Originating in 15th century Germany, with three coat varieties, they gained favour among European royalty and Queen Victoria. Recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1885m Dachshunds become beloved companions, overcoming scrutiny during the world wars. Known for their playful nature, intelligence and unique sausage appearance, to this day they remain cherished family pets across the globe.
The Dachshund is a very popular breed of dog, and for a good reason. Their small size makes them perfect for the majority of houses and flats, and their loving nature means that they are suitable for just about anyone to own. Their sweet nature complements their adorable appearance – and it is hard to say no to their notorious puppy eyes. However, before you bring your new Dachshund home, you have to make sure that they have everything they need in order to settle in.
Food and Water Dishes
Your dog needs a bowl for food and another for water, and the water bowl should always be full so that your dog can stay hydrated. A top tip is to always buy bowls that are strong and robust, so that if you drop them, they won’t necessarily break.
Tarhong is the perfect option if you are looking for something that is strong and robust. They have a lovely finish, and are also non-slip, so your dog won’t be pushing water across the house. Plus, they come in a brilliant range of colours and designs, so you can personalise their eating and drinking bowls accordingly.
Bedding
Your new Dachshund needs a nice and calming place to sleep, and for many, the crate is the perfect solution. The majority of dog’s love crates, and we have the perfect bundle for you that includes a crate cover, cushion and a bumper. This means the bedding reaches up the side of the cage to keep your little dog comfortable while they are sleeping. Cushioning and soft, it offers a safe and protected place to sleep – not to mention one that is incredibly snuggly. To start with, you may want to opt for a cosy & calming puppy crate bed, this fits in half of the crate with the other half free to pop in a puppy training pad and a bowl of water for your pup whilst they're toilet training.
Toys
It doesn’t matter how old your new friend is, they need toys to play with and chew on. It is very stimulating for them, both mentally and physically, and when you take the time to play with them, it helps to build an even stronger bond between you. Here are some of our top toys:
The KONG Puppy is the ideal chewing toy and great for teething puppies. A chew toy can ease boredom and help prevent destructive behaviour.
The KONG Cozie toys are lovely soft plushies. Great for playtime and fir snuggles at puppy bedtime too!
The KONG Puppy puzzle ball is a great interactive ball that can be loaded with puppy treats so your pup has a tasty reward for his playtime efforts!
Travel
When it comes to going off on adventures together, try a travel booster seat. It provides your dog with an elevated box that they can sit in, so they can still see out of your car window. So, just because your dog is little doesn’t mean they have to stop doing what they love.
A nice collar and lead are also a must for any travels that you go on – whether it’s a walk or a simple car ride. The blue rolled leather collar from Dogs and Horses is an absolute must if you want something that has a stylish appearance but is still incredibly comfortable on your pet’s neck. However, if blue is not your colour, there are a range of others to choose from. Plus, matching leads are available which are just as soft and comfortable as the collars.
Hopefully, you now have a good idea as to what your new Dachshund needs. With so many wonderful things to choose from, you (and your dog) are sure to be spoiled for choice. If you make sure to have these necessities in your home before your new addition arrives, you will be well on the way to good ownership.
The UK’s best locations for a dog friendly getaway, revealed!
Summer holiday season is fast approaching, and according to a recent study, 72% of Brits still prefer staycations in 2023, despite international travel having opened up again post-pandemic.
And when it comes to holidaying as a pet parent, staycations can be the paw-fect way to enjoy some much-needed R&R without having to leave your beloved dog behind.
Luckily, the UK has plenty of gorgeous locations on offer, ideal for hosting a well-deserved break for you and your dog. Naturally, for those holidaying on home soil with a pooch, ensuring your destination of choice has plenty to keep both you and your pup happy and entertained is key. Nobody likes a ‘ruff deal’!
With this in mind, we quizzed 2,000 UK dog owners about their thoughts on booking a holiday abroad if it meant leaving their four-legged friend behind, as well as asking them to share their top staycation choices and must haves for when they’re booking a dog friendly getaway.
Using our findings, we then compared key data points relating to holidaying with a dog for the top 45 locations (that had come from the survey) and awarded a number of points for each in order to inform our list of the UK’s best locations for a dog friendly getaway. Read on to learn more...
That Guilty Feeling
According to our findings, one in eight (13%) UK dog owners say they never holiday abroad because they feel guilty leaving their four-legged friend behind, instead opting for staycations here at home. And one in nine (11%) told us they actually choose to take their pet abroad with them when they go!
For almost half, whilst they admit it bothers them to leave their pooch behind, leaving them with family and friends gives them peace of mind to enjoy a holiday outside of the UK from time to time.
Interestingly, almost ten percent of dog owners we surveyed (8%) told us they never opt take a staycation with their dog.
Regionally, it was Birmingham residents discovered to be feeling the guiltiest when it comes to leaving their doggo behind when jetting off on their jollies, as more than a quarter of residents (28%) say they never holiday away from UK soil as they simply cannot leave their pet behind. In stark contrast, just seven percent of Leeds residents would do agree.
Women were found to be the most likely to forgo an international getaway due to the guilt they felt about leaving their dog behind, with one in six saying they never holiday abroad for this reason (16%), compared to just one in nine men (11%).
A fifth of male dog owner (21%) even stated that leaving their pet behind whilst they get in some air miles does not bother them at all and they can do so guilt free.
The Price of True Love: Just How Much are UK Dog Owners Willing to Pay for a Dog Friendly Staycation?
When we quizzed our panel of dog lovers about how much they’d be willing to spend to bring their four-legged friend away with them on a UK staycation, we learned that UK dog owners are willing to fork out an extra £50 per night on average to take their furry friend along with them on their UK staycation.
On this basis, with 11 million dogs living in the UK alone in 2023, if each pooch enjoyed a single night away each year, it would mean an additional £550million for the UK travel industry
According to our findings, Londoners are the biggest spenders on this front with residents in the capital sharing that they’d be willing to pay £65.41 per night on average in order to treat their pet to join them in some R&R.
The average additional cost per night dog owners in the city would splash out for their dog to join them on their UK staycation
UK City
Avg. £ (GBP) per night
London
£65.21
Newcastle
£60.00
Belfast
£56.30
Manchester
£55.17
Liverpool
£51.53
Bristol
£51.09
Birmingham
£45.53
Southampton
£37.33
Leeds
£37.15
Nottingham
£36.36
Cardiff
£35.09
Glasgow
£33.17
Norwich
£31.60
Sheffield
£28.68
Edinburgh
£18.50
Meanwhile, Edinburgh dog owners would pay the least (£18.50 per night on average), splashing out a substantial £46.91 less per night than those in the UK’s capital.
Those aged between 25 and 34 were revealed to be the most generous when it came to their dogs, saying they’d be willing to splash out a whopping £73.17 on average per night so their pet could come along on their UK getaway.
In comparison, those over 65 say they’d spend they least (£19.29).
How Much are UK Dog Owners Willing to Pay for a Dog Friendly Staycation
Next, we asked the survey panel to share their favourite dog-friendly holiday locations, with Newquay in Cornwall claiming top spot amongst UK dog owners. Other popular locations included Whitby, York, Windermere, and London. Whilst at the bottom of the list, Douglas on the Isle of Man was found to be the least in favour with UK dog owners. Alongside Douglas, Derby, Reading, Southwold, and Nottingham all found themselves amongst the least favoured within the rankings.
What do Brits Want the Most from a Dog Friendly Staycation?
We also asked our 2,000 dog owners to share their top considerations when booking a dog friendly staycation, with plenty of places to walk their pup coming out at the top of the list (42%).
Other staycation “musts” included having dog friendly pubs in the local area (36%), plenty of dog friendly accommodation to pick from (35%), and of course, a good range of dog friendly restaurants and cafes (35%).
UK Dog Owners Top Considerations When Booking a Dog-Friendly Staycation
Places to go walking - 42%
Dog friendly pubs - 36%
Dog friendly accommodation -35%
Dog friendly restaurants/cafes - 26%
A dog friendly garden in your accommodation -15%
A vets close by - 13%
Dog friendly beaches nearby - 12%
Dog friendly shops (non-dog/pet shops) - 12%
Dog friendly transport - 10%
Relaxing Surroundings – 7%
The UK’s Best Locations for a Dog Friendly Getaway, Revealed
Finally, we compiled and compared key data points relating to holidaying with a dog in 45 UK locations, all of which were informed by our pet owner survey.Points were then awarded based on the highest number of local walking routes, dog friendly pubs, hotels and other accommodation, vets in the area, pet shops, and of course the average weather.
So, who came out as top dog? We reveal all...
1. Bath, Somerset
Overall, Bath was crowned the UK's top location for a dog friendly getaway in our rankings, scoring 72 points out of a possible 100.
Despite missing out on a place in the top 20 locations for a dog friendly holiday in our initial survey findings, the city secured the number one spot in our rankings thanks to its 56 dog friendly pubs within a 10-mile radius (0.56 per 1,000 residents), 20 B&Bs and hotels in the area, and an average of 18.8 dry days per month between June and September.
Bath also scored highly for dog friendly aspects such as having 12 RCVS vets in the local area (0.13 per 1,000 residents), and 40 dog friendly pubs within a 10-mile radius (0.43 per 1,000 residents).
2. Lincoln
Although it was found to be the top choice for a dog-friendly staycation by UK dog owners according to our survey, Newquay in Cornwall placed at number nine in the rankings.
Lincoln scored just half a point behind leading city, Bath with 71.5/100, and those visiting the cathedral city in search of a dog-friendly getaway can take advantage of its 121 local walking routes (1.10 per 1,000 residents), 103 dog-friendly cottages and self-catering options, as well as an average temperature across June to August of 21 degrees Celsius.
Additionally, Lincoln boasts 18.6 dry days per month on average across June to August, and 22 dog-friendly restaurants (0.22 per 1,000 residents).
3. Whitby, North Yorkshire
The North Yorkshire seaside town of Whitby is up next, placing at number three on our list of the UK’s top holiday locations for a dog-friendly staycation (71/100).
Tourists considering a trip to the beautiful seaside town of Whitby in the coming months with their pup in tow can enjoy 100 local walking routes (7.94 per 1,000 residents), 52 dog friendly pubs within a 10-mile radius (1 per 1,000 residents), 35 pet shops (0.67 per 1,000 residents), and an average temperature across June to August of 20.3 degrees Celsius – not forgetting fish, chips and plenty of ice cream too!
4. Bakewell, Peak District
In fourth place is the pretty Peak District town of Bakewell, which scored 70.5 points out of a possible 100.
Dogs and their owners visiting the beautiful market town for a dog friendly staycation this summer will be greeted by a very generous 325 local walking routes (92.88 per 1,000 residents), 45 dog-friendly pubs (12.86 per 1,000 residents), and 20 RCVS vets in the local area (5.72 per 1,000 residents), and five pet shops within a 10-mile radius of the town (1.43 per 1,000 residents).
5. Southwold, Suffolk
Number five is on the list is another pretty seaside town, Southwold, which is located a little further down the UK coastline in Suffolk.
Scoring 70 out of a possible 100, alongside easy access to the beach, visitors to the coastal Suffolk town of Southwold will find eight dog friendly restaurants (8.42 per 1,000 residents), four pet shops (4.21 per 1,000 residents), an average of 18.6 dry days per month between June and September, as well as an average daytime temperature of 21 degrees Celsius across the same three-month period.
The Full List of Rankings
Rank
Location
Score (out of 100)
1
Bath, Somerset
72
2
Lincoln
71.5
3
Whitby, North Yorkshire
71
4
Bakewell, Peak District
70.5
5
Southwold, Suffolk
70
6
Oxford
69.5
7
Skegness, Lincolnshire
69
8
Keswick, Cumbria
67
9
Newquay, Cornwall
66.5
10
Sandown, Isle of Wight
66
11
Helmsley, North Yorkshire Moors
64.5
12
Stratford Upon Avon, Warwickshire
64
13
Salisbury, Wiltshire
62.5
14
Torquay, Devon
62
15
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire
61.5
16
Derby
61
17
Windermere, Cumbria
58
18
Eastbourne, Sussex
55
19
Bamburgh, Northumbria
54.5
20
Inverness, Highlands
54
21
Norwich, Norfolk
54
21
Norwich, Norfolk
53.5
22
Ilkley, Yorkshire Dales
53
23
York
52.5
24
Melrose, Scottish Borders
52
25
Great Yarmouth, The Norfolk Broads
50.1
26
Brighton
50
27
Dover, Kent
48
28
Bristol
45
29
Blackpool
44.5
30
Douglas, Isle of Man
44
31
London
43.5
32
Nottingham
43
33
Reading, Berkshire
41
34
Bournemouth, Dorset
41.5
35
Plymouth, Devon
41
36
Edinburgh
40
37
Swansea, Wales
39
38
Cardiff, Wales
38
39
Southend on Sea, Essex
36
40
Newcastle Upon Tyne
33.5
41
Lancaster
33
42
Birmingham
26.5
43
Liverpool
26
44
Glasgow
20
45
Belfast
14
The Lowest Scoring UK Escapes
At the very bottom of the dog-friendly holiday rankings was Belfast securing an overall score of just 14 out of 405.
Sadly, despite being a popular tourist destination, the Northern Irish city received a low score and placed last on our list of rankings due to having just 14 dog friendly pubs within 10 miles of the city (0.02 per 1,000 residents), six dog friendly hotels and B&Bs, two dog friendly self-catering options, and an average of 13.4 dry days per month between June and August.
Other locations that placed at the bottom end of the list, included Glasgow (20/100), Liverpool (26/100), Birmingham (26.5/100) and Lancaster (33/100).
Top Tips for Holidaying with Your Dog
With our findings in mind, we thought we would share some of our top tips for holidaying with a dog....
Traveling to and Around your Destination with a Dog
Whether you opt to reach your staycation venue by train, car, or bus, traveling with a dog can take a bit of careful pre-preparation and planning.
For example, if your dog is not used to traveling by vehicle, it’s advisable to get in some practise runs locally, before you head off on a longer journey. This will give your pet plenty of time to get used to the new smells, sounds and general surroundings, as well as familiarising them with the unusual sensation of being inside a moving vehicle.
If you’re traveling to your destination by car specifically, then it’s worth noting that in the UK (and in many other countries) it is a legal requirement to secure your dog whilst driving, this is for your own safety as well as theirs.
The Highway Code states in their Rules about Animals, that when in a vehicle, dogs must be suitably restrained so they cannot distract drivers or injure you, or themselves. If you find they have managed to get loose in the vehicle, then you must find a safe place to pull over and stop the car quickly.
As such, there are a number of ways in which you can ensure your dog is safely secured and still comfortable, especially if you have a lengthy drive ahead of you.
If you have the space, then for smaller dogs especially, it’s often preferable to have them inside the main car space alongside the rest of the family. In this instance, you may find a doggy booster seat to be the best solution for your pet as it allows them to ride safely up front, giving them the opportunity to see what’s going on outside of the car, whilst still being secured via a harness attachment. This option is better suited to smaller breeds.
For larger breeds, you could opt for a tether. This clever attachment fixes to ISO fix point or to your seatbelt and means you can safely attach it to your pet's travel harness, meaning they cannot wander around your vehicle freely whilst in motion.
Alternatively, you may decide that a travel crate or carrier in the boot of the vehicle is a more suitable option as it gives you back that valuable space in the main body of your car. If you do choose this method of securing your pet, you can make sure they feel safe and comfortable by adding in their favourite bed or pet blanket to help make the crate a little more comfortable for their journey.
Finally, make sure you plan in plenty of stops along the way. This will allow your pet to stretch their legs, have a drink of water or a small snack, as well as getting in those much-needed toilet breaks, and give you chance to praise and reassure them.
What to Pack?
Much like with humans, dogs tend to come with a rather large number of travel essentials. When packing for a holiday with your pooch, we’d recommend considering the following items, even for a shorter getaway:
• Bedding and blankets• A few of their favourite toys• Food and snacks• Doggy bowls• Plenty of poo bags• Any medication they might be on• A doggy first aid kit• Harnesses, collars, and leads• Any wet weather gear they may need (onesies, coats, etc.)• Spare towels you don’t mind the dog using• Doggy shampoo + pet wipes• Details of local vets – just in case!• A rucksack or bag to pop the essentials in for when you’re out and about.
Conclusion
It’s great to see so many dog owners enjoying all the UK has to offer, there really is an abundance of choice when it comes to getting out and about and exploring the beautiful country we live in.
We hope our study has highlighted some of the beautiful destinations on home soil that are there to explore. And dog or no dog, we truly believe there is something for everyone just a stone's throw away from home.
Whether you prefer a city break, a countryside jaunt with a good dog friendly pub at the end, or even a coastal break, wherever your travels take you to this summer, we hope you and your pet enjoy your adventures!
Our Study Sources and Methodology
Survey of 2,000 UK dog owners conducted in June 2023 Population Data - https://worldpopulationreview.com/ and https://www.citypopulation.de/en/uk
of local 'Walking Routes' per 1,000 residents - https://www.plotaroute.com/routes/walking
of 'Dog Friendly Pubs' per 1,000 residents - https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/ and https://www.useyourlocal.com/
of 'Dog-Friendly Hotels & B&Bs' - https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/hotels-b-and-b
of 'Dog-Friendly Cottages & Self Catering' - https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/cottages-and-self-catering
of 'Dog Friendly Restaurants' Listed on TripAdvisor, per 1,000 residents - https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ - limited searches to specific places and not surrounding areas
of RCVS Vets in Local Area per 1,000 residents - https://findavet.rcvs.org.uk/home/
of 'Pet Shops' (within 10 miles of location) per 1,000 residents - https://www.yell.com/ and For Douglas: Google Listings
Dry Days June - Aug - https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather
Temp Days June - Aug - https://www.meteoblue.com/en/weather
Humans spend a third of their lives in bed, so you probably spent ages choosing the right bed and mattress to make sure that you get the best night’s sleep possible and don’t end up like Goldilocks with a bed that’s not right! But what about choosing the perfect dog bed?
A dog can spend a significant amount of time in their bed, and as a beloved member of your family, your furry friend needs a bed that they’re happy and comfortable with. But how exactly do you choose the right bed for your dog?
For many dogs, their bed is an important part of their lives that helps with relaxing, unwinding and gaining some personal space away from humans and other animals. It may be tempting as a dog owner to allow your pooch to carry out their naps in your bed or on other items of furniture around the house, but as a dog bed offers suitable support to your dog and a sanctuary for them during downtime, it’s important they have one.
In this guide we take a closer look at choosing a dog bed, one that’s perfect for dreaming and sleeping all night long!
Do Dogs Need Beds?
On average, dogs spend between 12 and 18 hours of the day asleep, so a bed that’s comfortable, supportive and suits their needs is key for any dog. It’s only natural that your four-legged friend may choose to take power naps beside you on the sofa or even spend moments sleeping in your bed, but a dog bed is an important asset in any dog’s life and it is often recognised as their own environment for having time by themselves, relaxing and unwinding after a long day causing mischief.
Other benefits to dog beds include:
Contributing to health and comfort
Easing feelings of stress and anxiety
Improving the training process
Offering quality sleep
Preserving condition of human furniture
Preventing behavioural issues
How to choose a dog bed
There are loads of dog beds to choose from here at Lords & Labradors but picking the right bed for your dog can be overwhelming. Fortunately, you can use a few key factors to pick out the best option for your dog based on the breed and size of your dog and how they like to sleep.
The key things to think about when choosing a dog bed are
Size
Sleeping Styles
Comfort
How To Choose A Dog Bed Size
Size plays an important role in deciding the correct bed for your dog. If you have a Dachshund, an extra-large bed designed for sprawling out may be excessive, just as you would be lucky to fit any part of a Doberman in a small igloo bed.
A dog bed needs to be big enough for them to comfortably lie in all their favourite positions whilst still being small enough for them to feel cosy & safe in. All our dog beds, here at Lords and Labradors, have a size guide which will help give you an idea of which bed we’d recommend for your breed.
Measuring your dog will help to give you an idea of what size dog bed they will need. To do this, wait until they are sleeping and measure them in centimetres from their nose to their back paws. You should then add around 25 centimetres onto the measurement you’ve taken and a bed with a similar length should be ideal for your furry friend.
How To Choose A Dog Bed Style
As well as the size of your dog, how they sleep is also an important factor to consider. Your dog will give you clues about what bed they’d sleep best in and how they like to sleep every single day. Some dogs love to stretch out, whereas other dogs love to curl up with their nose touching their tail. Here we talk you through the different styles of dog bed and what sleep style they suit.
Mattress Beds/Cushions
Is your dog a side sleeper? Do they love to sprawl out whilst sleeping? Maybe a cushion or a mattress bed is for them, this will give them the space to stretch out whilst still being super comfy. Our crate cushions also work great as standalone cushions for dogs who love their sleep space.
High Wall Beds
The tall squishy walls of a high wall bed are great for dogs who love something to rest their head on whilst still curling up . The high sides will help to keep them feeling safe and secure, so they can really get cosy during nap time. Our high wall beds have a lowered front edge so it’s easy for your dog to get in and out.
Donut Beds
Donut beds as the name suggest are a circle shape with a raised ring round the side. These are great dog bed for dogs who suffer with anxiety and like to curl up in their bed to unwind, the cosy sides will cocoon them and make them feel safe. We’ve made our donut beds with the most sumptuously soft faux fur so it’s perfect for snuggling up in for those all important naps.
Box Beds
Does your dog like to stretch out but still love something to rest their head on? A dog box bed is a perfect choice for them. The square shape means they’ve got plenty of space to stretch out but the padded edges are soft and perfect for hanging their head off whilst napping.
Orthopaedic Beds
Just like we can get orthopaedic mattresses, you can get orthopaedic dog beds. These are a great choice for dogs who have specific health needs, like joint problems or senior dogs who need a little more support. The foam inner on our L&L Orthopaedic mattress has been designed to provide plenty of support for dogs who need it. They’re also low to the floor so they’re easy for dogs with aches and pains to get on and off.
Den Beds
Does your dog like to burrow and hide? Breeds such as Dachshunds and Jack Russels were bred to go to ground when hunting so have a natural instinct to tunnel and burrow, so a den bed is perfect for them. Our den beds are round and have a comfy cushions so are perfect for curling up in but the attached blanket means they can hide and burrow before settling down to sleep.
Picking the perfect puppy bed
Are you getting a new puppy? You’ll probably want to get them a puppy bed before transitioning to an adult bed. Puppy beds are usually slightly smaller than the adult beds to stop your puppy from feeling lost in their new bed. We have two styles of puppy beds here at L&L, both of which have been tested with our own puppies to make sure they’re fit for purpose
Cosy & Calming Puppy Crate Bed
Our cosy & calming puppy beds are exactly as the name suggests, cosy and calming. They have been designed to fill just over half of a dog crate so if you’re crate training your puppy this will help divide their crate and aid their toilet training. The rectangle beds have padded raised walls all the way round for your puppy to snuggle up in and the cushion in the middle is made from the softest fleece, perfect for all those naps your puppy needs!
Grow With Me Puppy Beds
Our newest addition to our bed range, the grow with me puppy beds have high walls to create a feeling of security for nervous puppies. They feature a soft removable ring which you can take out as your puppy grows. This means the bed is never too big for your puppy and it can grow with them. This is perfect dog bed to choose for more nervous puppies or puppies who love to be cocooned and curled up
Do dogs need soft beds?
Dog beds are available in a selection of different materials, so it’s important you choose the most suitable option for your dog. A dog bed needs to be firm enough to offer support to your dog but comfortable enough to make them feel cosy and relaxed.
For puppies, a super soft dog bed with sides to prevent them from tumbling out will make them feel more settled, especially if they’ve recently moved into your home. However, this type of bed may be too small to fit a larger dog, and as older dogs may struggle to get out of a bed that’s particularly spongy, a dog cushion would be more fitting, and it would help to support their ageing joints.
For more destructive dogs you might want a dog bed that’s made out of something more hardwearing, like our Rhino Tough faux-leather beds, rather than a soft furry beds!
How Long Do Dog Beds Last?
Whether your dog is prone to bringing snacks to bed, walking mud all over their bed or scratching at it and kneading it until it feels exactly right, it’s to be expected that it will become damaged and eventually require replacing. A dog bed’s lifespan could be several years if it’s a good quality or a matter of weeks if it’s not.
However, you can extend the time you use a dog bed by washing it as instructed on the label and cleaning away any food or dirt as soon as it comes into contact with it. Dogs are messy creatures by design, but it’s a shame to let them ruin a perfectly good bed, especially if it’s one they’re particularly fond of.
How Often Should You Replace A Dog Bed
As dogs are unpredictable, it’s not always easy to anticipate when they will do something that totally ruins their bed. It may be in good condition for several months before they pull out a thread while scratching it and end up accidentally ripping it open and pulling out all the stuffing. Unfortunately, if this happens, it’s unlikely that you will be able to fix it and the best solution will be to replace it entirely with a new dog bed.
However, you may be wondering when you should give up on your pooch’s bed and invest in a new one. Situations where you should consider replacing your dog bed include when:
It smells and repeated washing isn’t removing the nasty odour
It’s infested with fleas and nothing is working to remove them
The stuffing is falling out, the material is ripped and it’s totally beyond repair.
How Many Dog Beds Should A Dog Have?
All dogs should have at least one bed, but if your dog spends time in different rooms, providing multiple beds can mean that they feel more comfortable in each room and are less inclined to jump on human furniture.
If you have more than one dog, it would be advisable to provide a bed for each of them. However, if they tend to snuggle up together, it could make sense to choose a bed that’s big enough to support both of them.
What Dog Bed Should I Buy?
So, when it comes to identifying the best dog bed for your furry friend, consider their wants and needs and match it with an option that ticks all the right boxes. If your dog is large, check that they’ll fit in the bed. If they’re prone to scratching and digging in their bed, make sure the material is strong enough to withstand this level of wear and tear. If they’re old, pick a bed that’s designed to support them effectively.
If you’re still not sure what dog bed to choose, why not chat to one of our Customer Care team? They’re pet experts with years of knowledge, they can help to advise you on which dog bed will suit your dog!
Still not sure what bed to get your dog? Why not chat to one of our pet experts? They're bed experts and will be able to advise you which bed will be the best fit and shape for your dog, call us on +44 1790 720 900 or email us on sales@lordsandlabradors.co.uk
Picking the best dog breeds for first-time owners is genuinely one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new dog parent, and getting it right sets you both up for a much happier start. The right match comes down to more than just looks or popularity — it’s about finding a breed whose temperament, energy levels, and care needs actually fit around your home and your life. This guide covers everything from easygoing family favourites and low-maintenance options to small breeds built for flatter living and livelier picks for active households.
Best dog breeds for first-time owners: how to choose the right fit
Bringing home your first dog is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever do — but choosing the right breed makes all the difference between settling in with confidence and feeling completely out of your depth. The best dog breeds for first-time owners tend to share a handful of qualities: a temperament that forgives the inevitable rookie mistakes, a willingness to learn, and exercise and grooming needs that actually fit around your life.
Before you fall for a breed based on looks alone, it’s worth being honest with yourself. Do you work long hours? Live in a flat? Have young children or a schedule that’s rarely the same twice? A high-energy working breed in a small home with a busy owner is hard going for everyone involved. Government guidance on dog adoption puts it simply: if you want a calm, stable dog, look for an easygoing animal; if you want an outgoing dog, look for an adventurous animal. That straightforward advice applies whether you’re adopting or buying from a breeder.
Not sure which route is right for you? Our guide on whether to get a dog from a breeder or a rescue walks you through both options.
The sections below round up the easiest dog breeds for first-time owners by lifestyle — from calm, family-friendly favourites to lower-maintenance choices and breeds that suit more active households. Think of it as a starting point rather than a rulebook. Breed traits paint a picture, but every dog is its own personality too.
Easygoing family dogs that are a joy to train
If you want a dog that slips happily into family life and enjoys learning, start with breeds that are sociable and eager to please. You might sometimes hear these described as “biddable”, which simply means they tend to listen well and want to work with you. For first-time owners, that can make everyday training feel far less overwhelming.
Labrador Retriever: Outgoing, gentle, and full of enthusiasm, Labs are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners for a reason. They usually pick up commands quickly, love being part of the action, and are often wonderfully patient with children. Life with a Lab tends to mean a shadow at your feet, a happy walking buddy, and a dog who wants to join in with everything. If you’re planning for a puppy, have a look at everything you need for your Labrador Retriever puppy.
Golden Retriever: Friendly, affectionate, and steady-natured, Goldens are lovely family-friendly dog breeds for beginners. They respond beautifully to positive reinforcement and usually thrive when they have a clear routine and plenty of company.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel: Sweet, adaptable, and easy to live with, Cavaliers fit into lots of different homes. They’re just as happy curling up beside you as they are joining you for a stroll, which makes daily life feel relaxed and manageable.
Bichon Frise: Cheerful and sociable, Bichons bring plenty of personality in a smaller package. They’re often a great match if you want one of the easiest dog breeds for first-time owners with a playful but gentle nature.
What these breeds have in common is simple: they like being with their people, and that makes training, routines, and family life feel much easier.
Low-maintenance breeds for busy households
If you’re weighing up the best dog breeds for first-time owners and hoping “low-maintenance” isn’t just a myth, here’s the honest truth: it’s complicated. These breeds genuinely are easier to manage day to day — no hours at the grooming table, no two-hour runs before breakfast — but they still need your time, your consistency, and real attention to thrive.
Breed
Grooming Needs
Exercise Requirements
Best For
French Bulldog
Minimal, weekly wipe-down
30–45 mins daily
Flat or small home living
Boston Terrier
Low, occasional brush
30–45 mins daily
Active city dwellers
Greyhound
Very low, short smooth coat
30–60 mins daily
Quieter homes, first-time owners
What makes these breeds so approachable for beginners:
Short coats that need little more than a quick brush and the occasional bath
Calm, settled behaviour indoors — even in smaller spaces
Adaptable temperaments that fit around a range of household routines
Lower grooming costs than longer-coated or double-coated breeds
That said, no dog just slots in without effort. Even the most laid-back Greyhound needs a proper routine and enough mental stimulation to stay happy. It’s easy to underestimate this part — lots of first-time owners focus on grooming and forget that a bored dog is rarely a well-behaved one. Getting to grips with your dog’s regular exercise needs is just as important as knowing how often to pick up a brush, so go in with clear expectations from the start.
Small dog breeds that suit flats and first homes
Living in a flat or smaller home doesn’t mean dog ownership is off the table. Some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners are compact, adaptable, and genuinely content in cosier spaces — you just need to pick a breed that suits your lifestyle from the start.
Breed
Energy Level
Grooming Needs
Barking Tendency
Miniature Schnauzer
Moderate
High (regular trimming needed)
Moderate to high
Cocker Spaniel
Moderate to high
High (frequent brushing and clipping)
Low to moderate
Shih Tzu
Low to moderate
High (daily brushing recommended)
Low
A few practical things worth thinking through before you decide:
Noise levels matter in shared buildings. A vocal breed can create friction with neighbours fast, so look closely at barking tendencies before you commit.
Small doesn’t mean low-energy. Even compact breeds need regular walks. A Cocker Spaniel will want noticeably more outdoor time than a Shih Tzu.
Grooming costs add up quickly. All three breeds above need consistent coat care, whether that’s brushing at home or a trip to the groomer every six to eight weeks.
Mental stimulation counts indoors too. Puzzle feeders and enrichment toys can make a real difference for apartment dogs between walks.
Getting the breed right is only part of the picture. Our guide to bringing a new puppy home covers those first days with practical, reassuring advice, so both of you can settle in with confidence.
Breeds for active owners who still want a beginner-friendly dog
If you love getting outside and want a dog that matches your energy, some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners are actually the livelier ones. Breeds like the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Whippet, and Poodle are all highly trainable, people-focused, and genuinely rewarding to live with — as long as you can meet their daily needs.
Breed
Exercise Needs
Beginner-Friendliness
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
1–2 hours daily
High. Eager to please, loves routine
Whippet
1 hour daily
High. Calm indoors, easy to manage
Poodle
1–2 hours daily
Very high. Exceptionally quick to learn
With higher-energy breeds, enrichment matters just as much as the walk itself. A few things that make a real difference:
Vary your outings. One longer walk plus a shorter, sniff-led amble gives their brain a proper workout, not just their legs.
Keep things interesting at home. Rotating toys and mixing in puzzle or interactive options — like those in the Lords and Labradors puppy toy collection — helps prevent boredom between walks.
Train little and often. Five minutes of positive, reward-based training a day builds a dog who is genuinely lovely to live with.
Make play count. It is one of the fastest ways to build trust and strengthen your bond.
Get the routine right and these breeds become some of the most rewarding companions a first-time owner can choose. They want to work with you — and that makes everything easier.
Which breed is best for you? A quick first-time owner shortlist
Choosing the right breed really does come down to one question: what does your daily life actually look like? Once you’re honest about that, the shortlist almost writes itself.
If you want a calm, easygoing companion who’s happy to follow your lead, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Bichon Frise is hard to beat. Both are gentle, adaptable, and genuinely lovely to train — ideal first dogs for quieter households.
For busier homes where time is stretched, a Greyhound or a Shih Tzu asks surprisingly little of you day to day. Loyal, quiet, and perfectly content with shorter bursts of activity, they fit around real life rather than demanding you reorganise it.
If you have kids and want a dog who genuinely thrives in the thick of family life, a Golden Retriever or a Labrador brings the kind of patience and warmth that makes the whole thing feel easy.
And if weekends mean long walks and muddy boots, a Border Terrier or a Cocker Spaniel will keep up with you happily, without the steep learning curve some more demanding breeds bring.
Whichever direction you’re leaning, getting the basics sorted early makes a real difference. Browse our puppy essentials collection to feel properly prepared before your new dog even comes home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What breed of dog is best for first time owners?
There isn’t one perfect breed for every first-time owner, but Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Bichon Frises are all strong beginner-friendly choices. They tend to be sociable, trainable, and easier to fit into everyday family life than more demanding breeds.
What is the easiest dog to own for beginners?
Some of the easiest dogs for beginners are Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Bichon Frises, Greyhounds, and Shih Tzus. They’re generally adaptable, manageable day to day, and easier to live with when their exercise, grooming, and routine match the home you’re bringing them into.
What are the calmest dog breeds?
Greyhounds, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, and Shih Tzus are among the calmest breeds mentioned here. They’re often settled indoors, adaptable, and happy with a steadier pace of life, which can make them a lovely fit for quieter homes or first-time owners wanting an easygoing companion.
Bringing a new puppy home when you already have a dog is one of those moments that can feel equal parts exciting and quietly nerve-wracking. Knowing how to introduce a new puppy to a resident dog well makes a real difference, not just in those first few minutes, but in how comfortably both dogs settle into life together over the weeks that follow. This guide covers everything from reading body language and nailing that first meeting, to building a steady first-week routine and avoiding the mistakes that can make things harder than they need to be.
Before they meet: setting up a calm first introduction
The preparation you do before your dogs ever see each other matters far more than anything that happens in those first five minutes. Think of it less like a playdate and more like a careful first impression — you want both dogs walking away feeling fine, not frazzled.
Location plays a bigger role than most people expect. Research from Ohio State University recommends that you introduce the dogs in a neutral area rather than your own home or yard, where your resident dog already has a strong sense of ownership. A quiet street nearby, a car park at a local park, or a friend’s garden can all work well. Somewhere your older dog hasn’t claimed as their territory gives both dogs a fairer, less loaded starting point.
Timing is worth thinking about too. Try to avoid making introductions when either dog is tired, hungry, or already buzzing with energy. Mid-morning often hits a sweet spot — both dogs have had a chance to settle after waking up, but the day hasn’t wound them up yet. If your resident dog has already had a good walk and is naturally a bit calmer, that’s worth factoring in.
Keep the environment as low-key as you can. Skip the audience of excitable family members, the children tearing around, the general household chaos. The fewer distractions, the more mental space both dogs have to actually focus on each other. Keep both dogs on lead, but hold the lead loosely — tension travels straight down the line and into the dog, and even a relaxed dog can feel that shift.
Most importantly, go in without a fixed idea of how it should go. Some dogs take to each other straight away. Others need days — sometimes weeks — of gradual, managed exposure before they genuinely start to settle. Neither outcome means anything has gone wrong. A good introduction isn’t about manufacturing an instant bond. It’s about creating the right conditions so both dogs feel safe enough to build one at their own pace.
If you’re still in the thick of preparation, our guide to bringing a puppy home is a great place to get the fuller picture before that first meeting happens.
What to look for in body language from both dogs
Knowing how to read what your dogs are telling you is honestly the most valuable skill when it comes to introducing a new puppy to a resident dog. Dogs communicate constantly through posture, movement, and expression, and catching early signs of stress means you can slow things down before any real tension builds.
Relaxed, positive signals to look for:
Loose, wiggly body movement
Soft, blinking eyes
A gently wagging tail (relaxed, not rigid)
Play bows — front end down, bottom in the air
Calm, curious sniffing
A relaxed, slightly open mouth
Moving freely between you and the other dog
Warning signals that mean slow down:
Stiff or frozen posture
A hard, unblinking stare
Lip licking or yawning that feels out of place
Raised hackles along the back
A tail held very high and rigid, or tucked right under
Consistently turning away or trying to avoid the other dog
Whale eye (where you can see the whites of their eyes)
When to step in: If either dog freezes, growls, or one keeps trying to get away from the other, calmly separate them and let both have a quiet break. That is not failure — it just means they need a little more time and space before trying again.
It is also worth remembering that these signals matter for both dogs, not just the one you are most worried about. Puppies have boundless energy and zero awareness of personal space, which can easily overwhelm a resident dog who has never had to share their home before. An older dog who feels repeatedly stressed will take much longer to come around. Keeping one eye on each of them is the real trick here. If you want to feel more confident reading these cues, our guide to understanding your dog’s body language is well worth a read.
How to introduce a new puppy to a resident dog step by step
Knowing how to introduce a new puppy to a resident dog can feel daunting, but with the right pacing it really is manageable. Take it one small step at a time, stay calm yourself, and trust the process — most dogs do find their rhythm together, they just need a little space and patience to get there.
Start outdoors with parallel walking. Before any face-to-face greeting, walk both dogs in the same outdoor space with a comfortable distance between them. A quiet street or park works well. This lets each dog become aware of the other without any pressure to engage. Keep the energy easy and reward both dogs for calm behaviour as you go.
Allow controlled sniffing at a distance. Gradually close the gap over several minutes, letting each dog take in the other’s scent from afar. Keep leads loose throughout — neither dog should feel restricted or cornered at this stage.
Move to a short on-lead greeting. When both dogs look relaxed, allow a brief sniff hello on lead. A few seconds is plenty to begin with. This is one of the most important moments in any puppy and resident dog introduction, so resist the urge to let it run on, even if it seems to be going well.
Head indoors for brief supervised time together. Once the outdoor greeting has gone smoothly, bring both dogs inside for a short off-lead session in a neutral room. Keep food and toys out of the picture initially — removing that competition early makes a real difference.
Watch closely and step in calmly if needed. If either dog seems overwhelmed, separate them quietly and give both a chance to decompress before trying again.
Signs one dog needs a break: a stiff or frozen posture, tucked tail, excessive panting, or turning away and shutting down. If you notice any of these, calmly lead the dogs apart, give each one some quiet time in their own space, and return to shorter sessions when they’re both settled.
Build up shared time gradually. Over the following days, slowly extend how long they spend together — always supervised, always with an easy exit available for both dogs.
Pacing really is everything when introducing a new puppy to an older dog or a resident dog of any age. Where you can, handle one dog at a time, keep early sessions short, and let the relationship develop at its own pace. If you want help thinking through the bigger picture too, our guide to bringing a new puppy home covers everything you need to help both dogs feel settled from day one.
Making the first week feel safe and predictable
The first week at home sets the tone for everything that follows, and knowing how to introduce a new puppy to a resident dog well goes beyond that initial meeting in the park. What actually helps both dogs relax is structure and predictability. When each dog knows what to expect from their day, that low-level tension that comes from uncertainty starts to fade on its own.
Here are five daily practices worth building into your routine from day one:
Feed them separately. Use different rooms or at least opposite ends of the space, and always pick up bowls once each dog has finished. Even the most laid-back older dog can feel uncomfortable with a bouncy puppy hovering near their food bowl.
Keep sleeping areas apart. Your puppy needs their own safe space to wind down without your resident dog wandering in. A consistent, settled sleep setup makes a real difference — our guide on creating the perfect puppy sleep routine has some practical tips to get you started.
Stagger toilet breaks where you can. Taking them out separately in the early days keeps things calm and gives each dog a quiet moment of one-to-one time with you, which both of them will appreciate.
Keep shared time short and intentional. A few brief, calm sessions together are far better than long stretches of unsupervised chaos. Five to ten minutes, a few times a day, is genuinely plenty to begin with.
Put high-value items away. Chews, bones, favourite toys — clear them from shared spaces for now. Resource guarding can flare up in dogs that have never shown it before, so it’s simply not worth the risk this early on.
Quick tip: always end interactions before either dog reaches their limit. A session that finishes while both dogs are still calm and happy does far more good than one that tips into overexcitement or stress.
None of this is about keeping your dogs apart forever. It’s about giving them the steadiness they need to actually get comfortable with each other, so that the easy, relaxed coexistence you’re hoping for has a real chance to take root.
Common mistakes that can make introductions harder
Even the most prepared pet parents can stumble during introductions, and usually it’s pure excitement that’s to blame rather than carelessness. These are easy mistakes to make. The good news is that spotting them early makes the whole process so much smoother for everyone involved.
Rushing straight to off-lead play. It feels natural to just let them get on with it, but dropping the leads too soon takes away your ability to step in if things get tense. Keep early interactions on lead and in neutral spaces while you find your feet.
Expecting instant bonding. Some dogs click immediately, but many don’t. If you’re watching for cuddles on day one, you’ll miss the quieter signs of real progress, like calm sniffing or simply choosing to settle near each other.
Leaving them alone together too soon. Until you’re genuinely confident both dogs are relaxed around each other, they should always be supervised. A crate gives each dog their own breathing space when you can’t be right there watching. If you’re new to crating, our guide to dog crates is a great place to start.
Skipping neutral territory. Meeting at home immediately puts the resident dog on guard. A quiet street or local park gives both dogs a calmer, more level playing field for that first hello.
Letting the puppy crowd the older dog. Puppies have zero concept of personal space. Redirecting them before they pester or overwhelm your resident dog protects the relationship before it’s even had a chance to form.
Slowing the process down, even when everything looks fine, almost always leads to calmer, more settled dogs in the long run. These mistakes are easy to sidestep once you know what to look out for.
When to slow down and ask for extra help
Sometimes, even with the best preparation, things don’t click straight away. That’s completely normal, and it doesn’t mean you’ve done anything wrong.
There are a few signs worth taking seriously, though. If your resident dog is freezing stiff, growling well beyond a single brief warning, or struggling to eat and settle after several days, those are clear signals to slow the pace right down. The same applies to a puppy who has shut down, stopped playing, or seems anxious every time your older dog is nearby. One or two tense moments are to be expected. Persistent stress in either dog deserves proper attention.
If meetings keep ending badly despite giving both dogs space and time, go back to basics. Separate their areas completely for a few days, swap bedding so they can get used to each other’s scent from a safe distance, then reintroduce through a baby gate before attempting face-to-face contact again. It might feel like a step backwards, but a full reset is often the most useful thing you can do.
If you’ve worked through all of this and things still feel stuck, a qualified behaviourist using positive, force-free methods can genuinely help. Your vet is usually a good first call for a reputable recommendation.
It’s also worth knowing that this same steady, patient approach applies to other introductions at home. If you’re also navigating life with a cat, our guide on how to get your dog and cat to get along walks through a similarly careful process.
Slowing down isn’t giving up. It’s the kindest, smartest move you can make for both dogs.
Why does my dog dig at their bed before lying down?
That satisfying scratch-paw-circle routine your dog performs before finally settling down is one of those small mysteries that leaves a lot of pet parents genuinely curious. Understanding why dogs dig at their bed comes down to a fascinating mix of ancient instinct, comfort-seeking, and the occasional signal that something in their sleep setup needs attention. In this article, we’ll walk through what’s really going on, when it’s worth a second look, and how to put together a sleeping space your dog will actually love.
Why dogs dig at their bed before settling down
If you’ve ever watched your dog scratch, paw, and circle their bed before finally flopping down with a satisfied sigh, you’re in very good company. It’s one of those behaviours that looks a little eccentric but is, for most dogs, completely normal.
So why do dogs dig at their bed before lying down? The short answer: it’s a deeply rooted mix of instinct, comfort-seeking, and habit. Dogs have been doing this for thousands of years — long before memory foam or fleece linings were part of the picture, and the behaviour has simply carried over into domestic life.
It usually comes down to three things. Instinct, first and foremost. Wild dogs would scratch at grass, leaves, or earth to shape a sheltered sleeping spot, and that drive hasn’t gone anywhere. Then there’s comfort — rearranging bedding helps your dog settle into just the right position and temperature. And finally, scent. Dogs have scent glands in their paws, so all that scratching is also their way of quietly claiming the space as their own.
Most of the time, there’s nothing to worry about. It’s just your dog being a dog. If you’re thinking about whether their current bed is actually working for them, our introduction to dog beds is a helpful place to start.
The instinct side: nesting, scent-marking, and den behaviour
So much of what looks like quirky dog behaviour actually makes perfect sense once you understand where it comes from and why dogs dig at their bed is a great example. This habit stretches back thousands of years, long before cosy living rooms and memory foam mattresses, when dogs’ wild ancestors had to create their own resting spots from scratch.
Here are the key instincts at play when your dog digs, scratches, and circles before settling:
Denning instinct: Wild canines would dig shallow hollows in the earth to create a sheltered, secure sleeping space. Your dog is doing exactly the same thing just with a fleece blanket instead of soil.
Nesting for comfort and warmth: Dog nesting behaviour typically involves rearranging bedding to trap heat or create a cooler spot, depending on the time of year. Think of it as your dog fine-tuning their own little microclimate.
Circling to check their surroundings: That pre-sleep loop isn’t random. It’s an instinctive safety scan — a way of checking for anything unusual before becoming vulnerable in sleep.
Scent-marking through their paws: Dogs have small scent glands in their paw pads, so when they scratch their bed, they’re leaving behind a subtle personal scent. It’s their way of saying this space is mine.
All of these behaviours are healthy, normal expressions of instinct — nothing to worry about. If your dog is a dedicated digger, a bed with deeper, cushioned sides gives them something genuinely satisfying to paw into and curl against. The Lords & Labradors Nest Dog Bed is designed with exactly that in mind.
Could your dog be trying to get more comfortable or regulate temperature?
Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one. A lot of the time, when dogs dig at their bed before lying down, they’re just trying to get comfortable — and temperature has more to do with it than most owners would guess.
Think of it as your dog doing a quick pre-sleep audit of their space. A bit of pawing here, some rearranging there — it’s their version of plumping a pillow or stealing the cool side of the duvet. Completely relatable, honestly.
Here are some of the most common comfort-driven reasons dogs scratch or dig before settling:
Fluffing blankets to trap warmth on colder nights
Pawing bedding aside to find a cooler, flatter surface when they’re feeling too warm
Bunching soft material into a nest shape that cradles their body just so
Shifting around to avoid lumps, seams, or uneven patches in the bed
Creating a small hollow that feels snug and enclosed
Quick fact: Dog nesting behaviour is rooted in an instinct to build a thermally efficient sleep spot — one that helps them retain heat or release it depending on what their body needs in that moment.
The reassuring part? This kind of digging is almost always completely normal. Your dog isn’t anxious or unsettled. They’re just making their bed work for them. If you’ve ever wondered whether a blanket might help them feel more settled at night, this guide is worth a read.
When bed-digging is normal — and when it might point to a problem
For most dogs, a bit of digging and circling before settling down is completely normal — it’s deeply instinctive, and if your dog has always done it, there’s almost certainly nothing to worry about. That said, a few signs are worth keeping an eye on.
Frantic or repeated scratching that looks more like frustration than habit
Restless pacing around the bed without ever actually settling
Whimpering or vocalising during the pre-sleep routine
Repeatedly abandoning the bed to sleep somewhere else instead
Noticeable changes in how long or how deeply your dog sleeps
Redness, flaking, or irritation around the paws or belly
When these things start showing up, it’s often your dog’s way of telling you something feels off. It could be stress, a new source of physical discomfort, or even a reaction to a laundry product you’ve used on their bedding — you’d be surprised how often that one catches people out. Sometimes, though, the answer is simpler: the bed itself may no longer be right for them.
Dogs’ needs genuinely change over time. A bed that was perfect for a bouncy two-year-old Labrador might not offer nearly enough support for that same dog at eight. If your dog seems unsettled in a way that goes beyond their usual pre-sleep ritual, it’s worth taking a proper look at their sleeping setup. Our guide on how to pick a dog bed is a good place to start.
How to make your dog’s bed more inviting
If your dog is going to dig at their bed before lying down, the least you can do is give them a great one to work with. A few small changes can make a real difference to how settled they feel come sleep time.
Start with size. A bed that’s too small forces your dog to curl up awkwardly, while one that’s too large can feel exposed rather than snug. Dogs with strong nesting instincts — particularly smaller breeds and anxious dogs — often do best with a bed that has raised sides or a bolster to press against. It gives them something to dig into, and something to tuck against once they’re done.
Material matters too. Soft, washable fabrics tend to invite the most nesting behaviour, and keeping bedding clean helps your dog feel at home rather than unsettled by unfamiliar smells. That said, if you notice more scratching and circling after a wash, try placing a worn t-shirt or familiar blanket in the bed to bring back that comforting scent. Our guide on how to clean your Lords & Labradors pet bedding has some useful tips for keeping things fresh without losing that familiarity your dog relies on.
Placement is worth thinking about too. A quiet corner, away from drafts and busy walkways, gives your dog the chance to settle without distraction. Get the setup right, and you’ll likely find the whole pre-sleep ritual — the circling, the digging, the pawing — becomes calmer and quicker than you’d expect.
Cats are famously hard to predict, and their sleeping habits are no exception. If you’ve ever wondered why do cats sleep in different places, the answer reaches back to instinct, but it’s also shaped by temperature, mood, territory, and the rhythms of daily life. In this article, we’ll walk through what’s really going on when your cat moves between spots, and how to create a sleep setup they’ll genuinely want to use.
Why cats change sleeping spots so often
If you’ve ever spotted your cat snoozing on the sofa in the morning, tucked behind the bathroom door by lunchtime, and somehow wedged into a cardboard box by evening — you’re not alone. This is just cats being cats.
So why do cats sleep in different places? The short answer is instinct. In the wild, cats rotate their sleeping spots to avoid becoming predictable to predators, so no single location ever feels too exposed. Your perfectly safe indoor cat carries those same instincts, even if the biggest threat in their day is the vacuum cleaner.
Beyond instinct, cats are committed comfort-seekers. They’ll follow a patch of sunlight across the living room floor, claim the warmest corner of the house, or decide that your fresh laundry pile is, clearly, the ideal place for a nap. Their sleeping habits shift with the light, the temperature, their mood, and the rhythms of the day.
The reassuring part is that moving between sleeping spots is completely normal cat behaviour. It doesn’t mean they’re unsettled or unhappy. Most of the time, it simply means they’re doing what cats do best: finding the most comfortable option available to them right now.
If you’d like to give them a few more worthy options to choose from, browsing our cat beds is a great place to start.
How territory and safety shape where your cat sleeps
Cats are deeply territorial, and where they choose to sleep is rarely accidental. Their wild ancestors had to stay alert even while resting, and that instinct is very much alive in your cat today. In fact, one of the clearest explanations for why cats sleep in different places is rooted in survival behaviour — rotating spots helps them stay familiar with their home and feel in control of it.
A few key instincts shape where your cat decides to settle:
Territory rotation — moving between spots helps cats mentally map their home and notice any changes
Escape route awareness — cats gravitate towards positions where they can see the room clearly and make a quick exit if needed
High perches for surveillance — the top of a bookshelf or a sunny windowsill offers a satisfying bird’s-eye view of everything going on below
Tucked-away corners for concealment — when they want to feel hidden and unbothered, a snug or covered spot feels far more secure
Reading the room — a busier, noisier space will often send a cat straight to somewhere quieter and less exposed
So when your cat keeps sleeping in different spots or turns up in seemingly odd places, it’s usually a very deliberate read of the environment. Once you see their habits as purposeful rather than puzzling, it becomes much easier to support them well.
If your cat has a particular love of sheltered, den-like spaces, a high-sided cat bed can offer exactly the cocooned, secure feeling their instincts are quietly asking for.
Temperature, comfort, and the hunt for the perfect cosy spot
One of the most straightforward reasons why cats sleep in different places comes down to temperature. Cats are incredibly sensitive to heat and cold, and they’ll instinctively seek out whichever spot in your home feels just right at any given moment.
You’ve probably spotted your cat doing some of these:
Following a patch of sunlight as it moves across the floor during the morning
Pressing right up against the radiator on a cold winter afternoon
Sprawling flat out on cool kitchen tiles when the weather warms up
Burrowing into a soft blanket or throw for an extra layer of warmth
Claiming a spot on top of the sofa or a high shelf, where warm air naturally collects
Tucking into a snug, enclosed space that holds body heat and feels sheltered
Worth knowing: Cats sleep between 12 and 16 hours a day. That’s a serious amount of rest, which means comfort isn’t a luxury for them — it’s a genuine daily need. Rotating between spots is simply how they stay at the right temperature as the day changes around them.
Giving your cat several cosy options around the home works with this instinct rather than against it. A soft blanket in a sunny corner, a cool retreat in the hallway, and something like a cosy burrow-style bed that wraps snugly around them each serve different needs at different times of day. The more choices they have, the more settled they tend to feel.
What your cat’s mood and routine can tell you
There’s rarely one simple answer to why cats sleep in different places, because where your cat chooses to rest often reflects how they’re actually feeling. Mood, confidence, stress, and shifts in your home routine all quietly shape those decisions — sometimes from one day to the next.
What sleep spot changes can reveal:
A new pet or baby in the home — your cat may retreat to quieter, more secluded spots while they find their feet again
Growing confidence — a previously anxious cat sprawling in the middle of the sofa is genuinely a good sign
Ageing and joint comfort — older cats often abandon high perches in favour of lower, softer spots that are kinder on their bodies
Disrupted daily routine — changes to feeding times or your own schedule can shift when and where your cat likes to settle
Seasonal temperature shifts — the windowsill they loved all summer may lose its appeal entirely come winter
Bonding and trust — choosing to sleep closer to you is usually a sign your cat feels safe and at home
A relaxed cat rotating between favourite spots is completely normal. What’s worth paying attention to is a sudden change paired with lethargy, hiding, or loss of appetite — that combination is worth a conversation with your vet.
Most of the time, changing sleeping spots is simply feline instinct doing its thing. Giving your cat a variety of comfortable, well-placed options means they can follow those instincts freely — which, honestly, is all they’re asking for.
How to create a sleep setup your cat will actually use
The good news? Supporting your cat’s sleep habits doesn’t need to be a big project. A few small changes around your home can go a long way.
Start by offering variety. Cats change sleeping spots for good reasons, so give them real options across different areas. Think about height, warmth, and noise levels. A cosy enclosed bed tucked in a sunny corner, a soft blanket folded on a lower shelf, and a spot near their favourite person covers most of what cats are quietly looking for.
Warmth matters more than most people expect. If your cat keeps ditching their bed for the radiator or a fresh pile of laundry, take that as a hint. A well-padded, hooded bed tends to beat a flat open one, especially once the temperature drops.
Location is just as important as the bed itself. Avoid busy walkways or anywhere the household tends to gather loudly. Cats sleep best when they feel settled, not like they need to keep one eye open.
Once you’ve set up a few spots, give it a week or two and just watch. You’ll start to notice the patterns fairly quickly: the sunny morning stretch, the quiet evening retreat, the social snooze next to you on the sofa.
Understanding why cats sleep in different places is really just about learning to read your cat. Once you do, making small tweaks to their space starts to feel less like guesswork and a lot more like second nature.
Sore gums, mystery teeth marks on the furniture, a puppy who seems a little off but you can’t quite put your finger on why — puppy teething symptoms have a way of creeping up before you’ve even thought to look for them. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what’s actually happening inside your puppy’s mouth, what the teething timeline looks like, and how to tell normal discomfort from something worth a vet call. You’ll also find some genuinely simple ways to soothe sore gums at home and keep the chewing pointed in the right direction.
What puppy teething symptoms look like in everyday life
Most puppy parents notice something is off before they even think to connect it to teething. The shoes have mysteriously acquired teeth marks, your puppy is mouthing your hands more than usual, and they seem a little out of sorts in general. Sound familiar? Once you know what to look for, the whole picture starts to make sense.
The most obvious sign is a sudden surge in chewing. Everything becomes fair game: furniture corners, skirting boards, your favourite jumper. Alongside this, you might notice your puppy dribbling more than usual or pawing at their mouth. If you gently lift their lip, look for gums that appear a little red or puffy, especially around the spots where new teeth are starting to push through.
Nipping tends to increase too, and it can feel more frantic than playful. This is not your puppy being difficult or defiant. Their gums are genuinely uncomfortable, and chewing brings relief. Giving them appropriate things to gnaw on, like textured puppy toys designed with teething in mind, makes a real difference at this stage.
A fussier mood is also completely normal. Some puppies go off their food for a day or two, sleep more restlessly, or simply seem a little flat compared to their usual bouncy selves. It will pass.
Spotting these puppy teething signs for what they actually are helps you respond with patience rather than frustration. That is better for your puppy, and honestly, better for you too.
When puppy teething starts and when it usually ends
Puppy teething symptoms can feel like they’ve come out of nowhere, but the process actually begins earlier than most people realise. Baby teeth start pushing through from around 3 to 8 weeks of age, and by 12 to 16 weeks, adult teeth begin replacing them. The whole stage typically wraps up by around 6 to 7 months, so as relentless as it feels right now, it really is temporary.
Here’s how the puppy teething timeline usually unfolds:
0 to 3 weeks — Puppies are born without teeth. Gums are soft, and there’s no discomfort yet.
3 to 8 weeks — Baby teeth (also called milk teeth) begin coming through. Most puppies have their full set of 28 by around 8 weeks.
12 to 16 weeks — Adult teeth start pushing through. This is when puppy teething signs tend to become most noticeable, with chewing and drooling ramping up noticeably.
4 to 6 months — Adult teeth continue replacing baby teeth. Don’t be surprised if you find a tiny tooth on the kitchen floor.
6 to 7 months — The full set of 42 adult teeth is usually in place.
Worth knowing: Most puppies have all 42 adult teeth by 6 to 7 months. That’s the finish line, and it will arrive.
How long puppies teethe and how intensely they feel it does vary. Larger breeds sometimes experience more pronounced discomfort, and some puppies are just more sensitive than others. If your pup seems particularly restless or chew-obsessed, that’s usually why.
Getting the right supplies together early makes the whole stage far more manageable. Lords & Labradors’ puppy collection is a great starting point if you’re building your teething toolkit.
Why teething makes puppies chew, bite, and act out
If your puppy seems to be chewing everything in sight, nipping at your hands, or waking you up at odd hours, take a breath — this is not a sign that you’ve got a troublesome pup on your hands. These are classic puppy teething symptoms, and they’re almost always your puppy’s way of telling you their mouth is uncomfortable.
During teething, the gums become inflamed as adult teeth push through the tissue. That pressure and sensitivity is genuinely uncomfortable, and chewing provides just enough counter-pressure to bring some relief. Think of it like a human baby reaching for anything they can gnaw on. Your puppy isn’t acting out — they’re coping.
The most common behavioural signs linked to teething discomfort include:
Chewing furniture, skirting boards, and shoes — anything firm that creates that satisfying counter-pressure
Destroying bedding or soft furnishings, which tends to ramp up at night when there’s nothing else to redirect their attention to
Mouthing or grabbing hands during play, often more persistently than usual
Eating more slowly or briefly going off food because chewing feels sore
Drooling more than normal, thanks to increased saliva production during teething
Seeming restless or unsettled at bedtime, especially during the most intense teething weeks
All of this is temporary. Once you understand it’s physical discomfort driving the behaviour rather than wilfulness, it becomes a lot easier to respond with patience and redirect your puppy calmly.
How to soothe sore gums at home
Once you’ve started recognising the puppy teething symptoms your pup is showing, the focus naturally shifts from spotting the signs to actually making them feel better. The good news? There’s plenty you can do at home, and most of it is simple.
Offer puppy-safe chew toys designed with teething in mind. Softer rubber or nylon options give sore gums something satisfying to work on without causing damage. It’s worth having a few different styles on the go — browse puppy-safe chew toys to find options suited to your pup’s size and chew strength.
Try a briefly chilled damp flannel. Wet a cloth, pop it in the fridge for 20 minutes, then let your puppy gnaw on it. The gentle coolness soothes inflamed gums without the risks that come with frozen items.
Rotate toys regularly. Puppies lose interest quickly, so swapping things out every day or two keeps chewing directed at the right targets rather than your skirting boards.
Stay nearby during chewing sessions. Supervising means you can calmly redirect your pup the moment they switch from their toy to your favourite chair leg — and they will try.
Redirect rather than just remove. When your puppy goes for something off-limits, swap it straight away with an appropriate toy. A firm “no” on its own rarely gets the message across at this age.
What to avoid:
Hard bones or antlers, which can crack sensitive puppy teeth
Frozen solid items like ice cubes, which are too harsh on sore gums
Small objects that could become a choking hazard
Human teething gels, particularly anything containing xylitol, which is toxic to dogs
With the right puppy teething remedies to hand and a little consistency, this phase is genuinely manageable — for your puppy and for your home.
When puppy teething symptoms need a vet check
Most puppy teething symptoms are completely normal, and the vast majority of what you’ll see at home doesn’t need anything more than patience and a good chew toy.
A little blood on a toy? Perfectly expected. The odd wobbly or missing tooth? All part of it. Mild drooling, pink-tinged gums, and a puppy who’s grumpier than usual during peak teething weeks are nothing to panic about.
That said, a few signs are worth watching more closely:
Gums that look very swollen, deeply red, or are bleeding heavily and not settling
A baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out after the adult tooth has already come through
Persistent refusal to eat, even soft or wet food
Breath that smells genuinely foul — not just normal puppy breath, but sharp or rotten
Lethargy, a fever, or anything else that makes your puppy seem off in a general way
If one of these pops up, give it a day and see whether things settle. If they don’t, trust your gut and call your vet. You know your puppy better than anyone.
For everything else, the right support and a few good chews will carry you both through. Just getting started with a new pup? Our guide to bringing a puppy home covers those early weeks brilliantly.
Finding the best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs is genuinely worth getting right, because a bed that works for a Spaniel simply will not cut it for a Golden Retriever or a Great Dane. In this guide, we cover everything that actually matters: foam depth, washability, durability for heavy sprawlers, and what changes when your dog gets older and slower to get up. Whether you are shopping on a budget or looking for a long-term investment for a senior dog, we have broken it all down so you can find the right fit for your specific dog.
Best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs: how to choose the right one
Large dogs put a lot through their joints every single day, and a flat cushion just doesn't cut it once you've got a Labrador, a Golden Retriever, or a Great Dane settling in for a long sleep. The best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs do something genuinely different: they use high-density foam to distribute your dog's body weight evenly, take the pressure off hips, elbows, and shoulders, and help muscles recover properly between walks.
Before you start comparing products, it helps to know what actually matters. Foam quality is the big one. Look for a solid memory foam or high-resilience foam base of at least four inches — anything thinner and a heavier dog will compress straight through it. Size matters just as much. Your dog should be able to stretch out fully without a limb dangling off the edge, so measure them before you buy.
Cover washability is easy to overlook until it suddenly isn't. For big dogs, a removable machine-washable cover isn't a bonus — it's a basic requirement. Think muddy paws after a wet walk, moulting season, the occasional drool patch. You'll be glad it zips off.
It's also worth thinking about your dog's age and how they sleep. A younger dog who sprawls and digs needs something durable and low-sided. A senior dog with stiff joints needs a bed that's easy to step into and offers deeper support.
Best all-round orthopedic beds for big dogs who need everyday support
When you live with a big dog who drops onto their bed at the end of the day with a dramatic sigh, the filling inside really matters. The best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs do more than look plush. They need to support heavier bodies evenly, hold their shape over time, and be easy to keep clean after muddy walks, shedding season, and everyday life.
Slumba Orthopaedic Dog Mattress by Lords & Labradors — This is the one we’d point most pet parents towards for dependable everyday comfort, especially if your dog is older, heavy-set, or simply loves stretching right out. The Slumba Orthopaedic Dog Mattress has deep supportive foam that helps spread weight more evenly, so there’s less chance of hips and shoulders dipping awkwardly into the bed. It also has a removable washable cover, which is a genuine win if your dog brings half the garden back indoors.
High-sided memory foam beds — A lovely option for dogs who like a bit of structure around them or always use the edge of the bed as a pillow. For an orthopedic dog bed for large dogs, look for sturdy bolsters, a non-slip base, and enough foam depth to stop the bed feeling flat under a heavier frame.
Flat orthopedic mattress styles — These are often the best dog beds for large dogs who sprawl, sleep hot, or don’t want to climb over raised sides. A simple mattress shape also fits nicely in open spaces like kitchens, utility rooms, or beside your bed.
For larger dogs, many pet parents find 4 inches or more of supportive foam offers better everyday comfort.
What makes these styles such strong all-rounders is the balance of comfort, support, and practicality. For nightly use, that’s what really counts.
Best orthopedic beds for senior dogs and dogs with stiff joints
Older dogs, and dogs living with arthritis or joint stiffness, need more than just a soft place to lie down. The best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs in this category deliver deeper pressure relief, foam support that holds its shape overnight, and a low step-in height that lets a stiff dog settle without struggling on the way down.
When choosing for a senior or joint-compromised large dog, look for:
High-density memory foam of at least 4 inches to properly support heavier body weight
A waterproof inner liner, especially useful if your dog is older and occasionally caught short
Bolster edges that support the head and neck once they finally relax into sleep
A non-slip base to keep the bed stable on hard floors when they're getting in and out
A low or open entry point so there's no barrier to step over
The three designs that tend to work best here are memory foam mattress beds, bolster-surround beds, and raised ortho frames. Flat mattress beds give full-body contact and suit dogs who love to stretch right out. Raised frames keep a dog off cold floors, though they work better for dogs who still move fairly easily. For large dogs that shift position through the night and need something to lean into, a bolster-surround bed often comes out on top. Our square bolster dog beds are a strong pick here, offering wraparound support that genuinely helps big dogs feel settled rather than just parked somewhere soft.
If your dog is showing early signs of stiffness, getting the right bed in place sooner rather than later is one of the simplest things you can do for their long-term comfort.
Best durable orthopedic beds for large breeds that love to sprawl or dig
Some large dogs treat a bed like part of their settling ritual: a few tight circles, a good scratch, then a full-body flop. If that sounds familiar, the best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs need to do more than feel comfortable on day one. They need to cope with daily wear and still keep their shape.
Feature
Why It Matters
What to Look For
Tough outer fabric
Helps the bed stand up to scratching, digging, and repeated pawing
Canvas, durable microfibre, or other hard-wearing fabrics
Removable washable cover
Makes muddy paws, moulting season, and the odd accident much easier to manage
A cover that zips off easily and can go in the wash
Supportive foam base
Gives bigger dogs steadier joint support and is less likely to flatten quickly
A thick, structured base that feels resilient
Non-slip bottom
Stops the bed sliding while your dog circles or climbs in
Textured or grippy underside
A few practical tips help when choosing a large dog bed for joint support:
If your dog sprawls right to the edges, an extra large orthopedic dog bed gives them room without hanging off the sides
Raised edges can be handy for dogs who like to lean or rest their chin, but the centre should still feel stable and supportive
A washable cover is worth its weight in gold if your dog sheds heavily or loves the garden
Be cautious with beds labelled “orthopaedic” if they rely mostly on soft fill rather than a proper foam base
If you like the cosy box-bed style, the Lords & Labradors Essentials Plush Box Bed is a useful one to compare against your checklist, especially if you want something practical, snug, and easy to live with day to day.
Best orthopedic beds by budget and value for large dogs
Price matters, but with the best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs, value is really about how well the bed suits your dog’s stage of life. A younger, healthy Labrador who flops down after a muddy walk may be perfectly happy on a well-made large dog bed for joint support with sturdy filling and a washable cover. An older giant breed who’s slower to get up usually benefits from thicker, denser foam that holds its shape night after night.
Budget-Smart Picks
Premium Investment Picks
Price Range
£60–£120
£130–£250+
Foam Type
Supportive standard foam
High-density memory foam
Ideal Dog Size/Age
Young adults, growing large breeds
Seniors, giant breeds, dogs over 32kg
Best Use Case
Everyday comfort, guest bed, younger dog
Ongoing joint support, stiffness, recovery
It’s usually worth spending more if your dog:
is older and seems stiff after naps
is a giant breed putting lots of weight on the bed every day
has arthritis, hip issues, or reduced mobility
needs a bed that won’t flatten too quickly
If your dog is still growing, or just needs a comfortable everyday spot, a simpler orthopedic dog bed for large dogs can be the smarter buy. But if you’re looking for longer-lasting support, especially for a big dog who sleeps deeply and spends hours in bed, premium foam often earns its keep. You can browse Lords & Labradors’ luxury dog beds collection if you want to compare more supportive, extra large options.
How to pick the best orthopedic bed for your large dog
The right bed really does come down to knowing your dog — their size, how they sleep, and where they are in life.
For younger large breeds who just need reliable everyday support, a quality memory foam dog bed with a washable cover is usually the sweet spot. Good cushioning, easy to keep clean, no unnecessary fuss.
Older dogs, or those managing arthritis, stiff joints, or post-surgery recovery, need a bit more thought. Deeper foam, a lower entry point, and bolster sides they can actually lean into all make a real difference. Senior dogs tend to sleep longer and heavier, so that extra support earns its keep quickly.
If your dog is a sprawler, a digger, or just reliably hard on everything they own, durability matters as much as foam quality. Look for reinforced covers and a dense base layer that holds its shape over months of use, not just the first few weeks.
On budget, spending a little more upfront on an extra large orthopedic dog bed almost always makes more sense than replacing a cheaper one every year. A good bed can genuinely grow with your dog's needs as they age.
Ultimately, the best orthopedic dog beds for large dogs are the ones that fit your specific dog — their weight, their sleep style, their life stage. That combination will always matter more than any single feature on a label.
If you have ever looked down at your hands after a play session and wondered why puppies bite so much, the good news is that you are dealing with one of the most normal things a puppy can do. In this article we cover the real reasons behind all that mouthing and nipping, how to teach your puppy to be gentler, and the simplest ways to redirect their energy to something more appropriate. We also help you recognise the moments when a little extra support from a vet or trainer might be worth reaching for.
Why puppies bite so much in the first place
If your puppy seems to bite everything and everyone in sight, you are not alone — and your puppy is not broken. Biting and mouthing are completely normal parts of early development, and once you understand why it happens, the whole thing feels a lot less stressful.
The simplest way to think about it: a puppy’s mouth is their hands. Before they can explore, play, or communicate in any other way, they use their teeth. That table leg, your favourite jumper, your fingers at 7am before you’ve even had a coffee. All completely fair game as far as they’re concerned.
A few things drive all that mouthing. Teething is a big one. Between roughly three and six months old, puppies are cutting new teeth, and chewing brings real relief from the discomfort. Then there’s play. Puppies learn how to interact through rough and tumble with their littermates, and they naturally bring that same energy into life with you. They’re also figuring out how hard they can actually bite, a process known as bite inhibition. When a sibling yelps and backs away, a puppy learns that biting too hard ends the fun. It’s a genuinely important life skill, and they need the chance to practise it.
It’s also worth saying plainly: a puppy who bites a lot is not naughty or aggressive. They’re being a puppy, doing exactly what puppies are built to do at this stage.
Understanding that is half the battle. The other half is making sure they have the right things to chew, play with, and explore from the very beginning.
Teething, play, and overstimulation: the most common triggers
Most owners asking why puppies bite so much will find the answer sitting in one of three places: teething discomfort, play instinct, or a puppy who has simply had too much going on. Once you know which trigger you’re dealing with, the behaviour starts to make a lot more sense.
Common triggers to watch for:
Evening zoomies followed by frantic nipping — an overtired puppy loses self-control fast, just like a toddler past their bedtime
Mouthing during tug or fetch games — play drive kicks in and your hands become part of the fun
Nibbling after a busy socialisation session — too much stimulation leaves puppies wired and struggling to settle
Chewing fingers and furniture around 12 to 20 weeks — incoming adult teeth cause real discomfort, and puppies chew to relieve it
Nipping when you reach down to stroke them — excitement and touch combine into a grabby, mouthy moment
Biting during training sessions that run too long — concentration runs out and frustration takes over
Worth knowing: Puppies start losing their baby teeth from around 12 weeks, with most adult teeth coming through between 12 and 24 weeks. This is one of the most intense periods for puppy teething, and it often explains why your puppy seems to be nipping constantly at this stage.
Recognising these trigger moments is genuinely half the battle when it comes to how to stop puppy biting. The behaviour is completely normal at this age and usually peaks before gradually fading as your puppy matures. Keeping a good selection of puppy toys within easy reach means you can redirect quickly the moment you spot a trigger building — before teeth find your hands instead.
How to teach bite inhibition without upsetting your puppy
Bite inhibition sounds technical, but it really just means teaching your puppy that human skin is off-limits — and it is absolutely something they can learn. Understanding why puppies bite so much makes this easier, because you know it is not bad behaviour, just communication. Calm, consistent training works brilliantly here, with no raised voices or startled pups required.
Stop play the moment teeth touch skin. Go completely still and quiet. Avoid pulling your hand away sharply, as that can actually make the whole thing more exciting for your puppy.
Use a simple, neutral cue like “ouch” or “too much” in a calm, flat tone. You are not telling them off, just letting them know the fun has paused.
Redirect to a chew toy within a few seconds. Offer it calmly and let your puppy settle into it. This gives them something appropriate to sink their teeth into.
Reward gentle mouthing or soft contact with quiet praise or a small treat. You are reinforcing what you do want, not just reacting to what you do not.
Keep it consistent across the whole household. Every person, every time.
A quick note on consistency: Mixed signals from different family members are one of the most common reasons puppy biting stages feel like they drag on. If one person lets the puppy mouth their hands during a play session, the lesson starts to unravel. Everyone needs to follow the same approach.
The goal is never punishment. It is clear, kind communication. When you understand why puppies bite, you can respond in a way that works with how they naturally learn — and that makes the whole process faster and far less stressful for everyone involved.
What to do instead: redirecting to toys and setting your puppy up for success
Once you understand why puppies bite so much, the solution gets a lot clearer: they need something better to sink their teeth into. Redirection is one of the most effective tools you have, and with a little consistency, it genuinely works.
Swap immediately, not eventually. The moment teeth touch skin or clothing, calmly remove your hand and offer a toy instead. No drama, no delay. The swap itself is the lesson.
Use cooling chews for teething relief. During a heavy teething stage, a chilled rubber chew can make a real difference. Pop it in the freezer for an hour before play and let the cold do the soothing work.
Reach for the right toy. Lords & Labradors puppy toys are designed with teething puppies in mind, with textures and resistance that actually satisfy the urge to gnaw. A toy that feels good to chew is one that gets used.
Keep play sessions structured. Short, calm sessions are your friend. Overstimulation turns even the gentlest puppies mouthy, so watch for the signs and wind things down before they tip over the edge.
Build in calm-down breaks. If your puppy is too fired up to redirect, a quiet pause in their crate or pen gives them a chance to reset.
Every redirect counts: puppies learn through repetition, so the more consistently you make the swap, the faster it sticks.
Setting your puppy up for success really comes down to managing their environment and energy before biting becomes the default outlet. Keep appropriate chews within easy reach, keep play sessions manageable, and trust that small, consistent moments genuinely add up.
When normal mouthing becomes a problem worth getting help for
Most puppy biting is completely normal, and with consistency, it does ease off. But it’s worth pausing every now and then to ask whether something more might be going on.
If your puppy’s biting still feels relentless after weeks of calm, consistent redirection, it’s worth talking to a qualified trainer. The same applies if bites are regularly hard and don’t seem connected to play, if your puppy snaps when anyone goes near their food, toys, or bed, or if their reactions feel more fearful than excited. None of that makes them a bad puppy. It just means you’d both benefit from a little extra support.
Pain is worth considering too. Teething can make puppies genuinely sore and out of sorts, and some pups bite more simply because they’re uncomfortable. If your puppy seems distressed beyond the usual nipping and wriggling, a quick vet check is a sensible place to start.
One of the most useful things you can do in the meantime is learn to read what your puppy is telling you before the biting even begins. Spotting the early signals makes it so much easier to respond well. Our guide to understanding your dog’s body language is a really helpful starting point.
And here’s the reassuring bit: for the vast majority of puppies, the biting does pass. With patience, the right toys, and a bit of guidance, most pups grow into gentle, settled dogs who’ve figured out how to use their mouths kindly.
At Lords & Labradors, we specialise in dog crate bedding and accessories. Our dog crate cover and bed sets are available in a stylish choice of fabrics and come in a variety of sizes. These sets create the ultimate comfort spot for your puppy or adult dog. Luxury dog crates...
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At Lords & Labradors, we specialise in dog crate bedding and accessories. Our dog crate cover and bed sets are available in a stylish choice of fabrics and come in a variety of sizes. These sets create the ultimate comfort spot for your puppy or adult dog.
Luxury dog crates
All our deluxe dog crates are made from pet-safe metal and feature removable trays to make them practical and super easy to clean. With sizes ranging from small to XXL, there’s a dog crate set to suit all breeds. Crates are essential when it comes to house training your new puppy. We always suggest buying a larger size dog crate and bed for your puppy so they can grow into it, saving you from having to purchase a new crate when they’re older.
Luxury crate bedding
Our luxury bedding is hand-crafted and designed to the highest quality, appearing both practical and stylish. Bumpers sit around the edge of the crate cushion to provide a super-soft wall of comfort for your pooch. All our bumpers and cushions feature waterproof linings in case of any accidents. It’s recommended to choose a dog crate with a cover – they’ll provide your draughty, bare cage with a fresh new look and offer some privacy for your dog too. They’re particularly great for helping young puppies settle into their night-time routines and offer nervous dogs an extra feeling of security.
Purchase your dog crate set online today
Treat your four-legged friend to one of our stylish dog crate, cover, bedding and bumper sets by browsing our online range today. If you’re struggling to decide which one would be perfect for your pooch, contact our team today who will be more than happy to help. You’ll have 28 days to return your product if you’re unhappy with it for any reason. Our Lords & Labradors items also come with a 365-day quality guarantee, so it’s easy to see why we’ve received so many positive reviews. We also offer free delivery on all orders over £75. Browse the range and order your dog crate set today.
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