where there will be marks such as the center and seam allowances. Now you need to place 2 parts of the product with the front side facing out. After this, a circle of cardboard is placed between the pieces of fabric and secured with pins in the middle. Along the line defining the center we sew both parts. A small hole should be left in order to fill the bottom of the bed with holofiber. This hole is then sutured.
At this stage we get a pillow with hanging pieces of fabric on the sides. We sew the product along the very edge, leaving a small hole, and then make 1 more seam where the second mark was. We get a track where we will need to thread the rope, but that will come later.
Now fill the bed with filler through the holes left until the very end. Holofiber should be placed sparingly in the side parts so that the bed can take the desired shape. We sew up the holes, and along the very edge we process the seam with bias tape. We thread a rope into a pre-prepared hole and tighten it tightly, making a strong knot at the end.
The result is a dog bed mattress with high and warm sides. If desired, you can sew a couple of covers for it, which will make it easier to care for the product.
DIY dog bed: what you need and where to start
What will you need and where to start if you decide to make a dog bed with your own hands? First of all, you need to think through all the nuances so that your efforts are not in vain.
A dog bed is:
- Resting-place.
- A place where the dog can warm up and calm down.
- A place where the puppy can hide food supplies.
- A place where the dog can hide toys or things that he considers his own.
- A breeding ground for parasites and bacteria.
Almost all industrial dog beds are covered with nylon or fabric, which is 60-80% synthetic. This is why pet store products have an unpleasant odor. In addition, there is a considerable chance that the coloring of an industrial lounger will be short-lived or allergenic.
Important! The dog's resting place should not cause harm to it. To make the lounger and cover, it is necessary to use fabrics that do not accumulate static tension and do not irritate the skin. The optimal choice is cotton, satin and linen.
To prevent your pet from cluttering up the bed with its toys and other trophies, it is better to place a special basket (box) next to it. By regularly putting toys in the basket, you let your dog know that they are always available. Over time, the four-legged dog will understand that the toys that are in the basket are safe and will stop hiding them under the mattress of the lounger.
Most likely, you will not be able to “convince” your dog not to hide food on the bed or under the mattress. The pet's thrifty behavior can lead to contamination of the cover, which will contribute to the rapid proliferation of bacteria. In addition, when returning from a walk, your pet can bring fleas, which will happily make nests in the folds of the fabric. By making a removable cover that can be washed and ironed, you will prevent many health problems for your pet.
Large or small – how to correctly determine the size of a sun lounger?
How to correctly determine the size of a bed if your pet is still a puppy. How to guess so that the manufactured lounger does not turn out to be big or small in the future? There is no answer to this question. You can focus on general dimensions: large, medium or small dog.
The general requirements are as follows: when entering the bed, the dog must be able to freely turn around and lie down with its paws extended (stretch).
In practice, it turns out that if your puppy is medium or large, the bed will turn out to be simply huge and take up a lot of space. However, there are nuances here too, depending on the position in which your pet is comfortable sleeping.
If you cannot determine the size of your dog when it grows up, it is better to wait to make a bed. As a temporary option, you can use a cardboard box in which a child's cotton mattress is placed.
The mattress can be folded to form sides, and the cardboard box serves only as a frame. As your puppy grows, you can change the size of the bed. When your pet reaches 7-8 months of age, its adult dimensions will be clear, which will make it possible to make a stronger and more durable bed.
Round or rectangular - how to choose the shape of a lounger
How to choose the optimal shape? To answer this question, just watch your pet sleep when the house is hot and cool. Usually, when a dog is cool, it sleeps curled up in a ball. When the pet is warm and comfortable, it spreads its legs and sleeps on its side. Practice shows that sleep position can be influenced by breed or physiological characteristics.
- Dogs with long legs rarely sleep in a ball, so a rectangular bed is more suitable for them. This shape is suitable for large pets and dogs with elongated bodies.
- The round bed is suitable for small dogs who tend to freeze even in warm weather. Few people know that the smaller the pet, the faster its metabolism, so it spends more energy on heating its own body and freezes more often.
The problem of pet discomfort can be solved not only by the shape of the bed, but by its location. For your dog to rest, it is better to choose a separate room that is free from drafts. The lounger should not be placed near windows or heating appliances. When the windows are open, the dog will sleep in a draft. In winter, the heat emanating from heating devices dries the air, and with it the wool.
For short-haired dogs that are not resistant to cold, it is better to make a bed that can be placed on a platform. You can use a homemade pallet as a platform. To protect the lounger from drafts, it can be placed in a bedside table, the bottom section of a closet or other protected space.
Lounger with sides or open
Why is it better to make a sun lounger with sides? Most dogs feel more comfortable when their back rests against something while they sleep. This feeling is reflexive, since wild dogs sleep in lowlands or under rocks to hide from the eyes of competitors and larger predators.
A bed with sides is the best choice for small and medium-sized dogs. Large and gigantic four-legged animals may not appreciate the imposed comforts, since the sides make it difficult to spread their paws while sleeping.
Remember! A bed with sides is not the best choice for older dogs that suffer from joint pain.
Having settled on a model with sides, you are faced with another choice - soft or hard. Soft sides are more comfortable, hard ones are easier to clean.
Stores sell special frames that look like plastic basins with a flexible side. This frame is designed to fit a suitable sized mattress. The result is a bed with flexible, rigid sides and a soft base. This model of lounger is considered the most hygienic, since the mattress is easy to replace and the frame can be washed.
Knitted or fabric?
To keep the lounger warm, you need to use natural fabrics as upholstery. Trying to ensure maximum comfort for the pet, owners believe that it is better to make a cover for the bed knitted from wool.
