Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know what size bed I need?
The best way to determine what size would be right for your dog is to measure your pet. The easiest way to do this is to wait until they are asleep – most dogs sleep in the same position day after day - so if you measure your pet when they are asleep you will get the most accurate measurements. If your pet "curls up", measure from the shoulder to the butt. If they sleep in a stretched out position, measure from the nose to butt. Dogs that stretch out are happiest on a rectangle shape bed. Dogs that curl up are happiest on a round shape bed. See our sizing chart for additional assistance.

What kind of fabric should I order for my dog?
Our fabric line-up is diverse on purpose. Most long-coat breeds prefer the canvas fabrics in warmer weather and the wool and heavier cottons in the cooler temps. Short-coat dogs LOVE our genuine Woolrich® wool beds – especially in the winter. Waxed-cotton canvas is an excellent option if you have a sporting dog and you want something they can lie on when they're damp after being in the field. Waxed-cotton canvas also makes a terrific option for outdoors – on a porch or patio – or in the back bed of your pickup truck. 

Our pre-washed denim workwear canvas is a heavy, rugged-yet-soft "broken-in" canvas – and an excellent option for big dawgs or dogs that have a rough-n-tough image to maintain. And our heavy cotton canvas is designed for the ultimate in rugged dogness. 

All of the fabrics are upholstery grade, meaning they are the same fabrics you see in catalogs such as Pottery Barn, Restoration Hardware and other contemporary living catalogs. Denims, canvases, waxed cottons, Woolrich® wools and workwear canvases all selected for durable, stylish dawg furnishing options.

How do I care for my Dawg Tired bed?
Most Dawg Tired beds are machine washable. The cover should be turned inside out to prevent pilling and fading, washed in cold water on the gentle cycle with forgiving detergent like Woolite®. Wool beds should be washed as you would a sweater, in cold water, on delicate with Woolite®, hang dry. The waxed-cotton fabric can be washed, but you should always turn it inside out and use ONLY cold water (or the wax finish will melt and stiffen dramatically). If your bed is an all waxed-cotton bed (top and bottom), removing and hosing down the cover with a garden hose or brushing it with a gentle bristle brush is a good way to go (be sure to remove the insert). If you need to wash it in the machine due to an "accident" – always wash the cover inside out, in COLD water on gentle/delicate cycle with mild detergent and then hang dry. DO NOT dry waxed-cotton fabric in the dryer.

What's the difference between waxed-cotton canvas and regular cotton canvas?
Waxed-cotton canvas is very commonly used in the sporting industry as a durable, waterproof outdoor fabric. Its "waxed" finish beads water and makes it extremely durable. Our waxed-cotton canvas is what is commonly called a "dry-finish" – designed to be durable and tough indoors and out – while remaining flexible and soft as well as washable. For outdoor use, we suggest ordering a solid waxed-cotton bed (top and bottom) which will allow you to reapply the repelence as it wears with age to maintain a very durable, waterproof finish.

What kind of bed fabric do you recommend for my dog?
There are several options for your dog bed. Most of them relate to your personal preferences – but we have determined there are some common general preferences among dogs who have tested our beds. All dogs seem to love the properties in the wool fabrics. It breathes, is warm in winter and cool in summer. The sherpa fleece is ideal for dogs that like to "snuggle" in. And our waxed cotton canvas is perfect for crates or working dogs that use a bed when wet - easily cleaned by letting the bed dry and brushing or vacuuming.

What should I do if my bed arrived damaged?
It happens. Those delivery conveyor belts can, and will, occasionally smoosh the box we have shipped your bed in. Contact us immediately and we will help you get a return and replacement underway. Damaged packages must be reported immediately to qualify for a return claim.

What happens if I want to change my order after it has been placed?
If you ordered a bed from us, but wish to change your order - try contacting us. However, most products ship same day so it might be too late. IF we can catch the order, we will be happy to accommodate your request. You can always return the bed and order a different one. As long as you do it within 15 days. See our return policy for complete details.

How long will it take to get my bed?
If in stock, your bed will typically ship within 2-3 business days. Because of the package size, all of our beds are shipped UPS Ground service, and you should expect it to take between 2 to 5 business days shipping time depending on your location. Because of the carton size, we simply can't offer express shipping. If you have specific questions relating to shipping your bed to you, feel free to email us.

The beds and blankets made by The Sheepish Dog are shipped directly from our partner in Ireland. Orders typically ship within 2-3 business days, via AnPost. They are delivered through the USPS system in the USA and tracking will be emailed when the products ship. Typically shipping is similar to our beds shipped from Wisconsin and require 4-7 days shipping time depending on your location.

How do I pay for my bed?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover cards.
Sorry, we are unable to accept cash, checks or credit vouchers.

How do I track my order?
Once your order is shipped, we will email you a confirmation and an order tracking number.

Can I return a product I order from Dawg Tired?
Of course. Dawg Tired beds are returnable or exchangeable. See our return policy for specific return details.

How do I know what the fabric will be like?
Good question. Because a computer monitor is RGB, and each one's settings is different, the only way to be sure about your choice is to order a fabric swatch from our swatch section. Product descriptions and photos do their best to describe accurately the type of fabrics, but if you would like to order a swatch of fabric before making a selection, please contact us.

I ordered a product from the limited edition section, and I can't find the same bed now?
Limited edition beds are offered on a limited basis as long as fabric supplies last. That's not to say that extremely popular fabrics might move to our regular stock section. But, chances are if you don't see it, we sold out of the product, and it is no longer available.