Choosing a Doghouse
TIPical Mary Ellen : Episode TIP-719 -- More Projects »
Pet-store employee Lisa Marie Lager shares tips for choosing the right doghouse for you and your canine companion.
- Doghouses come in many shapes and sizes. You can even use a carrying cage as a doghouse (figure A).
- You must pay close attention to size when choosing one. For example, make sure that the dog has enough room to grant easy entrance and can easily turn around inside. However, too much room isn't ideal because you don't want its body heat to be wasted on keeping the house warm instead of itself.
There are many types of doghouse designs--barn shaped and igloo shaped are just two (figure B). These play more to the owner's preference than the dog's. Just be sure the doghouse is properly vented so the air inside doesn't become too humid and stays circulated.
Doghouses come in both wood (figure C) and plastic. Plastic houses are designed to be well insulated and are quite sturdy, waterproof and even easy to install. Doghouse placement is important. If you place it in the sun, it can become a "hothouse," so be sure to position it in the shade. Also, in cold climates, be sure that the doghouse door is facing away from the prevailing winter winds.They should have the proper bedding. Not only will bedding make the floor of the house more comfortable for the dog, but it will also insulate it from the underside. Here are a few tips in that area: Get bedding that is washable. Cedar-chip filled bedding is a natural flea repellent.Dogs that are not used to doghouses may not use them at first. Do not try to force your dog inside. Instead try any of the following positive ways to coax it inside:
- Place a treat or toy inside.
- Place the dog's favorite blanket or an article of your clothing inside.
- Feed it inside the doghouse.
