Need a really TOUGH dog bed-Chewer - Page 1

I'd love to hear what you guys use for dog beds for a chewer.  I have a GSD that is FINALLY past the chewing stage (at 4 1/2 years!) but have now bought an American Bulldog pup that is being shipped to me as I type.  So here we go again.  The GSD and my Dane sleep on thick horse saddle pads, but when the GSD was younger, I lost count of how many saddle pads she destroyed.  (Luckily I had quite a few in my barn that were no longer being used). So I know the pup would do the same.  So no saddle pads until he's older.  I've been looking at dog beds online nonstop for hours for the last few days, and it seems like the majority of people say Kurandas hold up pretty well.  Doesn't look too cushy and comfortable to me, but I could always put something soft on top.  But then, back to the same thing--chewing it up and possibly even ingesting it.  I have a space next to my Pug's bed that is approximately 29"x42" where I would put the bed.  What do you recommend?  Also, what size would you order?  The pup has lots of balls and toys waiting for him, including a Wubba.  But for some reason, they just always go back to destroying beds.  Arrrrrgggghhh!  Thanks!

Randi

There's a trainer that comes on this board that may be of service. She is great with electric on young pups! Do you crate train? How old is this pup?

I don't have dog beds in their crates.  Why risk them eating a bed and getting a blockage?  I do use dog beds for them to lay on  in the family room, but I am there to watch.    Even now that they are older and don't destroy their beds, they still don't have them in the crates.

Used saddle pads would be an invitation to chewing I would think.  I know they can never get totally clean once used.  I've tried often enough.......

Animules, that was my thinking. Crate, no mas! Especially when they are young. Forms bad habits.

I have a crate, yes.  I plan on keeping him in it at night and when we aren't home (we're retired and home most of the time).  But, of course, I don't want him kept in the crate for long periods of time during the day, but I also can't watch him like a hawk every minute of the day.  He will be 3 months old in a few days, Don.  The breeder has been keeping him in a crate at night, and he goes into it to sleep, so he's familiar with it.  I hate keeping him in a crate with no bedding for warmth (he'll be in the house, but that area is cooler than the rest of the house) but I guess there's no choice.  And yes, the idea of a blockage scares me to death.  I was a vet tech for many years, and have seen way too much of that.  Anyone tried the Kuranda beds?  Are they really as tough as they say, and do the dogs really use them?  I don't want to spend $70+ on one, and have him not like it.   My Shepherd completely destroyed a really thick, nice dog mattress that cost $100, and I don't want that happening again.  What a waste of good money.

What type of crate do you have -- wire or the vari-kennel?   I have the vari-kennel and used these blankets from Pennys.   I catch them on sale (in fact, they are on sale now).  For $20 I didn't worry about them being ripped.    I, too, bought an expensive Floor Cushion by Bowsers.   Within 15-30 minutes, he had completely destroyed it !!  Stuffing everywhere !!    So, I went back to the Blanket for the Floor and all is well.   I bought the Queen size and it can be folded  several times -- very soft.
 

www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/X6.aspx

Would go with a crate and no bedding. It won't be cold if in the house.

Mine will go to their open crates on their own just to nap now and then.  Big soft beds in the family room.  They are fine with no bedding in the crates.

I don't put bedding in the crate in the summer -- just winter. 

Maggie, Is you dogs crate in the house or garage?  Crates in the house don't need bedding year round.