AUSTRALIAN SHEPHERD SLEEPING HABITS

Like many doggies, Australian Shepherds love to sleep. In fact, sleep takes up a good portion of an Australian Shepherd's life. In adulthood, they sleep about twelve hours a day! This is an energetic dog who needs to recharge as often as possible to stay in top form. As such, it's important that your Australian Shepherd is properly equipped to rest in peace.

Can Australian Shepherds Sleep Outside?

Yes, Australian Shepherds are quite capable of sleeping outside. Their thick coat gives them good protection against the cold - provided temperatures are not freezing. If you're planning to let your dog sleep in your garden, however, you must invest in a good quality kennel. 

What's the Best Material for an Outdoor Kennel?

Most of the kennels on the market are made of plastic or wood. Plastic kennels have the advantage of being easy to clean, more easily transportable, and also much less expensive. However, they are not so well insulated nor robust and can deteriorate quickly. On the other hand, wooden kennels offer better insulation both from the cold and the heat. They are also much sturdier and constitute a better investment in the long term.

Opt for a kennel with a sloped roof if you live in an area with a lot of rainfall. This prevents water from stagnating and damaging the kennel. However, sloped roofs are a little less easy to clean than kennels with a flat roof. Dogs also generally enjoy lying down on the flat roof of their kennel, which they use as a point to survey their territory.

What Size Kennel Should My Dog Have?

It would be wrong to think that a kennel needs to be excessively roomy for your dog to feel good in it. In reality, the ideal dimensions for an Australian Shepherd kennel should be perfectly proportionate to the size of your dog: neither too big nor too small. Ideally, your dog's kennel should be about ten centimetres higher than their standing height and a little wider at the sides. Your Australian Shepherd should be able to stand up and turn around without touching the walls.

Where Should I Put My Dog's Kennel Outside?

You can't set up your dog's kennel just anywhere. Place it in a sheltered corner of your garden, where it will be protected from wind and rain, facing south if possible. During the summer, move your Australian Shepherd's kennel into the shade to protect it from the heat. Make sure your dog gets enough exercise during the day so that they sleep peacefully at night. There are many games and activities to do with your Australian Shepherd which allow them to blow off steam.

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What's the Best Dog Bed for an Australian Shepherd?

As dogs who like to be close to their masters, Australian Shepherds also enjoy sleeping in the house. But again, choose carefully when selecting the perfect dog bed for your Australian Shepherd.

What is the Best Material to Use for a Dog Bed?

Think carefully about the type of material used when selecting your dog bed. Some materials can be messy or even dangerous if your dog has destructive tendencies, for example. This is particularly the case with wicker, fabric, or leather baskets. There is a risk that your dog could swallow small pieces of the basket and suffer from intestinal obstruction or suffocate.

Plastic dog beds have the advantage of being stronger, but they are a little less comfortable. So, if you go for this option, be sure to line it with lots of cosy blankets and cushions. Plastic is also easier to clean than other materials.

How Do You Know What Size Dog Bed to Get?

You should always choose a dog bed proportionate to your dog's size. When lying down, the edges should just touch your dog on all sides, so that they feel safe and secure but not cramped.

Where is the Best Place to Put the Dog Bed?

First thing's first: try to avoid having your Australian Shepherd's bed in your bedroom. You don't want to encourage their dependence on you or let them think of themselves as the leader of the pack. Instead, opt for somewhere like the living room. Choose a quiet area, out of the way, which is airy and well ventilated. This is especially important in the summer.

Decorate your dog's bed with toys and place a bowl of fresh water nearby. Your Australian Shepherd should never be disturbed when sleeping. Leave them alone to rest and let them see their bed as a place that belongs just to them.

Dog beds are not the only option for your Australian Shepherd's sleeping area. You could also buy them a large pillow, a small mattress, or even a small dog sofa.

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