It seems like dogs can, and do, fall asleep anywhere - sprawled on the floor, curled in a tight corner of the couch, or even face planted in their dog bowl. Some dog owners know the frustration of buying an expensive dog bed only to have their pup sleep anywhere but on their bed. With these habits, you might wonder if it’s really worth buying your dog a bed.

The fact is that giving your dog a comfortable spot of their own to sleep has many benefits. For dogs that are resistant to spending time in their beds, there are also some easy training steps that will make them happier to curl up there.

Dog Bed Advantages

A bed for your dog is not just a luxury item. It also provides physical and mental health benefits for them, and makes aspects of training and care easier for you. Some of the advantages include:

• Gives Your Dog a “Place” - A bed is a space your dog can call his own. This capitalizes on a dog's natural tendency to relax in dens, but it also helps with training. Teach your dog to go to his “place” and you can send him there when you need him out from underfoot.
• Joint Support for Dogs - Especially as they get older, dogs require joint support that sleeping on the floor doesn’t provide. A moderately firm bed provides the necessary support. An elevated bed is even easier on an older dog’s stiff joints.
• Provides Temperature Control - A floor can get cold in the winter. Beds provide a barrier that helps keep your dog warm.
• Improves Your Sleep - If your dog sleeps in bed with you, you might not be getting the best sleep. Studies have shown that sharing a bed with your dog can interrupt your sleep patterns. For those that can bear to move their dogs to the floor, a bed provides a comfortable alternative.

It is best for your dog to have a soft place to rest in any of the rooms he frequently spends time in. The range of beds out there, from sleeping mats to raised beds to bolster beds, mean you have options. There are outdoor beds as well if you enjoy spending time in the backyard or on camping trips.

Getting your dog to like his bed is best started when he’s a puppy, although it can be done with older dogs as well. It is similar to crate training, and teaches your dog there is a place he can go. And like his crate, you might sometimes have a need to order him to go to his bed.

If your dog is unsure about his bed, focus on making it an exciting place to be. Give your dog any treats or new toys on his bed so that he builds positive associations. Soon your dog might be seeking out his bed all on his own.