Dog House Building And Buying Guide

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.