The daily sleep requirement of an adult dog is usually 12-14 hours. Puppies, seniors or sick dogs need an even higher dose of it. In addition to the pure need for sleep, you also need to add the time your dog needs to rest, come down and relax. Most of the time your furry nose doesn't sleep properly at all, but dozes, cuddles and chills, always keeping an eye on the situation. The wilder and more active the dog, the more important and intensive the time out in the dog bed should be. The sleeping and resting periods help your dog to regenerate and process what he has experienced and learned. But sleeping also needs to be properly practiced. Many four-legged friends need support with this, because external influences can prevent a dog from resting. In order to support and optimize the dog sleep of your four-legged friend, there are three proven criteria that you should pay attention to as a dog owner.
1. Sleep and rest phases
Already in the puppyhood a long resting phase should always follow after training and playing sessions. An energetic young dog usually doesn't even notice that he is tired and can exhaust himself. Nature, humans and every living creature needs a healthy balance in order to develop properly. Your dog can only become a balanced companion if he gets enough sleep and rest. Therefore, you should always set up space and time for sleeping and specifically ask your four-legged friend to take a break if he cannot get down by himself. Here it helps to send the dog to its sleeping place and to avoid any form of interaction (looking at, stroking). If there is even the slightest chance that your furry nose can persuade you to play a game of tug-of-war after all, he will not relax. This is where discipline and consistency are required. For dogs that really can't relax at all and are constantly coming up with new ideas to avoid sleep, it might be worth thinking about a dog box. If these targeted chill and sleep phases become routine in puppies, your four-legged friend will benefit from them for the rest of his life.
2. Choosing the right place to sleep for your dog
In general, dogs can fall asleep anywhere. However, the joints and the dog's skin suffer in the long term if the dog is only lying on the hard floor. Pressure points, loss of coat and joint problems such as arthrosis are the consequences. But why do some dogs still like to lie on the floor? Often the only reason is temperature regulation: the cold tiles offer a longed-for cooling on hot days, or the other way around - because underfloor heating is not only popular with cats. If your dog reacts sensitively to temperatures, cooling or heating mats are suitable to optimally support your four-legged friend in finding rest. Your dog's sleeping place depends in many ways on the preferences and demands of your four-legged friend. As a dog owner, however, you should also consider your own ideas when making your choice, especially regarding the colour and design of the different models and versions. After all, the dog bed has a fixed place and cannot simply be imagined away in the apartment.
Dog blankets and plaids
For dogs that do not like to lie elevated, dog blankets and plaids provide initial comfort. The good thing about dog plaids is that they are wonderful to transport. So your four-legged friend can have a piece of home with him even on vacation, and he will have a much easier time getting used to it. William Walker offers flexible comfort to-go with the Sleep products, such as the lightly padded dog blanket Dive or the travel mat Travel Superior. Both products come in an attractive design and can be stylishly integrated into the home design on vacation, as well as at home. An aesthetic and coordinated overall picture provides demonstrably also with masters and mistresses for relaxation and a well-being feeling. For long-lasting pleasure, the plaids, like all products from the William Walker Sleep range can be easily cleaned and washed.
Dog bed, baskets and loops
Dog sleeping beds that have a raised, padded edge surrounding the lying surface provide ideal sleeping conditions for dogs that like to rest their heads in an elevated position. Some dogs use the edge to curl up in the center like a ball. Most dogs feel snug and protected in the basket shape, whether round or square.
Dog beds should, of course, primarily convince in the subject of comfort and material, but you should keep in mind that a dog bed is usually intended as a long-term purchase, and has a certain presence in the room. So it should be of high quality and meet the taste of both four-legged and two-legged friends. Also, make sure that the covers are washable.
The William Walker dog beds are not only of particularly high quality, they also have a discreetly elegant and above all timeless design. The muted colors, can be wonderfully combined with almost all furnishings and styles. For dogs and puppies with a great need for cuddling and protection, William Walker offers an extra plush loop, which is perfect for the popular dog sleeping position "breathing fur ball".
Dog pillows and beds
For the gentle giants of the dog world are best suited padded dog pillows and beds. Here, the large breeds can stretch out their long limbs and do not sink into their sleeping places. Because, unfortunately, joint problems, HD/ED or osteoarthritis are not uncommon in large dogs. The deeper they sink into dog baskets, the harder it is for them to get up. William Walker offers with the dog cushion Chill a visually appealing and comfortable dog cushion, with high form stability for large dogs, or simply four-legged friends who prefer, for example, the lying on their back. In many pet supplies stores or on the Internet, there are also special orthopedic pillows, which can facilitate the sleeping phases of a dog with severe joint problems and thus also sustainably the waking hours.
3. The right environment for the dog sleeping place
The sleeping place for your four-legged friend should on the one hand offer the necessary rest, but also not be too isolated. Dogs want to be with their loved ones and have the situation in sight. If a dog feels excluded or cannot take care of his family, he will have difficulties to sleep. Ideally, dog beds and co. should be placed in the living room, e.g. next to the sofa, facing the room and with a wall at the back. If you are particularly fond of your dog, you can also set up another cuddling place for him in the bedroom or study - so that your faithful companion can always be near you. With the easily portable versions, such as dog blankets and plaids, you can easily take the sleeping place with you. Your dog then associates sleeping and resting with an object and not with a place. That's why portable dog sleeping places are so suitable for travelling or for taking to work.
Since the dog spends considerably more time of his life sleeping than romping around outside, it is worthwhile to observe the sleeping behaviour of the four-legged friend closely and invest in a high-quality product. Dog baskets, beds and Co are usually a long-term purchase and should meet the dog's needs, but also match the own taste. By the way: You should not wake up firmly sleeping fur noses. Twitching and snoring, barking and tail wagging are completely normal and no reason for concern. Maybe your dog is walking in his dreams across the most beautiful field, is dealing with a tense situation or simply feels perfectly comfortable in his new William Walker dog bed.
By Louisa Knoll
