It’s the middle of the summer and after spending a sticky day outside, you just want to spread out and sleep in peace in your bed. But, just as you get comfortable, your pooch has jumped up right next to you. As much as you love him, from time to time you just need your space and to keep him from feeling bad, a dog bed would probably be a good investment for you to make.

Purchasing a dog bed for your pet will give him a nice place to sleep other than your bed, especially if you get him a posh one that looks just like your bed. Really, there are options that look like mini pieces of human furniture, scaled just perfectly to match the size of your dog. Like, you can get beds with a bed frame, mattress, and even comforter and pillows. Or, if your pooch likes to sleep on your sofa, then one that looks just like a smaller sofa would be the way to go that comes equipped with cushions and everything.

If a dog bed that looks like a small piece of human furniture is not quite what you’re looking for, no worries because there are a slew of other options to pick from as well. For example, maybe your pooch really likes to curl up next to you when he sleeps. Well, then what would be a nice option for him is one that has a donut shape with a lavishly padded middle area that is surrounded by high, bumper type sides where your pet could lay against. Or, maybe your pet really likes to spread out when he sleeps, then a flat one that is just thick with padding would be the way for you to go.

The thing is, there are just a lot of dog bed styles to choose from. Some of the other choices include those that are personalized with your dog’s initials or name, some that are u-shaped, others that are reversible, some that have an orthopedic quality to them, and you can even get dog houses that are made entirely of soft fabrics.

For a great way to looking into all the dog bed options that are out there, simply hit the Internet for some online shopping. In a matter of minutes you’ll be able to check out all the choices that are available just by doing some simple web searches and because it is so easy to compare products and their prices, you can usually find what you want at some pretty decent prices. Plus, it will be shipped right to your home, which is nice because then you don’t have to waste time or money on a trip to the pet store.

So, if you need a break from sharing your sleeping space with your dog, just purchase a dog bed to give your dog his nice own spot to sleep. With all the options, picking out the perfect one for him will be a breeze.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of different niche online stores that offer customers not only products, but information relating to furnishing and decorating indoor and outdoor living spaces ideal for your pooch. Whether you want to redecorate your living room or create the ultimate outdoor environment perfect for entertaining, there is a lot of helpful advice to take advantage of to make it happen. Today, she shares her insight when investing in sturdy dog houses and dependable dog furniture. Each would be a great option for pampering your dog.

You’ve been running for a while or just starting a running program and now you’d like some company. Who better than your dog? He won’t be embarrassed by your clothes, we won’t talk your ear off, and he is fine with whatever route you choose. Running with your dog is great exercise and great company for both of you. Here are tips to start off on the right paw. When you make yours and Rover’s experience a great one, running with your dog is a routine that you both will want to keep.

Photo: nycdogrunners.com

Before starting your dog running, run it by your vet and make sure your furry friend has a clean bill of health.

Does he heel? Running on a Leash Your running experience will be so much better if your dog is not yanking your arm out of your socket every time she sees a squirrel or smells something fascinating.

If your dog normally tugs or tries to walk away when you walk him on a leash, you really want to invest the time to train your dog to walk on a lead and to heel. You want him or her to run with you and not to be "running you".

What You Need

This is simple–all you need is a collar and a leash. If running longer distances, more than 25 minutes, bring water and a retractable water dish or plan your route so your dog can get water along the way.

Getting Started

You need to begin your dog running program slowly. Don’t just get out there tear through 4 miles in 30 minutes your dog’s first time out! Actually, you should really start by walking, even if your dog is energetic. Start by taking your dog for long walks at least a half a mile every other day.

After a week or so, sprinkle periods of running during the walks. You will have to increase the distance of your walk/runs to keep your exercise time at 30 minutes. Add distance by 10 percent each week. If your dog starts lagging, slow down. Keep decreasing the walking over a week or two until your routine is all running.

And for every day you run, your should give Rover a day off.

Where to Run

If you can, run on a soft surfaces like grass and dirt trails. Concrete, hot asphalt, frozen roads, ice and salt can all be harmful to the paws.

If you must run on roads, avoid traffic. Rover’s head and nose are at the same height as a car exhaust pipe.

After the Run

Check the paws before and after every run for any cuts or abrasions.

Offer sips of water–at first–for cooling down rather than free access to water.

And Mind the Heat!

Dogs do not dissipate heat the way we do. Sweat cools our skin– but dog do not sweat. They release heat through their paws and mouths. Because of this, they also release heat slower than we do, so you have to make sure they don’t overheat.

• On warm days, plan your running route to allow drinking stops.
• Let the dog run through puddles and sprinklers.
• Dogs with longer hair and shorter muzzles may have more problems with running on warm days.

And Most Importantly

Make running fun. Talk to your dog and offer praise, and don’t run him to exhaustion.

Dogs are "pack" animals just like their common ancestor, the wolf. They are always looking for approval from the leader of the pack. What most people don’t even realize, is that their dog ends up being the leader of the pack! At least in the dog’s mind that’s the case. Did you know that when you walk your dog, he/she is supposed to stand BEHIND you? You are supposed to be the dominant one, not your pet. YOU are the leader of the pack and if you’re not, you need to work towards making it that way. This is where dog training comes in.

Photo: yell.com

Believe it or not, it’s hard for a lot of people to ’stick to their guns’ when trying to discipline their dog. It is very easy to give in especially when they give you those puppy eyes. You must remain strong and solid. Straightening out your posture actually works very well in letting your dog know that YOU are in charge. Giving off a serious, dominant and ‘alpha dog’ vibe to your dog will also help.

When you tell your dog to ’sit’ make sure you are not begging or pleading with him/her to do so! You should only have to say it once. If your dog doesn’t listen, the next action shall be you pushing down on their bottom and making them sit — it’s a normal part of the dog training process.You will see a lot of people pleading with your dog and I’m sure you have done it yourself. "Sit Sparky, sit……sit Sparky……sit, sit…..sit!" Ridiculous. Who’s in charge here? Certainly not the owner. A dog can go from being the dominant ‘alpha’ dog to being extremely submissive and in need of approval in a fairly quick amount of time. Try to implement these few techniques that I’ve gone over and I guarantee you’ll be on the right track to training your dog to be a lot more obedient and he will look up to you for it. Trust me.

I certainly hope that you find this article useful as i expected it to be. Visit Margareta’s blog about how to Successfully Train Your Dog To Behave for more information.