Your dog tends to sleep wherever the urge hits him, as long as that place happens to be warm and comfortable. Most dogs will nap if not kept busy, so if you are out most of the day, chances are your dog has been resting until you return.

You may find your dog has decided that your bed or a comfortable piece of furniture is exactly where he thinks he wants to be. If there are some areas you'd prefer your dog not freely lounge on, giving him his own personal dog bed may help.

Before purchasing any type of dog bed, bear in mind that the best bed and bedding must be warm and comfortable. Make sure the bed is large enough to fit your dog while he's outstretched and when he's fully grown.

There are many different types of dog beds you can provide for your dog. They come in many shapes, sizes and materials. They can include anything from old fluffy towels to cloth-covered, foam-filled bolster dog beds. There are specially made beds for dogs with special needs, illnesses or disabilities such as orthopedic dog beds.

An old fluffy towel can make a great bed for your dog. These are easy to obtain and replace, and they provide the soft material your dog prefers to lie on. Your dog may like it twice as much if it has your scent on it. Avoid towels that are ripped or shredded so your dog cannot swallow or get caught in parts of the material. Dog pads are usually foam or matting covered with fabric. These dog beds are highly portable. However, makes sure to always read the label to ensure the material used as stuffing is non-toxic and won't harm your dog if he chews on the pad.

Orthopedic beds are specially designed foam dog beds for maximum comfort for arthritic and special-needs dogs. These beds tend to be highly cushioned, supportive and portable.

Dog beds filled with a foam and cedar chip mixture are also available. The cedar chips are used to cut down on odor.

All bedding covers and bedding, if appropriate, need to be washed regularly or when soiled and dirty.