Dog House Building And Buying Guide
By: John Morris
Dog owners have to consider several factors when buying or building a house for their pets.
As a true member of your own family, providing your pet with the best home possible is of the
utmost importance.
i. Size
A German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler and other large dogs should have large houses,
while the Chihuahua and smaller breeds will need smaller houses. The door of the house does
not need to be based on the height of the dog from the ground to the top of its head, or even
taller, as it will lower its head to be able to enter the house. The width of the door should
be just enough to accommodate the dog. These height and width measurements can be adjusted if
there is a physical requirement to do so. The house should also be large enough for the dog to
stand at full height inside, move around and lie down. Owners should remember that a
larger-than-needed home will compromise the dog's retention of body heat during the winter or
colder months.
ii. Weather Conditions
Some dog houses are made with hinged roofs, a feature that allows owners to raise the roof
during hot and humid weather. This flexibility provides adequate air flow to flush out warm
air and allow fresh or cool air to enter. In some cases, these roofs can also be lowered,
creating a smaller space for the dog and enhancing its ability to retain heat during rainy
or cold weather. Asphalt shingles should be used only if there is an adequate insulation
barrier separating the roof from the main area of the house. Many house models also come
with slanted roofs, ensuring that water drains away during rainy days. Owners should avoid
building or buying houses with barn-type or peak-style roofs, as these would attract hornets,
wasps and other insects and prevent heat retention. Another option is wind walls, which can
be inserted into the dog house to break the wind and keep the house warmer. The house should
also be a reasonable distance off the ground to keep it dry. For owners with bigger budgets,
some house manufacturers offer provisions for heaters and air-conditioners. These climate
control systems help ensure comfort for the dog regardless of weather conditions.
iii. Doors
The front door of the dog house should be located to one side instead of in the middle. This
will prevent the dog from being directly exposed to extreme weather conditions and other harsh
environmental elements. Some models are designed with removable doors, or with no doors at all.
Using a door will help keep the dog house warmer during cold months. An awning type cover can
also be used over the opening for added shade and protection.
iv. Easy To Clean And Maintain
- Removable or adjustable roofs
- Doors, partitions
- Wind walls
- Flexibility in cleaning
- Restrict use of paint, stains, or water sealers for the outside of the house
v. Use Wood
Plastic and metal houses are not a good idea, as they are either too hot during summertime
or too cold during the winter. Some market experts say that houses made from natural western
red cedar wood offer the best insulation for dogs during winter while making them cooler
during summer. Red cedar wood oils are also natural repellants of ticks, fleas and termites.
Houses made from this material are also maintenance-free on the outside, although owners have
a choice of finishing it to complement their property. Sprinkling red cedar wood chips or
shavings in the bedding also helps prevent infestation. Owners should also remember that
wooden roofs help cut down heat build-up from the sun while helping to maintain reasonable
heat retention levels.
vi. Keep The Dog House Elevated
For legless houses, the owner must remember that having it directly on the ground increases the
likelihood that the pet would be exposed to cold and wet weather. This also raises the
possibility of infestation from flea eggs that hatch in the soil. The owner can use bricks,
rocks or stones arranged in a level and stable manner to elevate the house. The elevation
will allow air to flow beneath the house and prevent moisture from forming at the bottom.
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