The myth of the "indestructible" dog bed

If you’re reading this, you probably have a "land shark" at home. You know the one—the dog who can turn a "tough" toy into confetti in six minutes flat and views a brand-new dog bed as a giant, fluffy challenge.

It’s OK, I get it. My canine soulmate Toby—the namesake of our company—is a professional 'digger.' He doesn’t just lie down; he tries to dig a hole to the center of the earth before he naps. Toby was the inspiration for Blue Toby, which wasn’t conceived in a boardroom, but was started on my living room floor (while I was picking up clumps of fuzz and foam).

As pet parents, we want the best for our dogs. Digging and nesting are natural dog behaviors. We want them to be comfortable, supported, and happy. But we also get tired of having to buy new beds after coming home to a living room covered in foam "snow."

In your search for a solution, you’ve probably seen them: The Indestructible Dog Bed. Some companies even promise 10-year warranties, making it sound like their bed is made of Kevlar and magic.

But we’re going to let you in on a little secret: There is no such thing as an indestructible dog bed.

The Comfort Paradox of indestructible dog beds

Here’s the truth: if a product is truly "indestructible" (like a plastic crate or sheet metal), your dog won't want to sleep on it. For a bed to be a bed—to provide that joint-soothing, cozy comfort our senior dogs need and our puppies love—it has to be made of soft materials. And soft materials are, by nature, destructible.

When we investigated the "10-year indestructible dog bed warranty," we found the fine print often says the warranty doesn't cover damage, which would most likely be caused by… well, the dog. It was eye-opening research and a wake-up call. 

Don’t get me wrong, though, as there are good dog bed companies that attempt to bridge this paradox. This often involves an extremely stiff polyester canvas fabric over foam. I even tried sewing a few beds like this myself when my education on pet sleep products began. Guess what? My dogs would not use these beds! And I cannot blame them because the heavy canvas is uncomfortable and crinkly. (I even tried giving these beds to my pet pigs, who quickly tore them apart!).

A better way: the Blue Toby philosophy

At Blue Toby, we don't believe in misleading marketing. We believe in high-quality materials and smart design that respects how dogs and their people actually live.

We know you love your dog deeply. They are a member of the family. That’s why we didn't try to build our beds like a tank; we started with exceptional orthopedic comfort and support and then built a system that protects your investment. Our mattresses are all covered with high quality upholstery fabric, like you have on your sofa.

But the secret sauce is our unique Slipcover design. All Blue Toby pet beds come with a separate Slipcover at no additional cost. Our Slipcovers are:

• Super thick: Built to withstand the "nesting" and scratching dogs do before they settle in.
• Double-sided & reversible: You get twice the life out of every cover.
• 100% waterproof: Because life happens, but it shouldn't ruin your mattress.
• Cushy and soft: Ultra comfort for your pet, with many design options.
• Easy care: Simple to pull off and wash, keeping the entire bed from smelling.

The Slipcover acts as an extra layer of protection. Toby has been using beds with our Slipcovers, and despite his best digging efforts – he has never damaged one. But if your dog manages to destroy the Slipcover, you don't have to throw the whole bed away. You simply replace the Slipcover, and your premium mattress remains perfectly preserved.

Warranties you can actually trust

While we won't tell you a fabric is "chew-proof," we stand behind the heart of our beds: the mattress. They are built as furniture and will last like furniture.

We offer no-questions-asked warranties on our mattresses for 5, 8, or 10 years depending on the collection you choose. We want you to feel confident that the support your dog receives on day one will be the same support they feel years later.

Quality because they’re family

We don’t make beds for "pets"—we make beds for the companions who greet us at the door with wagging tails, the ones who snuggle us when we’re down, and the ones who deserve a soft place to land.

Stop chasing the "indestructible" myth and start investing in quality that lasts. Your dog (and your living room floor) will thank you.

Explore all of Blue Toby's collections!