If you
let your dog lounge on the couch you probably think that dog houses are a
bit cruel. How could you possibly let your adorable Moochy sleep
outside in the cold and rain? You’re not alone – approximately 50% of
Americans don’t have a dog house for their dog. The other 50%, however,
view a dog house as a necessary part of dog ownership.
A house for your dog should provide protection from all sorts of weather. The roof needs to be water proof and free from leaks. Some houses are designed with an interior “room” that provides shelter from the wind. This type of dog house is perfect for winter weather. When insulated, the dog can stay warm and comfortable even in chilly temperatures.
First off, it’s not cruel to make your dog sleep in a well-constructed
canine hut. They can be comfortable and warm a provide protection from
the elements. There are all sorts of working dogs who don’t have the
luxury of spending hours in front of the television with their owners.
Dog houses are used by law enforcement agencies, shelters, dog trainers,
veterinarians, breeders, and responsible dog owners who want to provide
the best for their dogs.
A proper dog house will be raised off the ground to prevent moisture
build-up and be situated or constructed so it is protected from the wind
and drafts are kept to a minimum. It will provide easy access to the
interior so that it can be cleaned. Ideally, the roof should be on
hinges so that it’s a simple matter to lift it up for cleaning and
maintenance. The house should be insulated if it is used in cold winter
weather.
A house for your dog should provide protection from all sorts of weather. The roof needs to be water proof and free from leaks. Some houses are designed with an interior “room” that provides shelter from the wind. This type of dog house is perfect for winter weather. When insulated, the dog can stay warm and comfortable even in chilly temperatures.
There are many different styles of canine houses available. You can buy
them pre-built or – if you’re handy with tools – build your own.
Building a house for your dog is a fairly simple project that you can
finish in a weekend.
There are lots of dog house building plans available or you can design
your own. A fairly simple house can be made out of plywood, 2x2 lumber
and shingles for the roof. More complex designs are needed for those
who wish to keep their dog outside all year round.
No matter whether you buy or build a house for your dog, you must figure
out how big the house should be. Take a tape measure and measure your
dog. You want a dog house that is big enough for him to stand up in and
turn around.
Take some thought about where you are going to place the dog house. If
your dog likes to jump, keep the dog house away from the enclosure (if
you have one). He could get up on the roof and jump over the fence!
It’s happened to more than one unhappy dog owner!