Do you want to buy your dog a nice house or kennel to sleep in? We are pet owners also and always try to provide our animals with a comfortable doghouse to sleep in. It is amazing nowadays how many types of doghouses (wooden, inflatable, small, indoor, etc.) are for sale on the market which makes it fairly confusing when deciding what is best for your pet. Always remember to position the doghouse so the door faces away from the wind which helps keep the interior of the house warm. Wooden doghouses look a little better in your backyard, but they are more expensive than plastic doghouses and require a little more upkeep (due to weather conditions and cleaning issues). If you live in a state like California where the sun is always shining and weather is not a factor then a doghouse might not be a necessity. On the other hand, if you have the money and you love your dog like I do then buying a doghouse can be rewarding as you watch your dog sleep in comfort. Thanks to the internet nowadays you can shop online for a doghouse and spend as little as $40 for a decent little house.
Best Small / Large / Custom Doghouse:
Are you looking to buy a small or toy type of doghouse? Maybe you own a big Pitbull and you need a large doghouse? Whatever type of dog you have we should be able to save you a little time in your search for the perfect doghouse. 1. Petmate Indigo Dog Home - assembles in under a minute. Just snap the top onto the base and you've got a top-of-the-line igloo shaped home for your dog, structural foam construction is warmer in winter and cooler in summer and meant for dogs under 45lbs - $77.37. 2. Petmate Portable Pet Homes - lightweight and compact, water resistant, heavy-duty polyester with PVC backing, screen mesh door, adjustable ventilation on all four sides, and a padded floor - small dog house price $53.97. 3. Pet Gear Home 'N Go Deluxe Soft Crates - functional, portable, and attractive crate opens and closes in seconds, for dogs up to 30lbs - sale price $86.99. 4. Petmate Barnhome II Pet Shelters - for large dogs up to 100lbs, maintenance-free portable dog home, won't rot and can't become flea infested - $62.97. 5. Four Paws Premium Dog Houses - no tools need and step by step instructions, Large - 32"W X 40"D X 34"H - $152.99. 6. Noz to Noz Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home, 15"W X 21"D X 15"H for toy dogs, great for travel and very versatile - $71.97. Petco.com is a good online store that sells doghouses if you want to buy over the internet.
How to Go About Building a Custom DogHouse - Doghouse Plans:
Building a doghouse can be a big task so before you decide to go forward with construction look into buying a new one (it might cost you a little more money, but save you a lot of work). Some pet owners go as far as including air conditioning, a fan, or some type of heater or warmer in their custom house. We have only written about the basic doghouse which is just meant to give your dog a warm, safe place to sleep. Before you get started with your project, remember that the dog door must be big enough for your dog to get in and out of. Lowes.com is a great place for directions on how to build a dog house (they take you through the process step by step with digital pictures). Just search for "doghouse building" on their website for complete instructions. For starters you will need a few tools like a tape measure, a saw, nails, hammer, and a paint brush. The house should have a floor which sits far enough above ground to prevent water from entering on the rainiest days. It should be big enough so your pet can turn around easily in it. Don't make it too big, since a smaller house is better heated by the dog's natural body heat. Round and sand down any rough edges of the doghouse which could injure your dog. Some people prime and paint their doghouses to add a little character, but remember to build the doghouse according to your dogs needs and the climate (weather conditions) that affect your daily life.
Best Insulated Doghouse/ Heated Doghouse:
If you own a dog and live in a state that has cold winters (like Michigan or New York) you might want to consider buying a dog house that is heated or insulated. Even though your dog has a fur coat remember that if they are sleeping outside and it's below 32 degrees out, they are sleeping in temperatures that are below freezing. The most common method of creating a heated doghouse is to simply buy a heated pad or warmer that you can place in your dogs blankets. They make all shapes and sizes of heated doghouses, but we have reviewed the most popular models. 1. Heated Pet Bed - low voltage and available in 3 sizes, makes any doghouse warm and cozy - $60 - $80. 2. Large Duplex Insulated Dog House - waterproof and easy, quick assembly, asphalt-shingled roof, uses the latest in building technology - sells for $1100.00. 3. Insulated Cedar Duplex Doghouse - Red Cedar is naturally insect, mold, and weather-resistant, panels have layer of roofing felt paper to protect in any weather - small home sells for $699.99. Petco.com is a great online resource for purchasing a doghouse.
Steps To Clean A Doghouse:
1. Once a week clean it thoroughly (depending on material you can use hot water) in case your dog is urinating or has fleas
2. Kennel training will help avoid your dog having any accidents in their new home (saves you the clean up)
3. Once a year throw out the bedding (pillows, mats,) and wash the cushions to ensure their freshness