Page 296 - The Complete Dog Breed Book Choose the Perfect Dog for You, New Edition (DK)

296 C ARE AND TR AINING

Types of bed STAIR GATE
Dog beds vary widely in price, and until your puppy is settled Use a stair gate to keep your
and fully housetrained, it is not worth investing in anything young dog safe in one room
expensive. A new dog may chew or soil his bed, so look for without making him feel trapped.
a cheap and washable option.
There are two main types of bed: hard and soft. Hard Crates and playpens
beds, made from molded plastic, are easy to keep clean. Until your new puppy is
They are also relatively difficult for a young puppy to chew, housetrained, use a crate or
although a dog who has his adult teeth may inflict some a playpen as his personal
damage. You can use disposable items such as old towels space. Never confine your
to make a plastic bed comfortable for your dog, safe in the dog as a punishment. A crate
knowledge that you can wash or discard bedding that gets or playpen should be a place
chewed or soiled. These beds are also a good choice for an that your dog enjoys—you may even feed him there. A playpen
older dog who suffers from incontinence. Soft, foam-filled also gives you peace of mind, safely containing your puppy
beds are more comfortable to sleep on, especially for an away from trouble while you are in another room. If you
older dog who is beginning to experience stiffness in his introduce your puppy to a crate when he is young and only shut
joints. Although the cover may be washable, these beds are the door for short periods, he will be happy to use it should
not suitable for young puppies because they like nothing it be necessary if he is ill or when you are going on a long
better than pulling the bed’s foam filling out, leaving you journey. However, do not restrict your dog to a cage for long
with the expense of a replacement bed. periods, as this can increase the risk of behavioral problems.
Keep the gate
open unless
you leave the
room

Molded plastic bed

Playpens have
Crate open tops

Foam-filled bed

DOG BEDS
Plastic beds are hygienic and hard-wearing. Pad them Playpen
with soft bedding to make your dog comfortable.
Foam-filled beds and beanbags are cosy and attractive USING A CRATE
but are not suitable for young puppies until they are A crate or playpen allows you to leave your puppy unsupervised when you are
housetrained and have stopped chewing. Soft beds busy. He will probably sleep some of the time, but give him plenty of toys to keep
usually have washable covers that can be removed. him amused. Do not leave him confined alone for long periods at a time.

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