DIY dog bed made from scrap materials

Every dog breeder prefers to purchase a place for their pet in a store, but you can make a dog bed with your own hands. It will not only be cheaper, but also more original, since the product can be made in accordance with the taste of the owner.

Dogs are man's true friends, and everyone who understands this tries to create the best conditions for their pet. One of the attributes of a beautiful life for a dog is a bed. You can buy it in a store or make it yourself, putting a piece of your soul into the work. Manufacturers do not offer any options. Beds for large dogs, as well as small ones, are made of fabric and plastic, and sometimes these materials are successfully combined to obtain not only comfortable, but also durable furniture for the animal, because for some pets this plays a huge role.

Choosing a suitable model can be quite difficult, since you need to take into account a lot of the characteristics of the animal. This is the size, character, and breed. For example, not everyone can be easily accustomed to a bed with a roof. Many dogs prefer to sleep on top of a canopy, completely ignoring the rules for using a bed. For this reason, for such a dog, you can simply not overpay for additional equipment and choose a simple bed in the form of a sofa.

Nowadays, in stores, and especially in large cities such as Moscow, you can find many options for dog beds. These can be impressive sofas for large breed animals, or small wicker beds for small dogs in the form of a basket. However, it should be noted that most of these products are very expensive for breeders. But it all depends on the quality and size. If you don’t want to overpay for a dog bed, you should make it yourself. Of course, a beginner is unlikely to be able to cope with making a wicker dog bed, and plastic products require special equipment. Nevertheless, there is one wonderful option that every needlewoman will like. We are talking about the possibility of sewing a sofa bed for a dog. It will be much cheaper than buying a product in a store, but the quality depends solely on the hard work of the craftsman.

What should a good dog bed look like?

It is very important to choose the right material from which this product will be made. It doesn’t matter whether it’s handmade or a dog bed from an online store, the material must be durable, wear-resistant, and most importantly, very easy to care for.

Experienced dog breeders recommend that beginners pay attention to products that are equipped with covers. This will make it easier to care for the dog bed and the entire dog area. It is much easier to remove the cover once a week and wash it than to process and dry the entire lounger each time.

We must not forget that the bed must be made exclusively from natural material, otherwise it will become highly electrified and create discomfort for the animal. It is worth noting that plastic beds for large dogs should have a removable cover made of natural fabrics.

When choosing a dog bed, you must first observe the animal and see in what position the dog sleeps most often. This will allow you to decide on the model. For example, if an animal most often sleeps curled up, it is worth purchasing an oval or round bed with high sides. By the way, this option can be easily made independently. The sofa bed is suitable for a large breed dog that is used to resting with its entire body stretched out.

DIY dog sofa from an old sweater

If you have a blouse or sweatshirt lying around in your closet that you wanted to throw away, don’t rush. You can give him a second life, and your four-legged friend will get a great place to relax and sleep.

To make such furniture you will need the following tools and materials:

Old sweater;
Sewing machine;
Threads in color;
Scissors;
2-3 unnecessary synthetic padding pillows.

When everything is ready, you can safely get to work. The sequence of actions is as follows:

You need to remove all the filling from the pillow.
If there is a collar on the sweater, you need to cut it off; if not, just sew it up.
Sew the product from one sleeve to the other.
Insert the whole pillow inside the sweater and mend the hole.
Fill the arc formed from the sleeves with the filling you pulled out of the pillow.

That's it, the new sofa-shaped bed is ready for your pet!

Important! You can make a great dog couch using an old briefcase. To do this, you need to remove the cover and all metal fittings. Cover the bottom of the suitcase with chiffon fabric, and make legs from the door handles. Place a pillow made of thick fabric inside. You can decorate such a sofa using acrylic paints or using the decoupage technique.

To ensure that the finished product is durable and lasts for quite a long time, we bring to your attention some useful tips.

Choose strong and wear-resistant materials for the bed. It is best to pay attention to denim, fleece, cotton and flock.
Use strong threads and accessories.
If your dog has a habit of chewing on everything, then the bed should not be decorated with various decorative elements.

The appearance of a dog in the house is the same as adding a new family member. Therefore, it is very important to equip her corner in such a way that she feels comfortable. By putting into practice the advice of our experts, you can make an excellent bed for your pet. Do not forget that we are responsible for those we have tamed.

Happy dog owners know very well that their pets must know their place. This is exactly the corner where the animal will feel comfortable and fully relax. Unlike cats, which tend to constantly move around the owner’s living space, a dog simply needs its own space. Read on to learn how to make it yourself.

Material for production

If your pet has short hair, then you can take a closer look at beds made of velvet or faux fur. Such beds are most often chosen for short-haired small dogs, since the material provides good warmth, and most importantly, it is easy to clean. This is a big plus during the molting period.

Natural fabrics such as chintz, cotton and linen do not cause allergies, but they are fragile. Beds for large and active dogs made from similar materials are not suitable. The only option is to use a special cover that will help protect the mattress itself from claws.

Expert advice

When making a dog bed, use these additional recommendations.

Any pillows or stuffed materials should be fluffed at least twice a year. It is necessary to regularly clean the upholstery of debris and wool. To do this, you can use, for example, a vacuum cleaner or a hair roller; these are sold at an economical price in the hardware department.
When choosing sewing fabric, give preference to materials with small prints. The fact is that white fabric gets dirty quickly and will have to be washed often, but wool is clearly visible on a black background. Bright fabric with small details will not have to be vacuumed as often.
For convenience, you can initially choose lining made from materials that repel wool and water. An even simpler option is to make the entire structure in a case. Then all you have to do is remove the pillow from the cover, clean the cover of wool and wash it in the machine.
When decorating a homemade bed, avoid using beads, beads, bows and other decorations. Not only can a dog get caught on such a part and injure its paw, but also active individuals will not mind chewing such a unique toy or swallowing it.
When making a soft bed, use strong threads and reliable fittings. Many dogs, especially at a young age, love to chew, tear, and taste everything, so a poorly stitched design will quickly become unusable. For the same purpose, try to choose a strong, wear-resistant material for the cladding.
Before making, measure your dog several times, and also think in advance where you can put the dog bed. Perhaps residents of small apartments should abandon the dog bed altogether, so as not to crowd up the space. In such cases, you can place sun loungers and houses on the balcony, but this option is only suitable for the warm season.
The type of bed is selected taking into account the breed of the dog. If this is a miniature, ever-shivering dog that experiences constant cold, then it will be glad to have a bed with high sides, behind which it can hide from the dangers of the outside world, and a thick mattress laid inside for warmth. Active dogs who participate in any household chores will prefer a bed with low sides that will not limit their view.

If this is a dog with warm long hair, then he will refuse to sleep in a fur bed; a lightweight design made of smooth material will suit him.

How to accustom a dog to a bed?

In order for your dog to get used to his bed, it is very important to install it in a suitable place. It should be quiet, cozy and not too bright. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the character of the animal. Many dogs won't feel comfortable unless they have a full view of what's going on in the room.

It is necessary to take care of the health of your pet. The bed should be located on a small hill and away from drafts. At the same time, you should not install a dog seat next to a radiator or heater, since excess heat will also have a bad effect on the dog’s health.

It is advisable to accustom the animal to a bed from early childhood. Immediately after the baby is laid down in a certain place, it is necessary to transfer him to the lounger. In this case, the actions must be accompanied by the command “place”.

The bed must always be free, that is, you cannot put your things here or let other animals in. This is the dog's personal space.

You can try to lure an adult dog to a new place with a treat, and then explain in words that this is his new bed. Under no circumstances should you use force, as this can permanently destroy the animal’s desire to be in this place.

Booth dimensions and design features

When building a booth, you need to focus on the size of the dog
. Despite the simplicity of the design, you need to become familiar with some features related to its size, the size of the opening, the materials used, as well as insulation.

First of all, you should decide on the size of the dog house, focusing on the size of the dog. The height of the booth should be 10 centimeters higher than its height and wider, otherwise the dog will feel cramped. Dog handlers have their own recommendations, based on the breed of dog. The table below shows the dimensions of the booth, depending on the size of the animal:

Breed sizes	Width, cm	Length, cm	Height, cm
For large dogs (kennels for Alabais, Shepherds)	120	100	100
Medium breeds (husky, husky, labrador)	100	80	100
Small dogs	80	60	80

You should not increase the size of the booth, since in winter the dog is unlikely to be able to stay warm in such a booth. The table shows the internal dimensions, excluding the material of manufacture and insulation, so the dimensions will increase depending on the thickness of the walls.

Determining the size of a dog kennel

Manhole size

The width of the hole is determined based on the size of the dog's chest. To do this, just measure the width of the chest and add 5 cm to the resulting dimensions. The height of the booth is determined in the same way. The height of the animal at the withers is measured and 5 cm is added. Naturally, a kennel should be made for the puppy taking into account its height, but the opening should not be made too large. The best option is to widen the hole as your pet gets older.

As a rule, the hole in a dog kennel is not located in the center of the kennel, but offset to one of the walls. This is necessary so that the pet can hide behind a solid wall from the wind or precipitation, curling up. There are some recommendations for making a partition in the booth. The result is a “vestibule” and a “sleeping area”. If a dog hides in a fenced-off “sleeping area”, it will be very difficult for him to control the territory. Not all dogs like to hide in such areas, since their task is to protect the territory, which even they understand. Therefore, the best option is exactly this - with a displaced manhole, without additional partitions inside.

The hole should be formed so that a threshold is formed in its lower part, at least 10 cm high, but not more than fifteen. It is necessary to protect the inner surface of the booth from precipitation.

What should the roof be like?

There may be two options: a single roof or a gable roof. The most suitable one is a single-slope one, since many dogs like to lie on it and control the territory.

One more point should be noted: a gable roof increases the internal volume of the dog kennel, which is not optimal from a heating point of view, since the internal space of the kennel is heated by the energy of the animal’s body.

Therefore, a pet will feel most comfortable in a booth with a pitched roof.

It is better to make a folding roof

A similar problem can be solved by taking a different route. If you make a ceiling in the booth, then there will be no problems with the gable roof. Despite this, in any case, the roof should be hinged, since the booth will have to be disinfected periodically due to the fact that fleas prefer to live and breed in it.

The presence of a floor, especially one raised above the ground, is a prerequisite. To do this, the legs must have a certain length, taking into account the height of the floor above ground level. You can knock down the frame, lay insulation, and then cover it with boards.

In fact, dogs don't hide in the kennel as often and prefer to spend more time outdoors. Therefore, it is better to build something like a canopy with flooring in front of the dog house so that the dog can sit or lie comfortably.

In the booth shown in the photo above, the front wall reclines, which is also convenient.

How to choose fabric for sewing a bed yourself?

Every pet should have its own place, especially since you can buy a dog bed inexpensively. For a dog, especially a large one, this is very important. Otherwise, the owners of the house may lose their sofa, which will always be occupied by the dog.

Nowadays, stores in any city, both in the capital and in the provinces, can offer a wide range of pet beds. These include houses, mattresses, small sofas, and cute wicker baskets. The products are offered in various colors and any size, that is, you can choose a suitable bed for both small and large dogs.

Of course, the cheapest option would be to sew a bed with your own hands. For this purpose, materials such as fleece, nylon or plush are most often chosen. However, it is worth considering that artificial fabrics may not be a very suitable solution for making a bed for your furry friend, since these materials are highly electrified and can cause allergies. Cotton and linen are safer, but they are not very durable. One of the best materials for sewing a high-quality mattress for a dog is natural denim. It is quite durable, but does not create problems with electricity generation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lBlzRoQaG0

As for the filler, it can be anything. This includes down, holofiber, padding polyester, and foam rubber. Natural fillers are not hypoallergenic, which must be taken into account when choosing a material.

The main thing is that the filling is strong enough and does not come out of the main cover, as this can be a good reason for the dog to pull the entire contents of the sofa out. Animals love this very much.

DIY pet bed (video)

At first glance, it may seem like a very simple process, but in fact, there are certain standards that need to be taken into account when making cat beds. A cat bed should be:

comfortable;
environmentally friendly;
safe.

If you decide to sew a cat bed with your own hands, choose dust-repellent fabric for these purposes, since the accumulation of dust can lead to a decrease in the function of the animal’s respiratory system. As you know, representatives of the cat family love warmth, soft surfaces and heights.

Many owners of these pets are already tired of unsuccessful attempts to teach their pets to sleep in one place. Often, the cat wins, and the owner can only buy more brushes to remove cat hair from clothes. To solve this problem, you should take into account the wishes of your furry friend and equip a bed where there is the best and most comfortable place for the cat.

For pets who love privacy, the best option would be a cat bed in the form of a house with a roof, where he can hide from prying eyes and rest peacefully. If your furry pet’s favorite place is a radiator, make a cat house on the radiator.

If you decide to have a four-legged friend at home, you should definitely equip him with a place where he will play, sleep or just relax. This is especially important for dogs of small breeds or smooth-haired dogs. This is due to the fact that they are quite fragile and can simply freeze. Therefore, in order for your pet to have his own corner and not get sick, we will tell you how to sew a dog bed yourself.

How to sew a dog bed?

The process of working on a product of this type is very simple. You don’t have to be a certified seamstress to make a dog bed with your own hands; a photo of one of the options can be found below.

You need to start with the selection of material. If the dog is small, then to get a comfortable mattress you need to purchase 1 linear. m of fabric, as a rule, it is 1×1.5 m. You will also need filler, for example, holofiber. This material is good because it does not cause allergies and holds its shape somewhat better than its analogues. In addition, for the work you will need high-quality threads, a ruler, chalk and a dense base, which can be thick cardboard. You also need bias tape and strong but thin rope. You can watch a master class on how to sew a dog bed with your own hands in the video below.

First you need to cut out the center, which is determined by the cardboard circle. The diameter of this part will be equal to the bottom of the bed. We mark a circle on the fabric, and then measure about 20-30 cm from it, depending on the height of the lounger. Leave a seam allowance of about 2 cm, and then start cutting.

As a result, we should get 2 absolutely identical round parts, where there will be marks such as the center and seam allowances. Now you need to place 2 parts of the product with the front side facing out. After this, a circle of cardboard is placed between the pieces of fabric and secured with pins in the middle. Along the line defining the center we sew both parts. A small hole should be left in order to fill the bottom of the bed with holofiber. This hole is then sutured.

At this stage we get a pillow with hanging pieces of fabric on the sides. We sew the product along the very edge, leaving a small hole, and then make 1 more seam where the second mark was. We get a track where we will need to thread the rope, but that will come later.

Now fill the bed with filler through the holes left until the very end. Holofiber should be placed sparingly in the side parts so that the bed can take the desired shape. We sew up the holes, and along the very edge we process the seam with bias tape. We thread a rope into a pre-prepared hole and tighten it tightly, making a strong knot at the end.

The result is a dog bed mattress with high and warm sides. If desired, you can sew a couple of covers for it, which will make it easier to care for the product.

Which dog bed is best to choose?

Bedding or rug. If the house is warm and free from drafts, this is a good place for large and medium-sized dogs that like to sleep stretched out to their full length. In addition, the pet has the opportunity, within reason, to move its sleeping place. This type of bed is the easiest to care for. You won't need much time to shake the dust out of it, periodically wash it and dry it in the sun.

From left to right: Ferplast Atlas, Ferplast Freddy rugs, Red Dingo premium bed

Companies Ferplast, Fop, Hunter, Triol, Jusi, Trixie offer high-quality bedding at an average price of 270-1100 rubles, depending on the quality and cost of the material. The price may be higher if the bed has additional features (for example, a heated dog mat). Trixie mats with a non-slip base are very comfortable.

Dog beds come in plastic and soft types. Of course, soft beds are more comfortable for your pet to rest, but caring for them is more difficult. The plastic base is quite durable, they do not slip and keep their shape. From a sanitation point of view, such beds are preferable, as they are more practical to maintain. You can combine such a plastic lounger with a bedding or cover, which will need to be washed periodically.

Ferplast plastic lounger with and without cover pillow

Soft dog beds are available with sides and backs, as well as without them. As a rule, dogs like the first option more. Loungers with boots are warmer, protect from drafts, and you can also rest your face on the edge of the lounger, which is very convenient. Dogs of large and medium breeds like beds that are slightly raised above the ground, that is, they are a kind of sofa. The bed can be the most ordinary: consist of a body and replaceable parts. But expensive models can be orthopedic, heated and cooled. Many manufacturers treat beds with protective and antiparasitic agents.

From left to right: Dezzie fur lounger, Red Dingo lounger with sides, Ferplast sofa

Dog beds are preferable for large breeds because they help ensure that the sleeping dog's spine is in the correct position. But they are also suitable for small dogs. It’s just that for large dogs they make more “spacious” beds, and for smaller dogs they make more compact beds.

The companies Juicy, Ferplast, K&N, Snoozer Pet, Fop, Hunter, offering a wide range, are today the best manufacturers of dog beds. The price range of beds, depending on the materials and design, is 300 – 3500 rubles.

Dog houses are semi-closed or closed beds. They can also take the form of a mink, a kennel or a cradle. Dog houses are made of soft fabrics; there are models with insulated walls - such dog houses have good thermal insulation properties.

From left to right: bed house Trixie, Fop, Ferplast

It is preferable to buy home “kennels” for dogs for small breed dogs. Tiny toy terriers, chihuahas, dwarf spitz-dogs and yorkies love to hide in them - after all, in such a house the dog is both warm and calm. Of course, dogs of any breed do not mind their place being their personal home at the same time. The desire for security on all sides with the ability to stick out only their muzzle remained with dogs from their distant ancestors. However, a house for large and medium-sized dogs will cost significantly more than their miniature counterparts.

A wide range of dog houses are offered by the companies Trixie, Ferplast, K&N, Snoozer Pet, Jusie. Their price range is very wide and starts from 450 rubles.

If you find it difficult to choose the type of bed for your dog, also pay attention to transformable houses, which can easily be converted into a bed with a side or a comfortable chair if desired.

How to sew a simple bed with a side

To sew a regular lounger with a high side, purchase furniture foam rubber 5 cm thick, thick furniture or tapestry fabric that is suitable for upholstery, and soft fabric for removable pillowcases, preferably dark in color.
We cut out the bottom of the lounger and the side from foam rubber. The bottom should be large so that your pet can sit comfortably in its place and sleep. The length of the side should be equal to three sides of the bottom.
Having cut out the parts from the foam rubber, attach them to the furniture fabric, cutting out two parts for the bottom and two for the side. It is necessary to leave seam allowances of approximately 4 cm on each side of the fabric part. Sew covers from fabric and fill them with foam rubber parts. After this, sew the bottom and side of the lounger together.

For the mattress you need to sew a couple of removable pillowcases. Natural fabric (linen, cotton) is suitable for them, from which you can quickly shake off the wool. Choose dark colors, because light ones get dirty much faster. Removable pillowcases should be the same size as the bottom and attached to it using elastic or Velcro, but not zippers or buttons. The lounger mattress must be periodically beaten out in the snow in winter and dried in the sun in summer.

DIY dog bed: what you need and where to start

What will you need and where to start if you decide to make a dog bed with your own hands? First of all, you need to think through all the nuances so that your efforts are not in vain.

A dog bed is:

Resting-place.
A place where the dog can warm up and calm down.
A place where the puppy can hide food supplies.
A place where the dog can hide toys or things that he considers his own.
A breeding ground for parasites and bacteria.

Almost all industrial dog beds are covered with nylon or fabric, which is 60-80% synthetic. This is why pet store products have an unpleasant odor. In addition, there is a considerable chance that the coloring of an industrial lounger will be short-lived or allergenic.

Important! The dog's resting place should not cause harm to it. To make the lounger and cover, it is necessary to use fabrics that do not accumulate static tension and do not irritate the skin. The optimal choice is cotton, satin and linen.

To prevent your pet from cluttering up the bed with its toys and other trophies, it is better to place a special basket (box) next to it. By regularly putting toys in the basket, you let your dog know that they are always available. Over time, the four-legged dog will understand that the toys that are in the basket are safe and will stop hiding them under the mattress of the lounger.

Most likely, you will not be able to “convince” your dog not to hide food on the bed or under the mattress. The pet's thrifty behavior can lead to contamination of the cover, which will contribute to the rapid proliferation of bacteria. In addition, when returning from a walk, your pet can bring fleas, which will happily make nests in the folds of the fabric. By making a removable cover that can be washed and ironed, you will prevent many health problems for your pet.

Large or small – how to correctly determine the size of a sun lounger?

How to correctly determine the size of a bed if your pet is still a puppy. How to guess so that the manufactured lounger does not turn out to be big or small in the future? There is no answer to this question. You can focus on general dimensions: large, medium or small dog.

The general requirements are as follows: when entering the bed, the dog must be able to freely turn around and lie down with its paws extended (stretch).

In practice, it turns out that if your puppy is medium or large, the bed will turn out to be simply huge and take up a lot of space. However, there are nuances here too, depending on the position in which your pet is comfortable sleeping.

If you cannot determine the size of your dog when it grows up, it is better to wait to make a bed. As a temporary option, you can use a cardboard box in which a child's cotton mattress is placed.

The mattress can be folded to form sides, and the cardboard box serves only as a frame. As your puppy grows, you can change the size of the bed. When your pet reaches 7-8 months of age, its adult dimensions will be clear, which will make it possible to make a stronger and more durable bed.

Round or rectangular - how to choose the shape of a lounger

How to choose the optimal shape? To answer this question, just watch your pet sleep when the house is hot and cool. Usually, when a dog is cool, it sleeps curled up in a ball. When the pet is warm and comfortable, it spreads its legs and sleeps on its side. Practice shows that sleep position can be influenced by breed or physiological characteristics.

Dogs with long legs rarely sleep in a ball, so a rectangular bed is more suitable for them. This shape is suitable for large pets and dogs with elongated bodies.

The round bed is suitable for small dogs who tend to freeze even in warm weather. Few people know that the smaller the pet, the faster its metabolism, so it spends more energy on heating its own body and freezes more often.

The problem of pet discomfort can be solved not only by the shape of the bed, but by its location. For your dog to rest, it is better to choose a separate room that is free from drafts. The lounger should not be placed near windows or heating appliances. When the windows are open, the dog will sleep in a draft. In winter, the heat emanating from heating devices dries the air, and with it the wool.

For short-haired dogs that are not resistant to cold, it is better to make a bed that can be placed on a platform. You can use a homemade pallet as a platform. To protect the lounger from drafts, it can be placed in a bedside table, the bottom section of a closet or other protected space.

Lounger with sides or open

Why is it better to make a sun lounger with sides? Most dogs feel more comfortable when their back rests against something while they sleep. This feeling is reflexive, since wild dogs sleep in lowlands or under rocks to hide from the eyes of competitors and larger predators.

A bed with sides is the best choice for small and medium-sized dogs. Large and gigantic four-legged animals may not appreciate the imposed comforts, since the sides make it difficult to spread their paws while sleeping.

Remember! A bed with sides is not the best choice for older dogs that suffer from joint pain.

Having settled on a model with sides, you are faced with another choice - soft or hard. Soft sides are more comfortable, hard ones are easier to clean.

Stores sell special frames that look like plastic basins with a flexible side. This frame is designed to fit a suitable sized mattress. The result is a bed with flexible, rigid sides and a soft base. This model of lounger is considered the most hygienic, since the mattress is easy to replace and the frame can be washed.

Knitted or fabric?

To keep the lounger warm, you need to use natural fabrics as upholstery. Trying to ensure maximum comfort for the pet, owners believe that it is better to make a cover for the bed knitted from wool.

What can you make a dog bed from?

If you don’t know how your puppy will grow up or can’t find a model of a lounger that would suit you in size and quality, it’s better to make a resting place with your own hands from scrap items. Using them you not only save money! A bed that has your scent will calm your pet as he falls asleep.

Lounger made from an old sweater

For small dogs, you can make a bed from an old sweater. You will need several safety pins, padding polyester or other filler, thread, needles, scissors and, if you wish, decorations.

The central part of the sweater (body) is used as a pillow on which the dog will sleep. Before stuffing with padding polyester, the central part is stitched along the armpit line.

Having stuffed the sweater with padding polyester, carefully sew it along the bottom line. Having sewn up the first half, you can stuff the sleeves with synthetic padding - these will be the sides of the lounger. Using safety pins, the sides are raised and secured in a tensioned position.

As a result, you will have a soft, round dog bed. The advantages of this model are comfort, since the dog will be soft and warm. The downside of a lounger made from an old sweater is that it cannot be washed, since the padding polyester will form a ball and lose its softness after drying.

Foam dog bed?

If you have thick foam lying around at home, you can use it as a base to make a comfortable pet bed. A foam lounger must be made with a removable cover. You can use a special case, pillowcase or part of a duvet cover as upholstery.

If you have a sewing machine, it is better to make a cover with fasteners from durable, stain-resistant fabric. By sewing a few buttons to the pillowcase, you will get a cover for a small dog's bed. You will have to tinker with the duvet cover. Having chosen the angle, you need to measure the desired length and width of the cover, taking into account allowances. After cutting, the edges need to be hemmed and fasteners attached.

If the foam is thin and you are worried that the lounger will be hard, you can fix it in several layers. It is most effective and safe to use buttons that are applied to folded sheets of foam rubber on both sides and secured with strong threads.

Using foam rubber as a base for padding, you can make a lounger of any shape and size. The disadvantage of foam rubber is that it cannot be washed; however, to prevent parasites, foam rubber can be left in the open sun or treated with steam.

Over time, the filler will lose its shape and dents will appear in it. If you use old foam rubber, it may begin to crumble. However, such a lounger will last for several years, even if the foam rubber has been lying idle for a long time.

DIY pillow bed

A small lounger can be made from a pillow. Let's make a reservation right away that it is not recommended to use pillows with feather filling, since the dog may develop allergies. A well-stuffed synthetic padding pillow is suitable for making a lounger.

According to the algorithm described above, a removable cover is made for the pillow, which can be washed. To make it more comfortable for the dog, it is necessary to make sides for the lounger.

A quick option is to make a frame from a cardboard box. If desired, the cardboard can be decorated or covered with fabric.
A wicker basket is suitable as a frame for a round pillow.
For a large pet, you can use a plastic basin as a bed frame, which is cut to the desired shape using a heated knife.

If you have some padding polyester, the sides can be made from a regular “carriage” rail. To make the rail bend in a semicircle, make several cuts to the middle.

The bent rail is attached to the bottom of the lounger using a mounting stapler. As the bottom, you can use glued sheets of cardboard, chipboard or a board of suitable size. Dimensions are taken from the resulting design and a pattern is made. A two-layer cover is made using the pattern. For greater comfort, a soft pillow is placed in the upholstered lounger.

Beds with a house

A house-bed for a dog is not at all the same as a house for a dog. Just a house - it is for play or serious matters, for example, for a puppy with a litter. A dog needs a bed with a house in other very specific cases.

Houses-beds for dogs

A dog of northern origin, sledding or herding, needs a durable home kennel, on the left in Fig. Her closest ancestors (possibly her parents) lived in monstrous conditions: they were fed from hand to mouth, they had to spend the night in the snow at -40 and below. Their owners beat them to death for the slightest offense; the sick or exhausted were abandoned to their fate, in the tundra, which was very angry and short-lived. The owners themselves could have eaten it. Amundsen's expedition to Antarctica only reached the South Pole and returned back in full force and good health, because along the way he abandoned the sleigh that had been freed from its luggage, and the sled dogs that were freed from them... ate! This caused great indignation in the world at the time, but the Norwegian polar explorers were only surprised: how could this be? What's wrong with that? These are dogs! They are not only draft power, but also food!

Note: Northern peoples do not eat hunting dogs. Training a hunting dog takes a lot of hard work and requires a lot of experience, and a hunting dog is too valuable.

These horrors are firmly ingrained into the northern canine gene pool. This is why huskies and Russian reindeer huskies respond so warmly to care and do not forgive evil. And if the owner has endowed him with a reliable shelter worth a lot of work, he will not abandon him, he will not eat him, and he must reciprocate in full. Dog logic is simple and extremely rational.

The puppy also needs a bed with a shelter house (in the center in the picture) or a cradle bed, see below. For similar reasons: he is still small. If you don’t like it, they can throw you out or give it to someone bad. And they made the house - everything took root! You can sleep peacefully.

The miniature adult lap dog has settled in quite well and knows that she is loved. But she is too small, they could accidentally step on the sleeping one. Therefore, she also needs a house over the bed, but not a soft embroidered one, like a puppy, but something stronger (on the right in the picture), so that if something happens, she has time to wake up and jump out. The sensitivity in sleep and the reaction of all dogs are quite wild, this is the instinct of self-preservation at work.

Crib house

A bed with a house for a puppy or miniature dog can be completely sewn soft. These creatures are too small and light to excite and feel the “return” of the sex to their movements and even pampering.

Patterns and sewing patterns for a dog bed-cradle are shown in the figure:

Patterns and sewing patterns for a dog bed-cradle

Due to the fact that it is all zippered, you can take this bed with you to the dacha and on long trips. The sizes are designed to be suitable not only for young animals and small animals, but also for an adult medium-sized dog.

How to make another version of a dog bed house with a cradle, see the video below:

Video: dog cradle house

A dog, like its owner, should have a comfortable place to rest in the house. On sale you can find many models of sofas and beds for large and small dogs. You can also equip a comfortable bed yourself or order it from a craftsman who can build a structure that will provide complete comfort to your pet and fit perfectly into the interior of the apartment.

Advantages of homemade beds

A four-legged pet should have its own place at home, a cozy corner where the animal can lie down and relax. Many dogs prefer to rest on the owner’s sofa or bed, but if there is a soft, comfortable bed, they often climb into the “nest”.

You can buy a finished product or make a comfortable den with your own hands. Even a novice craftswoman can easily cope with the task, the main thing is accuracy, a little patience and a few ideas.

A homemade bed has many advantages:

the product will be of the shape and size to easily place a sleeping place in the apartment, taking into account the comfort for household members and animals,
a homemade sleeping place for a pet is easy to make, approximately according to the size of the pet, with a small margin if the dog is still growing,
you can choose a design, color, interesting shape, dimensions, taking into account the area of the room and the placement of furniture,
You can show original taste, emphasize individuality,
creative ideas will certainly be appreciated by friends and relatives,
A DIY dog bed is cheaper than a finished product.

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Selection rules

When choosing, the pet’s body weight matters. A dog may not be larger than a cat, but it is heavier than its owner.

You also need to take into account the dog's habit of sleeping in a certain way. If she stretches out to her full height, you don’t have to invent anything, but choose a regular bedding that does not in any way limit the position of the pet’s body in sleep. If your dog likes to drag his bed from place to place, and it is impossible to wean him from this, a comfortable bedding without enclosing structures will be just what you need.

For medium-sized and small-sized human friends, closed or semi-closed beds are often chosen. Such beds should have comfortable sides, since pets love to rest their heads on them. A bed fenced on all sides is good in a spacious apartment or house. The dog that rests on it will be protected from drafts.

If your pet is an adult and spends a lot of time sleeping or just lying on its side, you can buy a sofa with an orthopedic mattress.

There are models with cooling and heating functions, allowing you to provide comfort to the animal at any time of the year.

An important factor in the choice is the material from which beds and sofas for pets are made. If it is of low quality, then the bed will not last long and will quickly lose its pleasant appearance. Materials must be:

environmentally friendly;
wear-resistant;
durable;
safe;
well permeable to air.

It is important that the soft components of the structures are easy to wash.

It should be taken into account that pillowcases and covers of dog beds will have to be washed at least once a month, and better yet, more often. If after several treatments these things are frayed, it means their quality leaves much to be desired.

You also need to take into account that fabrics like velvet or plush, corduroy or faux fur will be appreciated by pets with short hair. Materials like these provide warmth for these dogs. However, they become clogged with dust and fur faster. They will need to be cleaned frequently. If the material is of poor quality, holes will soon appear in it.

If you have a long-haired dog in your home, constant contact with fluffy fabric can cause its fur to become dull.