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Sleeping Accommadations
Most dogs appreciate some little nook or comer of the household that
they can call their own. This can be provided by a "bed" to which the
animal may retire at the end of the day, or in which it may rest or
relax whenever it gets the notion. The bed need not be elaborate, but
it should be easy to clean. In most cases, a simple carton box of
suitable size, with one side torn away so that the animal is free to
enter and leave the box as it pleases, will serve the purpose quite
well.
The bottom of the box should be covered with a mat or with shredded
newspaper. The mat can be washed whenever necessary and the paper can
be changed daily.
During the cooler seasons of the year, or in places where the climate
is generally cool, very young puppies can be encouraged to stay in the
bed by placing a heating pad or a hot-water bag wrapped in a towel into
the box. This is very comforting to the animal. The animal should be
placed in the bed several times a day, always with the heating pad or
hot-water bag, so that it comes to associate pleasantness with the
experience. In a very few days the animal will enter the box of its own
accord. In warmer weather, the associaton of pleasantness may be
achieved by giving the animal a tidbit every time it is put into the
box.
Not only will the animal be happier with a bed of its own, but training
will be easier. The pet will be discouraged from sitting on furniture
and will be less apt to howl when left alone. This is especially true
if the bed is placed in a room where there is not too much household
traffic.
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