Buying a dog bed your dog ignores is frustrating and expensive. The good news: your dog is already telling you what they want. Just watch how they sleep.
Step 1: Watch your dog's sleep position
- The curler: sleeps in a tight ball, nose tucked toward the tail. Many dogs do this to conserve warmth and feel protected.
- The leaner: likes to press against the arm of the sofa, a wall or your leg, often with their chin propped up.
- The sprawler: flops onto their side or belly with legs stretched out, especially in warm rooms.
- The mixer: switches between positions through the day and night.
Step 2: Match the bed to the sleeper
Donut beds: best for curlers and leaners
A donut bed is round, with a raised, cushioned rim all the way around. Curlers fit neatly inside, and the rim gives leaners something to rest against and prop their chin on. Many dogs find the enclosed feeling cozy, which is why donut beds are often sold as "calming" beds.
- Pros: snug and cozy, built-in pillow, great for small and medium dogs and for cats
- Watch out for: dogs who like to stretch out may hang over the edge; long faux fur can collect hair
Flat beds: best for sprawlers
A flat cushion or mattress-style bed gives your dog an open surface with nothing in the way. It suits dogs who stretch out, dogs who run warm, and older dogs who find it easier to step onto a low, even surface.
- Pros: room to stretch, fits well in crates and corners, easy to step onto
- Watch out for: no edge to lean on, so curlers may feel less snug
Mixers: why not both?
If your dog changes position a lot, a roomy donut bed sized up one step can work well. So can two beds in different rooms, for example a donut bed in the living room and a flat cushion in the crate.
Step 3: Get the size right
Measure your dog while they sleep in their favorite position:
- For a donut bed: measure your dog curled up, then add a few inches so they can fit inside the rim without squeezing.
- For a flat bed: measure from nose to base of tail while stretched out, then add 6 to 12 inches.
When in doubt, size up. A bed that's slightly too big is still usable. A bed that's too small usually isn't.
Step 4: Think about cleaning
Dog beds get dirty fast. Check whether the whole bed can go in the washing machine or whether it has a removable cover, and check the care instructions before you buy. Washing on a gentle, cold cycle and air drying helps plush fabrics stay fluffy.
A note on "calming" beds
A cozy, enclosed bed can help many dogs feel secure, but it isn't a treatment for anxiety. If your dog shows ongoing signs of stress, such as destructive chewing, constant pacing or refusing food, talk to your vet or a certified trainer. Our guide How to Choose a Calming Bed for an Anxious Dog has more tips.
Our picks
- For curlers and leaners: the Mara Calming Donut Bed, a round nest of long, fluffy faux fur with a raised rim. It comes in 11 colors and sizes S to XL, and the smaller sizes suit cats too.
- For sprawlers: the Plush Calming Cushion Bed, a thick, flat plush cushion with room to stretch out.
Both ship free in the US with 30-day returns.