As the temperature drops, have you noticed that your dog no longer lies on the floor panting? Have they started to seek your attention, asking for hugs and pets, or even sleeping on your lap? Don’t hesitate, quickly bring out your dog’s winter cotton bed, the season for dogs to need warmth has arrived!

　　Enter any pet store, and you’ll find an abundance of winter cotton beds for dogs. Does it feel overwhelming to choose? Some owners might even let their dogs pick their favorite bed themselves. Actually, there are some tips for selecting a dog bed! Let me tell you how to pick the most suitable bed for your dog among the many styles.

High-grade imported materials, anti-static, feeling very comfortable for dogs in direct contact, unlike some inferior materials that easily cause skin allergies.

　　1. Look at the material:
　　Dog beds come in various fabrics, such as pure cotton, acrylic, fleece, etc. For curly and long-haired dogs, it’s best to choose beds made of pure cotton or blended fabrics (but with a higher content of natural materials), because natural fabric beds are less prone to static, and the dog’s fur is less likely to tangle. For young or untrained dogs, small beds made of acrylic or fleece materials can be used initially. Compared to cotton fabrics, these materials are easier to clean, and fleece is warm and comfortable with a relatively lower price, offering good cost performance.

Choose a bed suitable for your dog’s size, and remember to confirm the bed’s dimensions before purchasing.

　　2. Measure the size:
　　Before buying a dog bed, the most important thing is to understand your dog’s body size. Generally, choosing a bed 2 to 3 times the size of your dog (measured by the dog’s stretched-out body length) is appropriate. Some owners think the smaller the bed, the warmer it is, but this is a misunderstanding. A too small bed will make the dog uncomfortable, especially for puppies. The bed should be large enough for the dog to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, with good ventilation, so the dog can rest more pleasantly and wake up refreshed. If unsure, it’s best to take your dog along when shopping.

When purchasing, pay close attention to the workmanship details of the bed and whether the design is easy to clean.

　　3. Look at details:
　　Today, designers have higher requirements for dog bed details, so many beds on the market are not only multi-functional but also more attractive. For example, some beds have cotton mats with a leather layer underneath to achieve waterproofing. If the cotton mat gets wet or dirty, just wash it properly, which is very convenient. Some small beds have pads with a slight depression in the center to help dogs sleep more soundly. There is also a type of small bed that can be used both as a dog bed and as a sleeping bag, serving two functions.
　　Besides improved details, dog bed shapes are also diverse nowadays. Some are designed in various cartoon shapes, such as fruits, animals, flowers, etc., making them a cute "art piece" to place at home.

Open, semi-open, closed styles, so many varieties can be overwhelming to choose from.

　　4. Look at style:
　　Today, dog bed styles on the market mainly fall into two types: semi-enclosed and open. Open beds can also be called dog sofas, more suitable for larger dogs, while semi-enclosed beds are better suited for smaller, less furry, or younger dogs.

Train your dog to sleep in its own bed from an early age.

　　5. Choose a bed that gives a sense of security
　　For puppies, training them to sleep in their dog bed is an essential lesson. Without proper training, many dogs will refuse to sleep in their bed even as adults, leading to sleeping scattered everywhere. This is bad for household hygiene and etiquette training. Training to sleep in the bed must start with puppies. When a puppy comes back from outside or after eating when it wants to sleep, the owner can lead it to the dog house entrance, gently push it in while giving a command with your usual words.
　　Once it obeys, immediately give appropriate praise and softly pet it. If the dog refuses, the owner can use a firmer tone and gently push the dog into the bed. The owner can stay nearby until the puppy falls asleep before leaving. Whenever you find your dog sleeping elsewhere, correct it promptly. After some training, the dog will develop the habit of sleeping in its bed.
　　Additionally, for dogs with poor adaptability, switching to a “new bed” can be a headache for owners. Such dogs usually don’t want to sleep in new beds at first. You can try placing items carrying their scent, such as mats, clothes, or toys, onto the new bed to attract them back "home." Many dogs tend to chew on their new beds initially, as they are familiarizing themselves with it. However, this may cause damage if they’re not careful. Therefore, it’s best to place a toy in the new bed to prevent them from chewing it.