Criterias Of A Doghouse

For some dogs who spend a good portion of their lives outside, a doghouse provides necessary comfort from the elements. A doghouse protects him from the extremes of sun, rain and cold.

When selecting or building a doghouse, you first need to determine the type of climate the house needs to withstand. That’s because the house needs to be capable of either keeping the dog cool in hot weather or warm in cold weather. A doghouse built for hot temperatures will not keep your dog warm in the cold weather.

For example, houses built for hot weather keep the dog cool with ventilation. Some houses are even air conditioned! Plus, some manufacturers offer cooling pet beds to place in the house. The house may also be slightly larger.

Likewise, doghouses built for cold weather will be cozier to retain the dog’s heat. This type of doghouse will also have insulation. Additionally, heated dog beds or mats provide more warmth while being manufactured to be chew proof, unlike human heating pads. A door held closed with magnets will prevent wildlife from seeking the warmth of the house.

A typical doghouse should allow the dog to stand, turn around, curl up or stretch out. Any larger will prevent the house from retaining the dog’s warmth.

The location of the doghouse is important too. Typically, the house should be slightly off the ground, especially if made to provide warmth. (In Alaska, where feet of snow take up much of the year, dog houses are raised two or three feet off the ground.) However, a raised doghouse allows for airflow and can also be a way to keep the house cool.

Additionally, you need to set the house in a location where the sun or wind doesn’t bear down on the opening of the doghouse. It also needs to be in a location that doesn’t flood.

Once you’ve decided the location for the doghouse, you need to determine what type of material it should be made of. Options usually include wood, PVC, plastic or steel. You can build one yourself, buy one fully made or buy a kit that needs assembly.

A bit of an overhang on the roof will help keep rain from entering the doghouse and will help keep your dog dry.

Now that you have the house, your dog might need a little coaxing to get him accustomed to it. Feed him in the house so he associates food with it. Eventually, he’ll appreciate having this comfort away from the elements.

Next article: Difference Between A Dog House And A Dog Kennel