The dog bed should be put in a warm, quiet spot that’s far away from regular foot traffic that could interrupt your pooch when it’s snoozing. Putting your dog’s bed in the corner of your den or family room is a good option, but you could also put it in a utility room or laundry room. Slip-proof bottom – You don’t want your dog moving its bed around throughout your home, so a slip-proof bottom is a great design feature, particularly if you have wood or tile floors, or another such smooth surface throughout your home. Best Small Enclosed Cave Bed: This dog bed is built specifically for smaller dog breeds. Similar in design to a plush sleeping bag, the tubular design lets your dog be surrounded on all sides by a warm, comfortable micro-suede and faux-fur interior. Another dog bed with a roof is the Furhaven Snuggery Bed. It’s big and will fit most medium dogs. The 35-inch model is made to accommodate dogs weighing up to 50 pounds. Larger dogs will appreciate the larger models. However, some owners were disappointed with the plastic tubing but found the bed to be functional. Others noted that the tubing had frayed edges, but overall, the bed seemed to be well-made and durable. Shark Cave Bed

The shark-shaped cave bed is designed for small dogs and is made of soft-touch fiber cloth with a cotton-filled inner pad. The shark bed is safe for small dogs and is free-standing and very comfortable. It also has a fleece-lined bottom, which means it’s machine-washable and dry-cleanable. However, this bed is not suitable for puppies or dogs with excessive chewing or teething behavior. However, it is very cute and fun! The best option is to try to transfer some familiar scents to the new dog bed. A brand-new dog bed will smell unfamiliar to your dog, which means it may not use it as much as you’d like. So you may want to consider placing a few T-shirts or other items of clothing that smell like you on the dog bed. Or, if your dog has a favorite blanket, you may want to place that in the dog bed.Ideal for dogs with separation anxiety – Enclosed dog beds can be helpful for dogs who have separation anxiety. If you notice your dog performing “digging” or “tunneling” behaviors when it’s anxious, an enclosed dog bed may be a good option. The cave-like atmosphere of the dog bed will help them feel safe and secure, and they’ll have a place where they can “tunnel” and feel comfortable. To really put this one through its paces, we decided to test this on a large and very energetic Labrador puppy, a breed known for destructive habits. As suspected, our tester did try to chew the bed, but to no avail. Just as advertised, the bed is seriously tough. But surprisingly comfortable too, with a supportive futon mattress hidden away underneath the waterproof cover. This enclosed dog bed has an anti-slip bottom and a waterproof design, and feature an igloo shape that makes it easy for your pets to use it. With a removable cushion and a machine-washable design, you’ll have no trouble keeping things clean for your dog. The neutral, beige color fits in with almost any home decor, and makes this small bed very unobtrusive. Helps keep your dog warm – If you have a dog with a short coat, such as an Italian greyhound, chihuahua, or another breed that often has issues staying warm in the cooler weather, a covered dog bed is a great choice.

Our tester was a blind, arthritic 13 year old pointer mix who is used to sleeping on her owner’s bed but can no longer jump up to it. No other dog bed has ever interested her, but the Red Dog bed was an instant hit.

However, if you have an older dog who is well-trained and does not have a tendency to chew, putting an enclosed dog bed in its crate could make it feel more comfortable and cozy. Our expert, Rachel Bean, says yes, orthopaedic beds are well worth buying, “especially for older and arthritic dogs”. But what makes a mattress orthopaedic? It all comes down the material it’s made out of. Some dog beds are designed with feet, so they’re raised off the ground, and dogs do seem to prefer them. While not essential, there are a number of benefits to raised beds, including better temperature regulation, making the bed easier to get in and out of and preventing bugs, mould and damp under the bed. How to clean dog beds While some dogs will curl up and sleep soundly, others have somewhat destructive habits. Chewing and digging are two very common canine urges, particularly for puppies or stressed dogs - usually when the owner is absent. This can present a big problem when trying to find a bed that can withstand this abuse.