dogs bedding

[fruitsalad]

why do my dogs keep destroying their bedding i have tried them with an old duvet, blankets, old sleeping bags, but everything they have they destroy.

[showcatbenga]

You don't say if the bedding is in a bed or just left loose? Have you tried leaving them with no bedding? unless you have them on a concrete floor (when it would be cruel), they may be happier without & you don't have to worry about the effects of them ingesting their bedding. Why or how does it become destroyed - play fighting? chewing? soiling?

[fruitsalad]

by chewing and sometimes soiling as well, i've tried it in a bed and loose, but they still do it.

[paddywak]

As showcatbenga says some dogs just dont like bedding. for instance Max my GSD won't have anything in his basket, no matter what. Roxy, my sisters Westie on the other hand has that much bedding you can hardly see her when she gets in he bed

[LottieAnne]

Dogs rarely soil their beds so it seems as if there is something wrong here, You don't say how many dogs you have and whether they are dogs or bitches, Could there be problems of jealousy? Or trying to establish the 'pecking order'? I would suggest separating them into individual beds lined with newspaper, perhaps leaving them in different rooms overnight and see what happens.

[lankeela]

Provided you keep buying new dog beds I can't see a problem (I sell dog beds!).

[jules77]

I would agree and want to know where they are kept, how many dogs are there, and do they have sufficient exercise?

Vet bed isnt as much 'fun' to destroy as a duvet and might solve the problem if any of the above isnt an issue.

[fruitsalad]

we have 2 dogs and 2 bitches and yes they get plenty of exercise, on the moors where they run around for ages. so its not lack of excercise. although they are jack russells and it does seem to take a lot to tire them out.

[showcatbenga]

The soiling would stop if you use 'house kennels' or crates as a dog will not soil where it has to sleep. Each dog has it's own, not too big (about large cat size will do) just so the dog can turn around, lie down & stand up comfortably & I am very certain that they will not soil them over night. I have a rescue dog (14 years now) who has never been reliable over night when left loose but is continent every night without fail when crated. Using some puzzle feeders ( get some different sized 'kongs') to keep them amused will help create positive associations with time spent in the crates, I always shut mine after letting her out in the morning 'cos one of the cats throws the dog out! lol... Very distressing snince she loves her 'bed'. They are also very handy if you have people in the house like workmen to ensure there are no escapes.