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These easy crafts are so cute and comfy, you'll want to make one your size!
VonEllen stormed legal
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Here at Country Living we love our pets. We're known for scouring the web for the bestgifts for dogsfor the holidays or even for themdog birthday party. And we wouldn't be surprised if this year's Christmas card included a picture of us.matching pajamas for dog and human. So of course we go all out when it comes to dog beds, even if our furry best friends end up on the couch next to us.
Of course, you can find a store-bought bed that your pet will likely love. But sometimes there's nothing better than picking up the sewing machine or even power tools and starting a DIY project. That way, you're sure to have a bed that you and your pup will love, and you can even customize it to your space and preferences. These super cute and incredibly affordable DIY dog beds are loved by dogs of all shapes and sizes.
my frugal adventures
119
disguised dog bed
Customize this wooden DIY to fit your dog perfectly.
Get the tutorial belowmy frugal adventures.
room for tuesday
219
built-in dog bed
This pull-out style is perfect for small spaces or homeowners who like to keep it neat and tidy.
Get the tutorial belowroom for tuesday.
Miss thrifty mother
319
seamless dog bed
Match the fabric of this super soft chaise longue to the rest of your home decor.
Get the tutorial belowMiss thrifty mother.
practically functional
419
recycled tire dog bed
This cool idea is the perfect size for a dog.
Get the tutorial belowpractically functional.
Katie Whitaker
519
reused bed
Take a page from Rachelle Blondel's new book,Do it yourself for your dog, and turn an old drawer, suitcase, wine box or picnic basket into a cozy repurposed bed.
lost parts
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rustic drawer bed
This blogger writes that she made her farmhouse-inspired pet bed for under $30.
Get the tutorial belowlost parts.
David Hillega
719
Small red Hundebett wagon
Remove wheels and axles from a wagon. Next, cover a pillow insert (sizes vary based on wagon dimensions) with a pet-safe fabric and place it on the wagon base. Glue furniture pads to the bottom to prevent scratches.
Courtesy of Wouldn't it be nice?
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Woven platform dog bed
This sturdy dog bed will withstand the challenge of a 160-pound American Mastiff. Braided nylon strips are stapled to a square wooden frame and finished with upholstery nails for a finished look. The colored legs of the turned furniture add a playful touch to the bed.
Get the tutorial belowIt would not be good.
Cortesia de Chasing a Dream
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Nightstand with dog cage
During the day it may look like an ordinary nightstand, but at night you open the latch and let your dog climb on it. If that isn't the definition of double duty, we don't know what is.
Get the tutorial belowchase a dream.
Courtesy of Ruche
1019
reused suitcase
Turn a vintage suitcase into a cozy place for your dog to stay by filling the bottom with a foam pad covered in a fun fabric, as seen in this easy DIY project. Decorate them with a burlap streamer and pack your favorite toys in the bags.
Get the tutorial below@Home with Ashley.
Courtesy of Endorsed by Igor
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rebuilt tv console
Do you remember when televisions were beautiful pieces of furniture? If you have a vintage device gathering dust in your basement or are lucky enough to find one at a thrift store, you can turn it into a dog bed fit for a king. Remove the electronic guts from the old console (be careful not to break the picture tube) and paint it the color of your choice.
Get the tutorial belowWith the support of Igor.
Courtesy of 86 Lemons
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Updated side table corner
For a dog who likes privacy but also wants to be close to the family, create a special nook for him on a side table in the family room. Shellac the wood to keep the stain from running, then paint it a calming neutral shade. A two-tone pillow makes for an inviting interior, whether you're napping or not.
Get the tutorial below86 lemons.
Cortesia de Southern Revival
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Broken side table turned into pet bed
Can't you imagine your four-legged princess snuggled up in this classic four-poster bed? Southern Revivals turned a broken final table and added shots to the front legs to add to the drama. Some round feet, a coat of white paint, and a chevron pillow complete the look.
Get the tutorial belowsouthern renaissance.
Courtesy of our nerd house
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Mid-century style dog bed.
If Betty Draper made her own, she would love this mid-century mod dog bed. Use plywood to build a crate big enough to fit around a store-bought dog pad, screw some pre-made legs to angled brackets, and paint it a bright retro color.
Get the tutorial belowour nerd house.
Courtesy of Playing with Scissors
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Double use side table
Dress a dark wood hexagon side table with a fresh coat of paint, and spruce up the interior to suggest a cute doggy house, complete with a "Home Sweet Home" sign. Feminine-print fabric panels feature a modern design on the interior "walls," and a cozy pillow and pillows in a coordinating pattern make it perfect for a pet that likes a cozy nook to sleep.
Get the tutorial belowplay with scissors.
Courtesy of Homemade Icing
sixteen19
Wooden crate dog bed
Grab some leftover two-by-fours from a previous project and build a vintage faux bed on wheels. Don't worry about rough edges - smudges just add to the worn look. Use vinegar and steel wool to age the wood, Danish oil to age the paint, and the freezer paper transfer method to add your dog's nickname.
Get the tutorial belowhomemade coverage.
Courtesy of Liz Marie
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reused drawers
You've heard of babies sleeping in drawers back in the day, so why not turn some old drawers into a place for your furry kids? Paint and age the wood for a worn-chic look, and add some house numbers on the front to indicate which pup sleeps where. Burlap covered pillows on each make them perfect for napping.
Get the tutorial belowliz maria.
Courtesy of the Empress of Dirt
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DIY Second Life pet bed sweater
Stop trying to stop your dog from getting tangled up in your clothes and swap out an old sweater for this handmade dog bed from Empress of Dirt. Fill it with a pillow, cotton padding or even a rolled up baby blanket and sew or add a zipper to remove the inside for washing.
Get the tutorial belowempress of dirt.
Courtesy of my repurposed life
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Repurposed dog bed
Turn a crib milk carton into a special room for your furry friend by taking apart a bed and using the components to create a new creation. Then paint or stain to complete the beautiful new creation.
Get the tutorial belowmy life transformed.
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Ellen stormed legalEllen Sturm Niz is a New York-based editor and writer who writes about women's lifestyles, home design, DIY projects, food and entertainment, and parenting.
FAQs
What type of bed do dogs prefer? ›
Pups who fully stretch out when they sleep, especially larger breeds, tend to like pillow or mat style beds—rectangular beds without raised sides. Dogs who circle and then curl up into a ball often prefer nest-style, donut, or “snuggle” beds with extra soft, cushiony sides. This is common for small to medium breeds.
Do dogs love dog beds? ›The truth is, dogs need beds just like we do, and they are beneficial for a variety of reasons. Here are just a few: A Place of Their Own: Just like puppies feel safe and at home in their cages, a dog bed is a place where adult dogs can be the master of their domain.
What material is best for bed with dogs? ›Cotton Is Comfortable for Dogs Too
As humans, we know that cotton means comfort thanks to a crisp weave, a soft feel and superior breathability. Those benefits are also what make cotton such a good fabric for dog beds! Cotton is hands-down one of the best dog bed fabrics on the market.
Do Dogs Need Soft Beds? Dogs don't need soft beds, but instead need to rest on a firm surface; too-soft pillow beds don't offer the support needed for comfortable rest and healthy joints, and an older dog who sinks into a plush bed may have trouble getting into and out of it.
Do dogs prefer hard floor or bed? ›12 reasons your dog may prefer sleeping on the floor:
Dogs that like to sleep stretched out generally prefer floor pillows while dogs that curl up to sleep usually like bolsters or donut-shaped beds. His bed is too small, lumpy, or dirty and he feels claustrophobic or uncomfortable in it.
Most dogs like a bed to be large enough to have loads of room to manoeuvre, without being so giant that it ends up drafty. Remember that pups are pack animals and most love a snuggle, so if their bed is a little big, think about adding in a dog blanket or pillow to make it feel comfier!
Do dogs prefer beds or blankets? ›You are definitely your dog's best friend, but a blanket is likely a close second. Whether wrapped in a warm bundle or pridefully parading their favorite fabric around the house, dogs clearly love blankets and the reason why is more science than softness.
Do dogs prefer sleep on a dog bed? ›This is true not just for people, but for dogs, too. Dogs sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on age. So, they need a comfy bed to snooze on just like you do. Although you might find your pup occasionally, or often, snuggled at your side during the night, dogs need to have a bed of their own.
Do dogs get attached to beds? ›Many dogs will become so attached to their dog beds that it really doesn't matter where it is, they'll still love to sleep in it.
What to look for when buying a bed for a dog? ›- 1 : How does your dog sleep? ...
- 2 : What should the dog bed covers be made of? ...
- 3 : How easy is the dog bed to look after, to keep clean and fresh? ...
- 4 - Is it a durable dog bed? ...
- 5 - What size dog bed do I need?
What bedding material doesn't attract dog hair? ›
What is the best material for sheets? As we discussed above, silk and linen are great repellent sheets. A higher thread-count cotton and a smooth weave sateen are also great dog proof options. If you're looking to splurge, Egyptian cotton sheets and pima sheets are great options.
Why does dog prefer couch over dog bed? ›The Root of the Behavior
Dogs love to be in places where they feel safe, comfortable, and loved. They also love to be where their owners are. Dogs know that the couch and all furniture are reserved for humans and they also know that humans find those items sacred and comfortable.
Dogs with short coats would benefit from the added clothing at night, whereas a long-haired dog would overheat and be miserable as a result. If you do decide that your dog needs pajamas, be sure that you take measurements before purchasing the clothes.
Do dogs need blankets? ›All dogs can benefit from blankets. Young, old, and sick dogs need the added comfort. Small dogs, short-haired breeds, and dogs who are prone to be more cold-blooded need the extra warmth. Dogs love the comfort of having a blanket of their own, and blankets make great substitutes for dog beds.
Do dogs like to snuggle under blankets? ›Dogs may also crawl under the covers with their people because they enjoy the warmth and companionship of being snuggled up next to their “human pack”. This behavior is more common in some breeds than in others.
Do dogs like sleeping in the dark? ›Keep Their Sleeping Area Quiet and Dark: Mammals have circadian rhythms that are influenced by light. View Source , so it's easier for your dog to sleep at night if it's dark or dim. It's also easier for them to sleep if they aren't being interrupted by excessive noise.
Where do dogs feel most comfortable? ›While pups were most distressed in the bedroom, the team found that dogs feel comfortable in the kitchen (71.2 BPM), followed closely by the living room (71.8 BPM).
Why does my dog sleep at my feet instead of next to me? ›Dogs are pack animals, and they are programmed to stick close to the pack for safety and protection. In a domestic situation, you are the pack leader, so they will want to stick close to you. What is this? Being by your feet lets them feel more secure, so they are better able to relax and sleep.
How often should I wash my dogs bed? ›One of the easiest ways to make sure that your dog's bed stays clean is by washing it regularly. According to PetMD, dog beds should be washed once a week or at a minimum of once every two weeks to maintain the optimum health and safety of your pet.
Do dogs care about house size? ›The chief limitation with pets in a house becomes size – your pet's and your dwelling's. Small breeds will adapt readily to homes of 800 to 1,000 square feet with small yards. Place a large breed in that scenario, though, and your pet may become frustrated due to lack of space. Dogs need room to grow and romp.
How often do you change a dog's bed? ›
Most dog beds need cleaning around weekly, or perhaps fortnightly. Peaceful older canines tend to keep their sleeping quarters in good nick. Still, an enthusiastic puppy is very likely to have an accident from time to time - and so a dog bed with washable cover is going to save a lot of problems!
Do dogs like to sleep with humans? ›Once you bring a dog into your home, you become part of their pack. They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
Do dogs feel the cold at night? ›Do Dogs Get Cold at Night? It is possible for dogs to get cold at night, even if they're kept indoors. "If you think your dog is getting cold at night, consider giving him a cozy blanket to snuggle up to in bed. Most dogs will not feel cold at night or will seek out a warmer place if they do," says Satchu.
Do dogs like getting kissed? ›It depends. "If the dog has learned to accept kissing on top of the head, then that's fine," says Shojai. "For a new-to-you dog, though, I'd find other more species-appropriate ways to show affection." The truth is that some dogs simply don't like being kissed.
Why do dogs lick you? ›Licking is a natural and instinctive behaviour to dogs. For them it's a way of grooming, bonding, and expressing themselves. Your dog may lick you to say they love you, to get your attention, to help soothe themselves if they're stressed, to show empathy or because you taste good to them!
Why do dogs rest their head on you? ›Others show affection by resting their head on your knee, and some lean against you. It's important not to push your pet away when he's expressing his love. That's the time to strengthen your bond and enjoy the special moments of affection.
Why do dogs sleep touching you? ›It provides them with a reliable place to lay their head and sense safety. This desire to sleep with you is likely a natural instinct to stay close for safety and secureness. You being the head of household or of certain authority to your dog, they feel the most secure in your presence.
How do dogs pick their favorite person? ›Dogs choose their favorite people based on positive interactions and socialization they have shared in the past. Like humans, dogs are especially impressionable as their brains develop, so puppies up to 6 months old are in their key socialization period.
Why do dogs prefer human beds? ›They enjoy sleeping with you because it makes them feel safe and comfortable. Sleeping together gives dogs an emotional connection to their owners. Dogs feel love and gratitude towards you, just like you feel towards them.
Are dogs happier sleeping in bed? ›“In general, it is a very good thing for animals to sleep with their people.” Pets who share their human's bed tend to have a “higher trust level and a tighter bond with the humans that are in their lives. It's a big display of trust on their part,” Varble said.
Do dogs prefer sleeping inside or outside? ›
Dogs are evolved to be social – needing humans
That's yet another reason dogs should sleep indoors rather than outside at night.
Why do dogs like to sleep with you? If your pup likes to sleep with you, it means they feel secure and comfortable with you. When your dog was a puppy, they cuddled up with their littermates for warmth and comfort, so now they want to do the same with their people.
What colors can dogs not see? ›So What's the Truth About Dog Color Blindness? Having yellow-blue dichromatic vision means that dogs are most similar to a red-green color blind person. They are very good at distinguishing between variations of blues and yellows (and whites and grays), but cannot really see red and green all that well.
Does my dog understand I love you? ›Especially if you tell them often, they will come to recognize your words and tone and will understand the love you have for them. As long as you're showing your dog love and affection, they will understand it. However, if you want to throw in an extra belly rub or treat once in a while, they will love you for it!
Should I cuddle my dog to sleep? ›Cuddling your dog isn't just good for your pet, but for you too. Cuddling can have multiple psychological benefits for both you and your furry friend. It reduces levels of Cortisol, the hormone that is responsible for stress, anxiety, depression and, worst-case scenario, breakdown.
Do dogs sleep with the alpha human? ›Do not let a dog that is having alpha issues sleep in the same bed as the humans. This is a definite alpha position. A doggie bed on the floor beside you is your best bet for maintaining alpha position. This rule is for aggressive dogs or dogs showing signs they are forgetting their place.
How often should you change your dog's bed? ›Most dog beds need cleaning around weekly, or perhaps fortnightly. Peaceful older canines tend to keep their sleeping quarters in good nick. Still, an enthusiastic puppy is very likely to have an accident from time to time - and so a dog bed with washable cover is going to save a lot of problems!
Where should a dog bed be placed in a bedroom? ›A corner, or at least against a wall, is usually the best location. Dogs like to feel safe and closed-in when settling down for the night, and wide open spaces don't make for a good night's sleep. The bed should not be in the middle of the room or in a noisy corridor.
What color is best for a dog bed? ›Grey and Black beds for your dog
Most people prefer black and grey beds for their furred companions. This is because black and grey colors can conceal any mess that your dog may cause. If your canine companion has a brighter fur coat, dark-colored beds are not a good fit.