A dog house is essentially a small shed which is built into a shape of a little house with a triangular roof. It is the shelter to which the dog runs into for safety from either the natural elements or when he feels he is at risk. Dog houses are made primarily with wood which are treated to keep parasite infestation at bay.

Why You Need An Outdoor Dog House

An outdoor dog house is more than just a place for your dog to sleep; it also provides shelter from the elements. Regardless of whether you have shade trees in your yard or not, your dog will welcome a place to get out of the sun and will give him a place to retreat to as the first raindrop hits the ground.

Your dog will also welcome the security the dog house affords him if he feels threatened by people or dogs passing by. In addition, an outdoor dog house gives you a place to put your dog's water dish in which it will not be fouled by leaves, dirt, or grass and where other animals can not drink it. Your dog will appreciate your providing this very necessary item.

An outdoor dog house can be seen as an important element to your dog's health and safety. It will become a permanent shelter, sanctuary for your dog. It is also important to insulate the dog house to keep it warm or cool at the appropriate times of the year.

Outdoor Dog House Basics

Hundreds of dog houses, all of different designs, prices, material, and sizes, flood the market. It can be extremely confusing in selecting the right house for our dog. Before going on this exciting journey of dog house choosing, customers should always keep in mind their budget, the size of their dog or dogs, and finally, about the type of dog house they really want and which will suit them and their dogs the best. Research shows that among wooden dog houses, cedar houses are usually preferred by all customers. Multitudes of beautifully-designed dog houses exist, which are built with cedar wood.

What size is right for your dog? Use the following guideline to select the right dog house: Roof Height should be 25% to 50% taller than your dog. Door height should be 3/4 the shoulder height of your dog. The overall inside dimensions should not be more than 25% longer than your dog in either direction. If your dog will be outside all year round it is best to use an insulated dog house. You can purchase warming mats to help fight the cold. It is essential to insure that the water supply is clean and that it does not freeze. There are many watering devices available to insure a continuous clean water supply. You will also need a non-freeze water container. These stainless steel water containers assure a fresh water supply even in the coldest weather. Hot weather should also be a concern and there are cooling mats available that you should consider.