Of course, your Doberman will probably be most comfortable on your bed, snuggling in the linens that smell of his favorite people. But if you don’t want to have dog fuzz on your bed, the other option is to buy a bed for your Doberman.
Innumerable Web sites and catalogs offer a plethora of choices: designer beds that look like mini sofas until you flip out the lower portion for a day-bed; oversized floor cushions filled with cedar chips; hammock-style apparatuses; the list goes on and on.
The most important factor is comfort. Make sure the bed offers your dog enough room to turn around on. Like other bony dogs, Dobermans like to switch positions often and they like plenty of room in which to do just that.
The bed should offer enough support. A too-soft bed will get lumpy and uncomfortable really quickly. The bed should not sink to the floor, nor should it not sink at all.
Warmth is another important issue. Some beds offer a heated core, either by plugging it in, or by heating an insert. For unsupervised use, select the latter. Even really good Dobermans get bored, and there is risk of injury because of chewing on electrical components. The cord could also short out and shock the dog. If you chose an electrical bed, carefully and frequently inspect the heating element and cord for signs of wear.
Another option for warmth is to offer bedding such as a thermal or polar fleece throw. Dobermans are known for “nesting” and making a cozy place among their blankets.
Looks are probably the least important issue. Choose a bed with a removable cover so that you can launder it (which will also keep it smelling good, too). Pick a color that matches your Dobe’s fur, and remember that a pattern shows wear less obviously than a solid color.
Choose a bed with a sturdy fabric, such as denim or corduroy. Cotton sheeting will not stand up to toenails.
The greatest test of a Doberman bed is whether or not the dog likes it. Save your receipt for a few days…you never know.
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