Dogs love people by nature. It is normal behavior that your dog has taken over your couch, your favorite lounge chair, or even your bed.  While some pet parents enjoy cuddling up with their dog on the furniture, it is also important to give dogs a place of their own: a dog bed.

In fact, if you have a large home, it's a good idea to give your dog several spots in the house that are just for your dog.  Put 2 or 3 dog beds designed to fit your decor around the home. For example, a crate or dog bed for sleeping at night; a bumper bed for resting in the family room; and you can even have a special couch cover just for your dog.

Your dog will feel at home with a place to sit and lay in several rooms where you sit and rest. Dog furniture is also an option to consider.

In addition to adding a stylish element to your home decor, a dog bed provides a multitude of benefits for your dog (and you). And, with an amazing array of shapes, styles and colors dog beds are now as unique as your dog.

Things to consider before buying your dog a bed:

    * What size is your dog?
    * Does your dog have special health considerations?
    * Do you need more than one bed?
    * Is your dog a burrower or a sprawler?
    * Is your dog destructive?

From functional to fabulous, there's a dog bed that's sure to fit your needs. The more you know about the choices that are available, the easier it is to choose the best bed for your dog. Remember that support and comfort are the most important factors.

When buying a bed for your dog, be sure to keep in mind that the bed is more than a place to sleep at night...

Buying a bed that your dog will like and that is suitable to use as a resting place in several areas of the home -- such as a bed in the family room, a bed upstairs and a bed to use in the kitchen -- in addition to bedding for the crate or kennel where the dog sleeps at night can be a challenge.  So, what do you look for when purchasing a bed. Here are some tips:

Evaluate the size, age and health of your dog, and think about the type of bed in which your dog will be most comfortable. If your dog likes to sleep curled up, or in a position where the paws are tightly tucked under the body, a bolstered type bed is the best.  This popular type of bed has 'bumpers' surrounding it giving the animal a sense of security. It also resembles a 'nest' that dogs create as they turn around and around before curling into a ball to sleep.

Crate sets,  padded flat beds and bumper beds that fit wire crates... protect your dog from injury. Dog beds with cushioned sides or bolsters are perfect for small dogs, especially dogs that like to burrow into a sleeping position -- as the dog can snuggle in and keep warm.

Designer dog beds come in all shapes, interesting patterns and colors and are also great for older or arthritic pets, which need more support for their achy joints. If you have an older pet, a low, orthopedic dog bed may be easier for the dog's joints. Often a heated dog bed is the best solution for an older dog.

Choose a bed that is the right size for your dog. The dog should be able to lie flat, completely stretched out on their side, without hanging off of the bed. If they like to stretch out, your best bet is to go with a traditional square or rectangular pillow dog bed.  Usually larger dogs prefer to sleep in a stretched out position.

Plush dog beds are a good choice for a cushy feel and maximum lounging. If you find yourself in between sizes based on the measurements, always go for the larger dog bed.

If you dog has allergies, look for washable pet beds. Clean bedding reduces the allergens for you and your pet and prevents the possibility of a flea infestation. A washable cover is almost a necessity since it gets dirty over time. After you have identified the right style and size, you are ready to select the fabric.

If your pet is an aggressive chewer or scratcher, look for a bed that can resist that behavior. For tough chewers or diggers, the outer covering of a pet bed should be made of a high quality fabric, such as Microsuede that can withstand pawing and digging. With so many designer fabrics, you no longer have to hide an unsightly bed.

The dog beds offered by 4alysdogs eBay store provide a wide variety of  shapes, sizes, colors and prices. You are sure to find the perfect bed for your best friend.

Properly introducing your dog to a new bed is key to getting the dog used to their new dog bed. Dogs don't naturally know what a dog bed is and many are skeptical that this new fancy bed is really for them. After a little guidance and encouragement, most dogs learn to love their new bed.

To help them get comfortable with their new bed use positive reinforcement. Hide some treats inside, cuddle with them or give them a new bone to chew when they are on their bed.

All of these positive experiences convince your dog that the bed really belongs to them.

Never use the bed as punishment: Reward your dog for retreating to the bed. Make bed time a routine, whether it is a treat and a command of "It's bedtime," once your dog has a routine, they automatically know when and where they should be at bedtime. Make it their own.  

If you have multiple pets, make sure they have each have a bed of their own (even if they choose to sleep together).  And remember, they are going to lick the bed, maybe wipe some dirt on it--don't always run to wash it... This is a way dog's have of marking what's theirs. Plus, as with people, it sometimes takes a week or two to get accustomed to a new sleeping arrangement. So give them some time and they will be sleeping on their bed, and thanking you for it in no time.