Super impressed with this crate pad. We are fostering a young German Shorthaired Pointer who came to us from a sad background and arrived with no training, terrible manners, anxiety, and a desire to chew and destroy all things fabric-covered (particularly soft things and anything with stuffing). In the first month we had her, she destroyed pretty much every bed and crate pad we tried. The Big Barker crate pad was a life saver and was the first thing that worked and allowed her to graduate from sleeping on piles of towels and blankets (which she also chewed) to a real bed. The cover is not officially chew-proof, only tear-proof, so I didn't have super high hopes that it would survive. But we've had it about 3 months, and it is still in perfect condition. The main reason it works so well for us is that she doesn't want to chew it. She's tried halfheartedly a few times, but it's not an attractive chewing target for her. It's canvas-type material (rugged, not soft), the orthopedic foam makes it firm instead of pillowly, and there are no easily-accessible seams (I removed the cute sewn-on logo tag to eliminate that temptation). Plus, it fits well in her crate, so she can't really get to the zipper, and the pad is not flexible enough for her to be able to grab it and pull it out of her crate.I have washed the cover twice and it comes out looking as nice as when it was new. Our foster dog has had 2 accidents on it and it survived well both times. The first time she had a crate accident, poor pup completely emptied her bladder all over the crate and herself (unbeknownst to us, she had a UTI - found out when we took her to the vet the next morning). It was a lot of pee because of the UTI. A lot. And we were gone for a few hours. So some pee did work its way onto the inner foam. I cleaned the foam as directed, disinfected it with a liberal saturation of lysol spray for good measure, and let it air dry in the sun - came out as good as new with no stains and no smell. The second accident was a normal amount of pee (she had been sedated for some xrays and was still sort of groggy), and there was no leakage onto the foam that time. The cover also withstands daily sloppy drinks from her crate bowl, and protects the inner foam perfectly. So although the cover does not appear to be waterproof in extreme situations, it is certainly water resistant for spills and normal accidents.Anyway, this crate pad was one of the best purchases we made for our foster dog and it helped us get through a really difficult adjustment period. Happy to report that after a few months of working with her, our foster dog still has some chewing relapses, but has now graduated to 2 real dog beds (Cozy Caves) in addition to her Big Barker crate pad, plus a soft blanket in her crate (yay!).

This product is amazing! Very high quality materials, which is shockingly very hard to find in a dog bed, especially if you have big dogs. Our recent American Bully rescue still sleeps in his crate at night and we got him the crate pad to replace the expensive but very flimsy one we had bought at the pet store. He used to toss an turn and scratch at his old bed all night until we got him this bed, now the only noise he makes is adorable doggie snoring which tells me that he is sleeping well!This bed is like a little Tempurpedic mattress for dogs, it won't bottom out like other dog beds and is going to last forever. It might take your pup a little bit to get used to it, especially if they are used to the stuffed type of beds. We helped the transition by topping it with a fluffy stuffed blanket so it would be a little more plush feeling at first. The bed will soften a little bit as it is used, so it continues to get more comfortable as they use it.As for the price, yes, these are more expensive than other beds, however, this one is actually going to last, so you will end up saving money since you are not going to have to replace it. We used to replace our dog beds at least once a year because they would flatten out, we tried all kinds of beds, some very expensive ones and they would all break down. If you have a big dog this bed will provide them with the support their big bodies need.The only thing I would change about the bed would be to have different options for the covers. Our boys are not particularly tough on covers, so we don't need need the extra durable cover. I would prefer to have the option for one that is more plush and cozy like a fleece topped one. Currently, we just cover it with a fleece blanket which is working fine.If you are on the fence and the price feels like a splurge, just do it! Think if it like a mattress for your dog, not the disposable beds that are still so expensive at the pet store and will break down in no time.

Dog loves. Wonder if I could buy a replacement cover?!🤔

Well that took exactly one day. Not nearly as durable as I expected. Not the same quality as all my regular BB beds, and certainly not the same support level. Very disappointed that this was wrecked so easily, especially given the cost!!!

Hi Folks,This might be only the second or third time in my life that I have been motivated enough to actually write a review.There are a lot of dog beds on the market. Most of them are made in China with the goal of achieving the least possible cost. Along the way, both product functionality, quality, and durability are traded off in favor of reaching either a lower price point, or a higher profit margin for the seller.What does this mean in terms of dog beds ? Who loses when the price is right ? Well, both the dog and the owner lose when people only shop based on price. The dog gets a bed with low density foam that compacts fairly quickly, leaving them essentially sleeping on the hard ground or kennel bottom. Cheap dog bed covers will tear or shred easily when the dog decides to build their "nest" before bed, or easily allow the dog to chew through the cover and tear up the foam padding beneath. The owner loses when the bed has to be replaced fairly frequently or has to visit the vet more frequently due to issues with canine arthritis, etc.I am fairly anal about taking care of our four legged family members and when they began showing signs of arthritis, we knew we needed some larger kennels/crates so they could stretch out and lay down flat on their sides. Finding good quality dog crates was the easy part. Finding decent pads for their crates was much harder.We did a lot of research over a number of weeks. We visited Petco, Petsmart, and various local pet stores (including the various "boutique" pet stores around the North Dallas Texas area) and looked at what was available. We were pretty disappointed in what we could find. I subsequently researched bed materials used for humans and the various pro's and con's of differing bedding materials since the lessons would be portable to dog beds as well.What to look for in a dog bed can be articulated fairly simply. Look for high quality foam and covers.Let's start with foam, then discuss the covers.What is foam ? Foam is a substance formed by trapping bubbles of air in a liquid or a sold. The foams we wil be dealing with on dog beds are solid foams based on a flexible plastic called polyurethane (sometimes known as foam rubber).There are two basic types of solid polyurethane foam, open cell and closed cell.In a closed cell foam, each air pocket is completely surrounded by polyurethane (like a balloon). The air pockets are not connected together and are separated by polyurethane.In a open cell foam, the gas bubbles or pockets connect together (like a common household sponge).Which kind of foam is best for dog beds ? Open cell or closed cell ?The space in open cell foam can be filled by air, or by a liquid (remember that a household sponge is an open cell foam and you will get the idea). This results in two properties of interest for dog bed applications: 1) Open cell foams can collect and absorb liquids, and 2) Open cell foams result in lower density, softer foams. What do these two properties imply ? Closed cell foams can absorb water from rain or such things as dog saliva, urine, vomit, diarrhea, blood, etc. They can absorb and hold eggs and larvae from pests and parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites (cause mange). Open cell foam containing air is a pretty good insulator, but one filled with water or other bodily fluid becomes a very poor insulator and if the dog bed is outdoors, can leave the poor pooch in a very cold situation. The lower density of the foam saves material (e.g. saves money for the manufacturer and lowers the cost of the product), but the foam is also much more compressible than closed cell foams and does not support body weight as reliably. This means the foam packs down and loses it's cushion ability relatively quickly. Some more expensive dog beds claim to use "reticulated foam". Sounds high tech and that must be good, right ? Reticulated foam is simply another fancy word for open cell foam.I think you can readily see from the above information that closed cell foams are the best choice for dog beds. They do not absorb water or bodily fluids so they stay sanitary and provide good insulation from the hot/cold ground and/or preserve body heat. They are also inherently denser and do not compress as easily. This means that closed cell foams tend to retain their shape better and rebound to their original form after compression. In other words, the closed cell foams better support the dogs weight and return to their original shape and are thus much less likely to compact over time.Within the family of closed cell foams, the quality and longevity of a foam is related to it's density. Density describes what the polyurethane vs air bubble ratio is and is given in terms of lbs per unit volume (or simply abbreviated as lbs). Higher weight or higher density foams are generally better quality and last longer, but stiffness increases with the increasing density of the foam.Let's move on to memory foam (sometimes called "visco-elastic" foam). Memory foam has additional chemicals added to the polyurethane during manufacturing that increase the viscosity and density of the foam. Lower density memory foam responds to pressure (body weight) and molds itself to a body but returns to it's original shape fairly quickly once the pressure is removed. Higher density memory foam will respond to body heat and soften over time, conforming to a body and supporting its weight evenly, but returns to it's original shape more slowly. A good bed made from memory foam will have 2 or more layers of foam. The top layer will be a lighter density foam that quickly molds to a body based on pressure or body weight, but will also have at least one additional layer of higher density memory foam below the lower density layer to keep the body from sinking through the softer, lower density upper layer and coming in contact with the hard ground. A multi-layer memory foam bed is the best, highest quality option to construct beds for both humans and the four legged critters that also think they are human sometimes.Some manufacturers that claim to use memory foam are actually using "chipped" memory foam. The chips are residues from manufacturing sheets of memory foam, or more commonly are "recycled" foam from beds that have been sterilized and chopped up. Stay away from chipped memory foam beds. They will not last as long, will not support your pet as well as full sheets of memory foam will, and the source and cleanliness of the foam is sometimes questionable if it is often recycled foam from China.You will also read about "orthopedic" beds using "egg crate foam". These are simply polyurethane foam panels with a shape similar to an egg crate molded into the upper surface. This can be considered something of an upgrade over simple rectangular slabs of polyurethane foam, but is only an upgrade if the foam is higher in density so it can support body weight adequately (since the holes in the egg crate pattern make it less dense and more easily compressed). If you can't afford a multi-layer memory foam mattress for your pet, these can be a good budget alternative but egg crate foam is almost always an open cell foam with the disadvantages we discussed earlier. Only consider egg crate foam if it is high density. Also, the best egg crate based pet mattresses are multi-layer like the best memory foam mattresses. They will use a higher density closed cell foam for a base (at least 2 - 3 inches thick) with a 1.5 - 2+ inch egg crate foam on the top layer.Let's talk about covers for the dog bed. These vary tremendously in quality and the materials used in construction. I have seen everything from corduroy to faux sheepskin as well as more pedestrian fabrics. Many of these collect dirt, dog hair and parasites/pests (corduroy, faux sheepskin), are porous to water/body fluids (vomit, etc) and are usually not durable enough to stand up to nesting behavior (dogs scratching at the bed using their claws to "fluff" up their bed to perfection) or even normal traffic (the dog entering and leaving the kennel). They are often designed to look cool/cute and attract their owners in the store rather than be designed to hold up to what Fido will put them through and to be comfortable for your pet. If the bed is really soft and cushy in the store when dog owners squeeze the foam in their hands, it has to be comfy for fido, right ? Nope. Those ultra-cushy pads will turn into pancakes in short order, leaving fido essentially laying on the ground.What to look for in covers is a tough but comfortable outer shell that can be easily removed for cleaning if needed. Preferably one that is water resistant and capable of withstanding nesting/chewing behavior. It's harder to come up with the right set of fabrics/materials/construction techniques that trade-off comfort, sanitation/water resistance, and durability than it might otherwise appear. I have been buying dog beds since the 1970's, and most of them did not do the job and needed to be replaced fairly frequently.So, what dog beds should one consider buying ?Find one made from at least two layers of memory foam with a heavier density foam on the bottom layer and a lower density foam for the upper layer. Chose the appropriate number of layers, layer thickness and foam density according to the weight and size of your dog. If your dog is 150+ pounds, you will be looking for a 7 inch or thicker bed with 2 - 3 layers of higher density foams in order to support that much weight comfortably. On the other hand, if you put a 3 lb miniature poodle on such a bed, it would probably bounce off like it had jumped on a trampoline. I.e. the extra density that makes the bed firmer while conforming to the heavy dog once it's body heat activates the memory foam would make it too firm for a small poodle that doesn't have enough weight/heat. So don't buy this bed for a tiny dog and then whine about how firm/hard it is and what a terrible product it is.For a modest size dog, say 25-60 lbs, a two layer memory foam bed with a denser lower layer and a less dense/softer upper layer would be perfect. About 4 inches in total thickness split evenly between the two bed layers would do the trick nicely.All memory foam mattresses can be considered "orthopedic" and really help dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other skeletal or joint issues/pain.For small dogs (3-15lbs), a single layer memory foam (medium density) would be best.Big Barker makes a two different products that should be at the top of your list to purchase. All of their mattresses are made in America. Made in the USA used to mean a very high quality product, and for Big Barker it still does. The foams are higher grade, higher density and the foams and covers are made and assembled here in the USA. For big dogs, they make a set of dog beds specifically engineered for the heavier body weight (50 lbs - 150+lbs) and come 3 different sizes and two configurations. These multi-layer memory foam mattresses are 7 inches thick using 3 layers of memory foam in two different densities for the reasons we described earlier in the review. The covers are very comfortable, yet are still durable. These covers are not waterproof however, so purchasing and installing the waterproof liner accessory option would be desirable for certain applications outdoors, or if your dog has been known to generate "biological messes" on the bed. The covers are washable and will hold up to 100's of wash cycles. These beds are "not" cheap in either cost or construction/durability. They are warrantied not to collapse or compress for 10 years. Good stuff. Do not buy these beds for dogs under 50 pounds or so or you will get the "trampoline" effect I mentioned above and the dog will not be comfortable. Don't blame it on Big Barker if your 3lb dog isn't comfortable on a bed designed for 150lb dogs. Perhaps look in the mirror to place blame instead.I was really impressed with the design, construction and quality of the big barker beds, but I needed something for two medium sized 14 year old Icelandic Sheepdogs that are 14 years old and getting a little arthritic. They weigh 25lbs and 45 lbs respectively. I was disappointed that the Big Barker web site did not show any products suitable for smaller dogs.But ... they actually do make perfect beds/crate pads for smaller dogs. Just do a google search for Big Barker Crate Pads. They are sold by Big Barker, but the orders are fulfilled by Amazon (note to Big Barker ... why can't I find these products easily on [...]?).So ... Big Barker also makes kennel or crate pads.These use 2 layers of memory foam with a higher density foam on the bottom and a lower density foam on the top (2 inches each for a total thickness of 4 inches) and come with the same 10 year 'no-compaction, no-compression" warranty as the well regarded full size Big Barker beds . These are perfect for smaller dogs from about 10lbs up to 50-75lbs. They come in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes and are the correct dimensions for the metal cage style crates available from a number of manufacturers though you can use them as stand-alone dog beds as well. 100% of the foam and cover materials are made and assembled in the USA and are of very high quality. The cover is 100% waterproof and is therefore proof against pet accidents, water and parasites/pets. Messes can easily be wiped up with a damp cloth.I bought two of the crate pads in the "large" size for my two aging Icelandic sheepdogs.Amazon shipped these promptly and the beds were received with no shipping damage (they were double boxed). The beds were shipped in a "vacuum compressed" form to save space (the beds were placed in a plastic bag and all of the air was sucked out of the beds to compress them into a small cube-like shape about 1 foot long and 8 inches thick). You need to rip open the plastic bags and let the beds uncompress for a day or so to return to normal size/shape.The quality of the beds is as good as advertised. The cover is definitely rugged and waterproof and has withstood my dogs nightly "nesting" maneuvers with exactly "zero" damage. The cover is easy to clean as well. Simply wipe down the bed with a damp cloth or rinse it off with a hose and use a little mild detergent and a scrub brush if the mess is especially nasty. Both dogs are 14 years old, but never sleep in their kennels during the day (even if we are in the same room). Now, the dogs will vanish a couple of time during the day. When we go hunting for them, we find them sprawled out and snoring quietly inside their kennels on the Big Barker Crate Pads. Obviously, the pads are comfortable as well :-)I highly recommend the Big Barker Crate Pads. As far as I can tell, there is nothing as good or better on the market in terms of comfort, durability and longevity. Yes, they are expensive compared to the cheap stuff manufactured in China, but over the long term you will actually save money buying the more expensive, higher quality, more comfortable Big Barker Beds or Crate Pads. They cheap pads I had been buying cost about $50 each and would last about a year. These new Big Barker Crate Pads will start saving me money after about 3 years. Given the quality/durability of these pads, I expect these pads will outlive my two older dogs and will last through my next 2 dogs as well. Meanwhile, my two current dogs are much less stiff in the morning and clearly approve of the new beds.I hope this long winded review with the results of my extensive dog bed research helps others choose wisely as well..

This product is amazing! Very high quality materials, which is shockingly very hard to find in a dog bed, especially if you have big dogs. Our recent American Bully rescue still sleeps in his crate at night and we got him the crate pad to replace the expensive but very flimsy one we had bought at the pet store. He used to toss an turn and scratch at his old bed all night until we got him this bed, now the only noise he makes is adorable doggie snoring which tells me that he is sleeping well!This bed is like a little Tempurpedic mattress for dogs, it won't bottom out like other dog beds and is going to last forever. It might take your pup a little bit to get used to it, especially if they are used to the stuffed type of beds. We helped the transition by topping it with a fluffy stuffed blanket so it would be a little more plush feeling at first. The bed will soften a little bit as it is used, so it continues to get more comfortable as they use it.As for the price, yes, these are more expensive than other beds, however, this one is actually going to last, so you will end up saving money since you are not going to have to replace it. We used to replace our dog beds at least once a year because they would flatten out, we tried all kinds of beds, some very expensive ones and they would all break down. If you have a big dog this bed will provide them with the support their big bodies need.The only thing I would change about the bed would be to have different options for the covers. Our boys are not particularly tough on covers, so we don't need need the extra durable cover. I would prefer to have the option for one that is more plush and cozy like a fleece topped one. Currently, we just cover it with a fleece blanket which is working fine.If you are on the fence and the price feels like a splurge, just do it! Think if it like a mattress for your dog, not the disposable beds that are still so expensive at the pet store and will break down in no time.

I have two Boxer brothers who are the loves of my life. Unfortunately, they've chewed and eaten every type of blanket, padding, pillow of bedding I've ever tried putting in their crates. No matter what I tried, it was ripped to shreds and eaten.I actually ended up with one boy at the vet's with an obstruction to the tune of over $1000 and nearly losing his life.I was beside myself because they do have to be in their crates for a few hours off and on, and I live in a cold climate. I didn't want them on the hard cold surface with no cushion, plus the pressure on their joints over time.I searched hundreds of chew-resistant dog beds, but the reviews were lukewarm at best. I stumbled upon the Big Barker dog bed and it seemed more durable than the others and I liked that it was made in the USA, so I thought I'd give it a try.WOW.This has been a game changer. They absolutely love it! Not even one attempt to scratch, chew or damage this dog bed.Not only that, but it's EXTREMELY well-made, quality fabric, uniquely designed zipper closure underneath so the dogs absolutely can't access the zipper, work it open and start ripping/chewing the foam (the #1 design flaw IMO with most dog beds).Super easy to take the cover off/on to wash.The orthopedic memory foam is highly dense and it REALLY retains it's shape and form. Definitely stays very supportive with just the right amount of "give" to feel good on the pressure points, but firm enough so it's not "mushy".I was initially hesitant to buy this bed and balked at the price, but I've been very pleasantly surprised and I can't recommend it more highly. Thank you for making this wonderful product!

Well that took exactly one day. Not nearly as durable as I expected. Not the same quality as all my regular BB beds, and certainly not the same support level. Very disappointed that this was wrecked so easily, especially given the cost!!!

Dog loves. Wonder if I could buy a replacement cover?!🤔

Hi Folks,This might be only the second or third time in my life that I have been motivated enough to actually write a review.There are a lot of dog beds on the market. Most of them are made in China with the goal of achieving the least possible cost. Along the way, both product functionality, quality, and durability are traded off in favor of reaching either a lower price point, or a higher profit margin for the seller.What does this mean in terms of dog beds ? Who loses when the price is right ? Well, both the dog and the owner lose when people only shop based on price. The dog gets a bed with low density foam that compacts fairly quickly, leaving them essentially sleeping on the hard ground or kennel bottom. Cheap dog bed covers will tear or shred easily when the dog decides to build their "nest" before bed, or easily allow the dog to chew through the cover and tear up the foam padding beneath. The owner loses when the bed has to be replaced fairly frequently or has to visit the vet more frequently due to issues with canine arthritis, etc.I am fairly anal about taking care of our four legged family members and when they began showing signs of arthritis, we knew we needed some larger kennels/crates so they could stretch out and lay down flat on their sides. Finding good quality dog crates was the easy part. Finding decent pads for their crates was much harder.We did a lot of research over a number of weeks. We visited Petco, Petsmart, and various local pet stores (including the various "boutique" pet stores around the North Dallas Texas area) and looked at what was available. We were pretty disappointed in what we could find. I subsequently researched bed materials used for humans and the various pro's and con's of differing bedding materials since the lessons would be portable to dog beds as well.What to look for in a dog bed can be articulated fairly simply. Look for high quality foam and covers.Let's start with foam, then discuss the covers.What is foam ? Foam is a substance formed by trapping bubbles of air in a liquid or a sold. The foams we wil be dealing with on dog beds are solid foams based on a flexible plastic called polyurethane (sometimes known as foam rubber).There are two basic types of solid polyurethane foam, open cell and closed cell.In a closed cell foam, each air pocket is completely surrounded by polyurethane (like a balloon). The air pockets are not connected together and are separated by polyurethane.In a open cell foam, the gas bubbles or pockets connect together (like a common household sponge).Which kind of foam is best for dog beds ? Open cell or closed cell ?The space in open cell foam can be filled by air, or by a liquid (remember that a household sponge is an open cell foam and you will get the idea). This results in two properties of interest for dog bed applications: 1) Open cell foams can collect and absorb liquids, and 2) Open cell foams result in lower density, softer foams. What do these two properties imply ? Closed cell foams can absorb water from rain or such things as dog saliva, urine, vomit, diarrhea, blood, etc. They can absorb and hold eggs and larvae from pests and parasites such as fleas, ticks, mites (cause mange). Open cell foam containing air is a pretty good insulator, but one filled with water or other bodily fluid becomes a very poor insulator and if the dog bed is outdoors, can leave the poor pooch in a very cold situation. The lower density of the foam saves material (e.g. saves money for the manufacturer and lowers the cost of the product), but the foam is also much more compressible than closed cell foams and does not support body weight as reliably. This means the foam packs down and loses it's cushion ability relatively quickly. Some more expensive dog beds claim to use "reticulated foam". Sounds high tech and that must be good, right ? Reticulated foam is simply another fancy word for open cell foam.I think you can readily see from the above information that closed cell foams are the best choice for dog beds. They do not absorb water or bodily fluids so they stay sanitary and provide good insulation from the hot/cold ground and/or preserve body heat. They are also inherently denser and do not compress as easily. This means that closed cell foams tend to retain their shape better and rebound to their original form after compression. In other words, the closed cell foams better support the dogs weight and return to their original shape and are thus much less likely to compact over time.Within the family of closed cell foams, the quality and longevity of a foam is related to it's density. Density describes what the polyurethane vs air bubble ratio is and is given in terms of lbs per unit volume (or simply abbreviated as lbs). Higher weight or higher density foams are generally better quality and last longer, but stiffness increases with the increasing density of the foam.Let's move on to memory foam (sometimes called "visco-elastic" foam). Memory foam has additional chemicals added to the polyurethane during manufacturing that increase the viscosity and density of the foam. Lower density memory foam responds to pressure (body weight) and molds itself to a body but returns to it's original shape fairly quickly once the pressure is removed. Higher density memory foam will respond to body heat and soften over time, conforming to a body and supporting its weight evenly, but returns to it's original shape more slowly. A good bed made from memory foam will have 2 or more layers of foam. The top layer will be a lighter density foam that quickly molds to a body based on pressure or body weight, but will also have at least one additional layer of higher density memory foam below the lower density layer to keep the body from sinking through the softer, lower density upper layer and coming in contact with the hard ground. A multi-layer memory foam bed is the best, highest quality option to construct beds for both humans and the four legged critters that also think they are human sometimes.Some manufacturers that claim to use memory foam are actually using "chipped" memory foam. The chips are residues from manufacturing sheets of memory foam, or more commonly are "recycled" foam from beds that have been sterilized and chopped up. Stay away from chipped memory foam beds. They will not last as long, will not support your pet as well as full sheets of memory foam will, and the source and cleanliness of the foam is sometimes questionable if it is often recycled foam from China.You will also read about "orthopedic" beds using "egg crate foam". These are simply polyurethane foam panels with a shape similar to an egg crate molded into the upper surface. This can be considered something of an upgrade over simple rectangular slabs of polyurethane foam, but is only an upgrade if the foam is higher in density so it can support body weight adequately (since the holes in the egg crate pattern make it less dense and more easily compressed). If you can't afford a multi-layer memory foam mattress for your pet, these can be a good budget alternative but egg crate foam is almost always an open cell foam with the disadvantages we discussed earlier. Only consider egg crate foam if it is high density. Also, the best egg crate based pet mattresses are multi-layer like the best memory foam mattresses. They will use a higher density closed cell foam for a base (at least 2 - 3 inches thick) with a 1.5 - 2+ inch egg crate foam on the top layer.Let's talk about covers for the dog bed. These vary tremendously in quality and the materials used in construction. I have seen everything from corduroy to faux sheepskin as well as more pedestrian fabrics. Many of these collect dirt, dog hair and parasites/pests (corduroy, faux sheepskin), are porous to water/body fluids (vomit, etc) and are usually not durable enough to stand up to nesting behavior (dogs scratching at the bed using their claws to "fluff" up their bed to perfection) or even normal traffic (the dog entering and leaving the kennel). They are often designed to look cool/cute and attract their owners in the store rather than be designed to hold up to what Fido will put them through and to be comfortable for your pet. If the bed is really soft and cushy in the store when dog owners squeeze the foam in their hands, it has to be comfy for fido, right ? Nope. Those ultra-cushy pads will turn into pancakes in short order, leaving fido essentially laying on the ground.What to look for in covers is a tough but comfortable outer shell that can be easily removed for cleaning if needed. Preferably one that is water resistant and capable of withstanding nesting/chewing behavior. It's harder to come up with the right set of fabrics/materials/construction techniques that trade-off comfort, sanitation/water resistance, and durability than it might otherwise appear. I have been buying dog beds since the 1970's, and most of them did not do the job and needed to be replaced fairly frequently.So, what dog beds should one consider buying ?Find one made from at least two layers of memory foam with a heavier density foam on the bottom layer and a lower density foam for the upper layer. Chose the appropriate number of layers, layer thickness and foam density according to the weight and size of your dog. If your dog is 150+ pounds, you will be looking for a 7 inch or thicker bed with 2 - 3 layers of higher density foams in order to support that much weight comfortably. On the other hand, if you put a 3 lb miniature poodle on such a bed, it would probably bounce off like it had jumped on a trampoline. I.e. the extra density that makes the bed firmer while conforming to the heavy dog once it's body heat activates the memory foam would make it too firm for a small poodle that doesn't have enough weight/heat. So don't buy this bed for a tiny dog and then whine about how firm/hard it is and what a terrible product it is.For a modest size dog, say 25-60 lbs, a two layer memory foam bed with a denser lower layer and a less dense/softer upper layer would be perfect. About 4 inches in total thickness split evenly between the two bed layers would do the trick nicely.All memory foam mattresses can be considered "orthopedic" and really help dogs with arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other skeletal or joint issues/pain.For small dogs (3-15lbs), a single layer memory foam (medium density) would be best.Big Barker makes a two different products that should be at the top of your list to purchase. All of their mattresses are made in America. Made in the USA used to mean a very high quality product, and for Big Barker it still does. The foams are higher grade, higher density and the foams and covers are made and assembled here in the USA. For big dogs, they make a set of dog beds specifically engineered for the heavier body weight (50 lbs - 150+lbs) and come 3 different sizes and two configurations. These multi-layer memory foam mattresses are 7 inches thick using 3 layers of memory foam in two different densities for the reasons we described earlier in the review. The covers are very comfortable, yet are still durable. These covers are not waterproof however, so purchasing and installing the waterproof liner accessory option would be desirable for certain applications outdoors, or if your dog has been known to generate "biological messes" on the bed. The covers are washable and will hold up to 100's of wash cycles. These beds are "not" cheap in either cost or construction/durability. They are warrantied not to collapse or compress for 10 years. Good stuff. Do not buy these beds for dogs under 50 pounds or so or you will get the "trampoline" effect I mentioned above and the dog will not be comfortable. Don't blame it on Big Barker if your 3lb dog isn't comfortable on a bed designed for 150lb dogs. Perhaps look in the mirror to place blame instead.I was really impressed with the design, construction and quality of the big barker beds, but I needed something for two medium sized 14 year old Icelandic Sheepdogs that are 14 years old and getting a little arthritic. They weigh 25lbs and 45 lbs respectively. I was disappointed that the Big Barker web site did not show any products suitable for smaller dogs.But ... they actually do make perfect beds/crate pads for smaller dogs. Just do a google search for Big Barker Crate Pads. They are sold by Big Barker, but the orders are fulfilled by Amazon (note to Big Barker ... why can't I find these products easily on [...]?).So ... Big Barker also makes kennel or crate pads.These use 2 layers of memory foam with a higher density foam on the bottom and a lower density foam on the top (2 inches each for a total thickness of 4 inches) and come with the same 10 year 'no-compaction, no-compression" warranty as the well regarded full size Big Barker beds . These are perfect for smaller dogs from about 10lbs up to 50-75lbs. They come in small, medium, large, and extra large sizes and are the correct dimensions for the metal cage style crates available from a number of manufacturers though you can use them as stand-alone dog beds as well. 100% of the foam and cover materials are made and assembled in the USA and are of very high quality. The cover is 100% waterproof and is therefore proof against pet accidents, water and parasites/pets. Messes can easily be wiped up with a damp cloth.I bought two of the crate pads in the "large" size for my two aging Icelandic sheepdogs.Amazon shipped these promptly and the beds were received with no shipping damage (they were double boxed). The beds were shipped in a "vacuum compressed" form to save space (the beds were placed in a plastic bag and all of the air was sucked out of the beds to compress them into a small cube-like shape about 1 foot long and 8 inches thick). You need to rip open the plastic bags and let the beds uncompress for a day or so to return to normal size/shape.The quality of the beds is as good as advertised. The cover is definitely rugged and waterproof and has withstood my dogs nightly "nesting" maneuvers with exactly "zero" damage. The cover is easy to clean as well. Simply wipe down the bed with a damp cloth or rinse it off with a hose and use a little mild detergent and a scrub brush if the mess is especially nasty. Both dogs are 14 years old, but never sleep in their kennels during the day (even if we are in the same room). Now, the dogs will vanish a couple of time during the day. When we go hunting for them, we find them sprawled out and snoring quietly inside their kennels on the Big Barker Crate Pads. Obviously, the pads are comfortable as well :-)I highly recommend the Big Barker Crate Pads. As far as I can tell, there is nothing as good or better on the market in terms of comfort, durability and longevity. Yes, they are expensive compared to the cheap stuff manufactured in China, but over the long term you will actually save money buying the more expensive, higher quality, more comfortable Big Barker Beds or Crate Pads. They cheap pads I had been buying cost about $50 each and would last about a year. These new Big Barker Crate Pads will start saving me money after about 3 years. Given the quality/durability of these pads, I expect these pads will outlive my two older dogs and will last through my next 2 dogs as well. Meanwhile, my two current dogs are much less stiff in the morning and clearly approve of the new beds.I hope this long winded review with the results of my extensive dog bed research helps others choose wisely as well..

This product is amazing! Very high quality materials, which is shockingly very hard to find in a dog bed, especially if you have big dogs. Our recent American Bully rescue still sleeps in his crate at night and we got him the crate pad to replace the expensive but very flimsy one we had bought at the pet store. He used to toss an turn and scratch at his old bed all night until we got him this bed, now the only noise he makes is adorable doggie snoring which tells me that he is sleeping well!This bed is like a little Tempurpedic mattress for dogs, it won't bottom out like other dog beds and is going to last forever. It might take your pup a little bit to get used to it, especially if they are used to the stuffed type of beds. We helped the transition by topping it with a fluffy stuffed blanket so it would be a little more plush feeling at first. The bed will soften a little bit as it is used, so it continues to get more comfortable as they use it.As for the price, yes, these are more expensive than other beds, however, this one is actually going to last, so you will end up saving money since you are not going to have to replace it. We used to replace our dog beds at least once a year because they would flatten out, we tried all kinds of beds, some very expensive ones and they would all break down. If you have a big dog this bed will provide them with the support their big bodies need.The only thing I would change about the bed would be to have different options for the covers. Our boys are not particularly tough on covers, so we don't need need the extra durable cover. I would prefer to have the option for one that is more plush and cozy like a fleece topped one. Currently, we just cover it with a fleece blanket which is working fine.If you are on the fence and the price feels like a splurge, just do it! Think if it like a mattress for your dog, not the disposable beds that are still so expensive at the pet store and will break down in no time.

I have two Boxer brothers who are the loves of my life. Unfortunately, they've chewed and eaten every type of blanket, padding, pillow of bedding I've ever tried putting in their crates. No matter what I tried, it was ripped to shreds and eaten.I actually ended up with one boy at the vet's with an obstruction to the tune of over $1000 and nearly losing his life.I was beside myself because they do have to be in their crates for a few hours off and on, and I live in a cold climate. I didn't want them on the hard cold surface with no cushion, plus the pressure on their joints over time.I searched hundreds of chew-resistant dog beds, but the reviews were lukewarm at best. I stumbled upon the Big Barker dog bed and it seemed more durable than the others and I liked that it was made in the USA, so I thought I'd give it a try.WOW.This has been a game changer. They absolutely love it! Not even one attempt to scratch, chew or damage this dog bed.Not only that, but it's EXTREMELY well-made, quality fabric, uniquely designed zipper closure underneath so the dogs absolutely can't access the zipper, work it open and start ripping/chewing the foam (the #1 design flaw IMO with most dog beds).Super easy to take the cover off/on to wash.The orthopedic memory foam is highly dense and it REALLY retains it's shape and form. Definitely stays very supportive with just the right amount of "give" to feel good on the pressure points, but firm enough so it's not "mushy".I was initially hesitant to buy this bed and balked at the price, but I've been very pleasantly surprised and I can't recommend it more highly. Thank you for making this wonderful product!

Well that took exactly one day. Not nearly as durable as I expected. Not the same quality as all my regular BB beds, and certainly not the same support level. Very disappointed that this was wrecked so easily, especially given the cost!!!

Dog loves. Wonder if I could buy a replacement cover?!🤔