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Kennel Comfort: Making Your Dog’s Crate as Pleasant as Possible

Kennel Comfort: Making Your Dog’s Crate as Pleasant as Possible

Our philosophy is this: if you live amongst creature comforts, the beckoning soft couch, gentle pillows and the oh-so-soft soothing blankets fresh out of the dryer, then your furry little one should too. This is particularly important if you’re crate-training your dog. There are two types of crates: hard and soft-sided. Hard-sided crates are ideal for indoors where portability is not an issue, or for crating during transport. Most of them are collapsible, but they can still be unwieldy. Soft-sided crates are ideal for extended vacations or any other trip that you’re planning with your dog – even if just out for the day. They can be easily stowed away during transit and erected quickly at your destination, and since they’re padded they won’t require any additional bedding material. 

If you already have a hard-sided crate and balk at the idea of buying another one, your best bet is nabbing the BarksBar Orthopedic sleeper to make sure your existing crate is as comfortable as possible. If you’re looking for a travel carrier for use inside of a regular passenger vehicle, or just something lighter to take with you on vacation, you’ll want the Soft Pet Kennel Indoor/Outdoor. It’s roomy, low-maintenance, and won’t take up much space when not in use. 

Keeping that credo afloat by many dog parents alike, I compiled a list of the best dog beds and kennels in Amazon.

Hard v. Soft Kennel, Which Do I Need?

If you’re looking to crate train by the book and your dog is or will be larger than 30lbs as an adult, a hard-sided crate is your best bet. You will be using it heavily, and although it won’t transport easily it will hold up under wear-and-tear better than a soft-sided crate. These crates generally come with either an open-wire or hard plastic bottom. This can be extremely uncomfortable for any dog, so your crate-shopping trip should end with two purchase: the crate, and a bed for inside the crate. 

If your dog is under small or you’re just looking for a “home away from home” while you and your pup are on vacation, a soft-sided kennel is your best option. They’re easily moved, easily cleaned, and easily stored away when not in use. Since they’re soft by the very nature of their construction, the kennel itself should be enough to keep your dog safe and happy (no extra bed required).

Best Dog Beds for Hard-Sided Crates

Scout’s Pick

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Regardless of breed, size or age, comfort is the key for the BarksBar Gray Orthopedic Dog Bed. Made from a 4″ solid and grooved orthopedic foam base and a cotton-padded rim cushion that contours and supports your dog’s neck, this bed has divinity written all over it. 

The base of the bed provides optimal balance, comfort, reduced joint pain and leaves enough wiggle room for your dog to get settled in. Also, the back of the base has a built-in non-slip rubber backing so your pooch does not slide with the bed across your wooden floor or tiles. And the removable and machine washable ultra soft polyester cover makes it so much easier to maintain the bed clean. 

The bed comes in medium and larger sizes. The large orthopedic sleeper has a sleeping space of 36″ x 24″ and fits multiple of smaller dogs or a dog 100 pounds or more.  If your little one is a senior, this bed will help him/her with joint, bone or arthritic problems. It is no wonder that the overall comfort provided to all dogs regardless of age, size, or breed made me pick this bed and place it on Harley’s Christmas list.

Fluffy-haired breeds like Bichon Frises, Shih Tzus or Lhasa Apsos need a little more room depending on how big and fluffy their lock of hair is. This is why the Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler is the perfect snuggler for any little dog. 

The machine washable small bed is designed to provide maximum comfort and support for small dogs, especially older canines with aching joints. Designed like a little fortress, the Sheri OrthoComfort Deep Dish Cuddler’s walls provide comfort and ease to your dog’s joints and allows your pet to feel safe and secure. The back wall is higher to provide extra support and relieve pressure on your dog’s joints.  Both the front and side walls curve lower fitting as a perfect headrest and the nylon fabric bottom is water and dirt resistant. 

Your dog will love to snuggle up to the Sherpa fabric which was carefully picked to make your pooch feel like he/she is snuggled next to his/her mother’s fur especially with the deep crevices between the walls and bottom cushion. Watch your furry best friend sleep in comfy poses.

For our large and extra large mischievous furry bed-hogs, couch-hogs, and proclaimers of their universe, the Big Barker 7″ Pillow Top Orthopedic Dog Bed will lure your huge and over confident dog away from your bed and introduce him/her to their own castle.

The bed is made out of 7″ of superior quality American Made therapeutic foam, a 2″ layered H10 Comfort Foam, and a middle layer made of 3″ H45 Support Foam with an additional 2″ layered H10 Comfort Foam which all go to support every corner, leg, paw, head, and neck of your pooch’s body. 

And the best part of the orthopedic foam is that it won’t flatten, pancake or become a chewable food source for your pet. Rather, the bed is guaranteed to hold 90% of its original shape or you’ll be refunded your money back. The soft microfiber cover adds a touch of flair to your home and it’s machine washable!

For Dog owners who have a 9-pound Golden Retriever, an 84-pound German Shepard, or a gargantuan dog, you’ll be pleased to know Beasley’s Couch Dog Bed is not only comfortable but stern, very roomy and comes in 4 different elegant colors. 

The couch-style bed is made of  Hypro-Loft poly fiber filling, a blend of exclusive virgin and recycled fibers. These fibers preserve the shape of a loft as the overstuffed 3 sided bolster creates the firm shape of the couch and gives your dog comfort, support and plenty of room to relax and move out while sleeping. 

The Beasley’s Couch Dog Bed is guaranteed not to shift or flatten like a mat so no matter the weight of your pooch, he/she will have his/her own sofa. And it’s washable. The largest size is 30×40 inches but you can also special order XXL beds for dogs larger than 150 pounds. One of the customers who wrote an Amazon review indicated that their 200-pound Mastiff had room left to wiggle around. 

And if you have a large and small dog, the small bed comes in 20×25 inches. There’s no need for jealousy between buddies. Each pooch can have their own bed and be each other’s “mini me.”

Not all dogs like the couch. As a matter of fact, I’ve seen large dogs that love their own bed that even if the bed is too small for them, they rather flop their body on the middle of the bed and let their legs and paws linger over the sides. For large size dogs or multiple smaller dogs who love to cuddle in a tub size foamy bed, the Dog Bed King USA Cuddler Nest Pet Bed is the ideal sleeper.

The bed is made of a 2″ thick foam base and thick, soft interior that are comfortable and spacious. The solid-foam collar is curved to match your dog’s natural sleeping position and provides support all around. The Imitation Lambswool fabric is removable and machine washable so you can drop it into the washer with your clothes or separately.

Next time you plan to go on a trip with your large dog, consider this portable lightweight kennel. Because of its heavy duty Oxford with PVC coating, the kennel is water resistant so it can be kept outdoors as well.

Most of the beds I came across listed as “chew proof” were designed as sleeping cots, raised above the ground. Although some dogs seem to love the elevated beds, keep in mind they are restricted. They may be great for the less active dogs, but for those larger, bed turners who roll over when they dream, this might not be the best choice for them. If you’ve ever rolled off your bed while you are asleep, you not only scare yourself silly but end up hurting your back or side at the same time.

Air flow on all sides of the bed keeps your pet nice and cool, especially on warm or hot days. The Coolaroo Elevated Pet Bed with Knitted Fabric is a cot-type bed that elevates pets more than 7 in. off the ground. If your pooch suffers from arthritis or any ailment that sensitive to touch, the suspended bed provides comfort to your pooch by creating low-impact to pressure point and joint areas.

Because the high-density polyethylene (HDPE) fabric eliminates hot spots, your dog’s skin will be able to breathe just as if you were sleeping on a hanging cot. A powerful, durable coated steel frame supports the weight on the cot of large or small pets. Best of all, the cot bed is lightweight, durable and designed to be used indoors or outside. Don’t worry when it gets dirty. The sleeping elevated cot is flea, mite, mold, and mildew resistant and simple to clean

Best Soft-Sided Dog Kennels

A kennel not only provides shelter but can also be a nice cushy safe haven for your dog when you travel together. If you need a kennel strictly for containment while traveling, the HENREK Pet Dog Cat Playpen Cage Crate – Portable Folding Exercise Kennel is your best bet.

Innovation best describes this portable, foldable and spacious kennel/crate for dogs. Beautifully crafted, the kennel is made from a breathable 600D oxford cloth interwoven with 8-panel mesh windows that allow air to flow easily. The two full zipper protection door with a breathable removable roof provides an easy entrance for your four-footed friend. 

Kennels and pet carriers are interchangeably referred to one another. This is the case with the Pawfect Pets Pet Travel Carrier. If your best friend happens to be a little Bichon, Poodle or West Highland Terrier, for example, this carrier is for you. 

The carrier is 17.5 inches long by 10 inches wide and 11 inches tall designed to be durable, safe and airline approved so it fits under the seat of all major airlines.  Moreover, the Polyester & claw defense mesh located on the top and 4 sides, provides airflow and ventilation at all times so your little one is never without oxygen. Mini buckles ensure protection for your dog.  

The kennel carrier has openings on both its sides and ends enabling you to give your baby treats, pet him/her and/or take them out quickly if necessary.  Imagine traveling at night and knowing your dog is near you. With the reflective strips,  you’ll always know where your baby is at. Plus, you can keep your dog’s treats, accessories, leash and toys inside the storage pockets on the sides. And unlike plastic kennels that have a handle on the top, this carrier has comfortable shoulder straps so you can keep your pet even closer.

Scout’s Pick

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Just like a big comfy bed,  medium size and large dogs such as small labs or Golden Retrievers require more breathing room and space so they feel free and not constricted. 

Imagine being cooped up in a small box for 8 hours a day without room to wiggle your feet or move your bum? That’s how large dogs or any dog for that matter feels if their kennel is too small for their size. 

The Soft Pet Kennel Indoor/Outdoor, Portable Pet Home And Carrier In-car Traveler is easy to assemble and lightweight. It comes in a medium size for dogs up to 20 pounds and XL for dogs no bigger than 45 pounds. The kennel’s fabric is made from tightly weaved mesh held securely by an extra-strong steel frame that provides ventilation and clarity for your four legged friend to see around him/her. 

This kennel carrier is convenient for traveling and staying indoor or outdoors and the detachable soft mat is machine washable. Imagine all the room and ventilation your dog will have, and the ease of knowing he/she can see their surroundings

Next time you plan to go on a trip with your large dog, consider this portable lightweight kennel. Because of its heavy duty Oxford with PVC coating, the kennel is water resistant so it can be kept outdoors as well.

At 42 inches long, 28 inches wide and 30 inches high, the Jespet Deluxe Blue & Beige Indoor/Outdoor Soft Dog Crate can be interchangeably used as a kennel.  The see-through screen mesh doors on the top, front and side provide ventilation and a visual reference for your pooch to see from. 

Its extra-strong steel tube frame is tightly secured by a Heavy-duty, tightly 600D fabric made to withstand wear and tear. One of the most convenient additions to this design is the water bottle holder on the sides. It also comes with two accessory pockets where you can store treats or food.

Let’s face it. No matter what “chew proof” bed or kennel you buy, some dogs are excessive chewers. The bigger, the dog, the sharper and stronger his/her teeth, and therefore the most likely he/she will destroy even the most “chew proof” design. If a dog is determined, nothing can stop him/her from giving the bed or kennel the “Jaws” treatment. So, when you look for a bed or kennel for your baby, keep in mind these two things: comfort and ventilation are the keys to a happy dog. 

Comfort equates to the right size of bed or kennel because a little nuzzle room goes a long way. Your pooch will sleep sound and his/her bones, neck and back will have orthopedic relieve. And, ventilation allows for fresh air and a nice view for your four-legged pal, so he/she does not feel trapped inside a confined space. Once you give your furry loved one a sense of both worlds,  he/she will feel protected and be less prone to chew his/her bed or tear through the kennel to get out.

Continue reading:

Best Outdoor Dog Kennels

What you Should Consider in Indoor Dog Kennels and Pens

Best Dog Crate Pads