There are multiple pictures on the internet of dogs lying on the floor close to their beds.
This behavior questioned the decision of many pet parents. People began questioning the level of preference dogs have for soft beds.
They somehow failed to see that although pictures of dogs sleeping on the ground close to their beds exist on the internet, there are even more pictures of dogs snuggling in bed with their owners at night.
In light of this conundrum, bedding companies began to create both hard and soft beds for dogs.
The question remains; what do dogs prefer? Do they want soft or hard bed? The answer to this question depends on multiple factors.
Under normal circumstances, any dog will prefer a soft bed to a hard one.
Dogs love to sleep, and soft spots will enhance the comfort they feel while they nap. The average dog spends at least 15 hours of every 24 hours napping.
Despite their love for napping, certain dogs prefer hard surfaces. In this article, we will discuss this variation in preference amongst dogs. It’s quite easy to know when your dog is comfortable.
You can tell by assessing its body language. You may notice relaxed ears, and closed eyes while your dog is napping in a hard bed.
This simply means that he loves the hard bed, the same goes for soft beds.
Why soft beds
In today’s market, you will find multiple soft dog beds in any pet store you enter. These beds come in multiple shapes and sizes. Soft beds dominate the market today. Just like humans, dogs want a soft place to rest.
In some homes, you will find dogs forming nesting areas with spare blankets from the laundry.
Dogs want soft places where they can sleep.
Most dogs also desire soft blankets as well. You will find dogs snuggled on soft pillows with blankets over them. They enjoy the warmth, and the comfort.
Why do dogs prefer soft beds?
A dog is man’s best friend. You don’t want your best friend sleeping just anywhere. You want your dog resting in the most comfortable spot available.
Your beds, and sofas are fairly comfortable spots for a dog, but most people don’t want dogs running all over household furniture.
Dogs need a place of their own that is comfy enough for them to get their daily 15 hours napping time. Here are a few reasons why you should provide soft beds for your dog.
Territory
If you do not want your dogs to attempt a coup on your couch and your beds, you need to provide a soft place where they can enjoy the same level of comfort.
Your dog needs a place where it will be its own master.
If you fail to provide this place for your dog, it will feel like a second-class citizen within your home.
Soft beds are just like the couches you sit on, providing your dog with a soft bed that feels just like the couch, or your bed is a great way to make him feel welcome.
Dogs will try to find as comfortable a place to sleep as possible, and will often end up cozying in bed with you, scratching up your nice furniture, or tracking dirt on the nice carpets.
A dog bed that fits your pet’s sleeping needs will keep him from bothering you or damaging anything else as he tries to nap.
To make sure your dog uses it, though, get the right bed. Larger breeds will need larger dog beds, and different beds will come with various features.
Health
Sleeping on a floor or other hard surface can be damaging to a dog’s health. Orthopedic dog beds can be used to help ease the pain and discomfort of hip dysplasia, arthritis, or other structural ailments.
Older dogs should definitely be given an orthopedic dog bed, as they are far more prone to these conditions. Additionally, dog beds often feature other health-promoting aspects, such as cedar chips which may help keep odor down.
Cleanliness
Let’s face it; as much as you sweep and vacuum your floors, it still isn’t the cleanest place to take a nap. Giving your canine companion a dog bed will help keep him clean. Should he track mud and dirt from outside onto his sleeping space, don’t worry.
Most dog beds come with removable liners or other features that make them easy to clean. This is markedly easier than cleaning all of the furniture in your house with a hand roller or vacuum.
Science Backing Soft Beds
Have you noticed that your dog may prefer your soft mattress to theirs?
Most people believe that the cause of this behavior is the difference in the level of comfort.
While comfort plays a role in this behavior, there’s another reason your dog wants to nap in your bed.
Dogs have a very strong sense of smell. When they nap in your bed, they also enjoy the fact that the bed has your scent.
This scent keeps them comfortable while they nap. If your dog prefers your bed to his, you can try making his bed with your spare sheets.
This will help keep him calm while he naps in his own soft bed. A dog’s sense of smell is not his only sensory skill. The paws of a dog also tell temperature.
A dog’s paw can identify changes in temperature within its environment. When they sleep on hard, cold beds, they may become restless. Hard beds are also bad for the joints of adult dogs.
Getting soft beds for your dog is always a good idea, but certain factors may keep them from getting into bed.
Your dog needs a comfy place to call its own, else, they will try to take any comfy space they can find. Comfort is an important part of the emotional and physical well being of dogs.
Reasons your dog is interested in Hard Beds
Heat
Now what could possibly make a dog prefer hard beds? The first reason that comes to mind is the weather.
In general, soft beds are warm and comfy while hard beds are cool. If the weather is hot, your dog will most likely prefer a hard bed.
We mentioned earlier that dogs like what you like. Will you like to curl underneath your covers on a hot summer afternoon?
You may also find your dog running from his soft beds during cold weathers.
When your dog comes back from playing in the backyard, his temperature would be heightened. As a result, he will find a place to cool off.
A hard bed can serve as a convenient resting place for your dog to cool off. There may be days when your pet may get cooked up indoors. This may be due to sun rays, or an in-door fire place. When this happens, your dog will need a place to cool off, and a hard bed will serve that purpose perfectly.
Comfort
Your dog might just prefer hard beds. Everyone has preferences, same as dogs. Some dogs like hard beds, while others prefer soft beds.
The soft mattress that Sparky loves so much might not be comfortable for Bullet. Sometimes your dog’s preference is based solely on its personal inclinations.
Size
Soft beds tend to sink in and this may make your pet feel less comfy. Most dogs want large spaces, others like small spaces.
While a soft bed that sinks in spells comfort for most dogs, it might not be good enough for yours.
Some soft beds do not accommodate the stretching needs of most dogs. This is one of the reasons dogs prefer hard beds.
Habits
It is possible to train your dogs to like a certain type of bed, but it will often be difficult.
Dogs are creatures of habit, and if your dog is not used to soft locations, he will not like soft beds. If your dog prefers hard beds, get him hard beds.
Although you can train a dog to use soft beds, the training process will involve a lot of disagreements between you, and your pet.
It is not impossible, but it will demand daily commitment for a lengthy amount of time.
Age
This is very rear. Dogs naturally prefer either soft, or hard beds based on their current habits. When you find a comfort loving dog in hard spots repeatedly, it simply means something is wrong.
This behavior is often observed in adult dogs. As dogs get older, their joints become weaker and this may impede movement.
When this happens, they will become less selective with their napping spots.
They will nap in the most accessible areas rather than the most comfortable.
Sometimes, they will abandon both hard and soft beds to nap on the floor. If you notice this kind of changes, you should take your dog to the vet.
Conclusion
Just like humans, the preferences of dogs differ significantly.
You can’t make a general statement regarding the type of beds dogs will prefer.
You have to present both beds to your dog and let him choose which one he finds suitable.