WHAT TYPE OF DOG BED DOES MY BEAGLE NEED?

What Size Dog Bed for a Beagle?

When it comes to choosing your dog's bed, size does matter. Contrary to what you might think, there’s no point in choosing a dog bed that’s too large for your dog; a dog bed should be perfectly proportionate to their size - neither too big nor too small. Dogs like to feel surrounded and protected. When lying down, the edges should just touch your dog on all sides, so that they feel safe and secure but not cramped. Choose a dog bed that’s about as wide as your dog when curled into a ball. Also, bear in mind that the size of your dog’s bed will need to change as they grow; a puppy’s bed will not be suitable for them as an adult.

What's the Best Material for a Dog Bed?

If your pooch has destructive tendencies, you’ll be better off with a plastic dog bed, which is sturdier and much easier to clean than a fabric or leather dog bed, for example. A plastic dog bed also saves you from pest infestations, such as dust mites. Plastic dog beds are less comfortable than other types of dog bed, but you can make them cosy and comfortable by adding blankets and pillows. In any case, avoid wicker baskets, which are more likely to be destroyed. Your dog could swallow the debris, causing intestinal obstruction or suffocation.

Where Should I Put My Beagle's Bed?

Where you place your Beagle’s dog bed is important, too! Be sure to establish boundaries early on. Try to avoid having your dog's bed in your bedroom, so as not to encourage them developing an excessive attachment to you, which could later turn into separation anxiety. This disorder will seriously affect your dog’s quality of life. It can manifest as barking, which will quickly become problematic if you live in an apartment, or destructive tendencies. To prevent this, train your Beagle how to be alone from a young age.

Instead, choose a quiet area, such as a corner of the living room, for example. Your Beagle’s bed should be easily accessible. Keep it on the ground so your pooch doesn’t need to jump up to access it; as your dog gets older, repeated jumping could cause joint pain. Finally, place the dog bed in a location that is slightly dark, airy and well-ventilated in summer and warm in winter. Your dog’s sleeping area should be out of the way so that they can rest without fear of being disturbed. As such, if you have children, teach them to respect your Beagle’s sleeping habits. No matter how nice your dog is normally, they might react badly to be woken up!

Can Beagles Sleep Outside?

If you prefer, your Beagle can also sleep in your garden, provided, of course, that they have a kennel in which to take refuge. As with a dog bed, choose a kennel proportionate to the size of your dog. Ideally, your dog's kennel should be about ten centimetres higher than their standing height. Your Beagle should be able to stand up and turn around without touching the walls.

There are several types of dog kennel on the market, most of which are made of plastic or wood. Plastic kennels have the advantage of being lighter, easy to clean, more easily transportable, and also much less expensive. However, they are not so well insulated nor robust and can deteriorate quickly. As such, we recommend that you choose a wooden kennel, which is more expensive but offers better insulation both from the cold and the heat. Wooden kennels are also much sturdier and constitute a better investment in the long term.

Think carefully about where in the garden to place your dog's kennel. Try to situate it in a strategic location, protected from the wind, where your dog can observe their territory unobstructed. Your Beagle must be able to come and go as they please. As such, you should never tie your dog up in front of their kennel! They must be able to shelter easily. Remember to place a bowl of fresh water nearby at all times, and especially in summer when the temperature rises. If possible, move the kennel into the shade when it’s very hot. Finally, if temperatures are really too cold or too hot, let your Beagle sleep indoors instead.