How To Create An Outside
Dog House or Dog Shelter

Does your dog have a proper outdoor dog house or do you rely on always allowing them to sleep indoors? As a pet parent, it's likely that you have joined the growing trend of pet parents that allow their spoiled pups to stay in the house a large amount of the time or even all of the time.

However, as a pet parent, it's also likely that you've had the occasion arise that you needed your dog to stay outside at some point. When this happens, it's mandatory that you provide a warm, quality dog shelter for your precious pup that protects them against the different seasons.

It's important that you consider that there are other weather elements to consider besides cool temperatures. The structure you provide should also be waterproof and the roof needs to be properly sealed and it needs to be tightly built for protection against the wind.

Consider attaching hinges to either the roof or to a side panel so that it can be opened for air movement and direct access to the animal if necessary.

The size of your dog also plays a huge part in determining the size of the dog house or shelter. If you have a large dog like such as a German Shepherd, then they obviously will require a larger house but a small dog like a poodle will need a much smaller house. The house should only be big enough for the dog to stand up fully inside turn around and then lie down.

In other words a space that is smaller and fits their body size is easily kept warm by their own body heat but a space that is too big will allow that same body heat to dissipate and the dog will not stay warm.

You also need to partially base the height of the dog house door on the size of the dog. The door really only needs to be about as tall as the height of the dog's shoulder. The width of the door should be just wide enough for the dog to fit through without have to squeeze in.

Keep in mind that these measurements can always be adjusted if your dog has any special needs or difficulties in accessing their dog house.

Once you have either built or purchased a quality dog house that meets your dog's personal needs, you will want to take a few extra step to make sure that your dog stays warm this winter. There are several options available for you to choose from to add comfort and warmth to the inside of your dog's house.

The first option for those of us who have access to hay here on the farm, is to line the floor of your dog's house with hay. This does a couple of things for your dog. It of course serves as a soft bedding place for your dog to sleep on but it also insulates your dog against the cold ground. Just be sure that if you choose this option, you get good clean straw hay for your dog and that you clean it out each year.

These are especially fantastic for areas that get really cold in the winter and for dogs that struggle with arthritis or joint pain. It also can help prevent illness in your dog by keeping them from sleeping on a cold surface all of the time.

There are also lots of regular pet beds that are not heated but are just as comfy and warm and are priced just right. You could also consider a heating mat instead of the heating bed which is a cheaper option.

Something you should always consider when making your choice is the quality of the product you are choosing. For example, is your dog a chewer? Do they drag everything you put in their dog house out? Because if that's the case then you need to specifically look for a pad or blanket that is made for a dog that chews and destroys.

Yes, they do make them! I know, because my loving Rodeo is a destroyer of all bedding! He learned this nasty habit as a puppy and does not do it in the house but any bedding I put outside he attempts to destroy it.

They absolutely make heavy duty pet beds and blankets that are made to prevent chewing damage or tearing from tugging from your dog. I also look for something that comes with a washable cover or even a replaceable washable cover.

I have also figured out how to use long screws to attach the bedding to the floor of the dog house. I suppose this seems extreme but it keeps Rodeo from having a complete field day with the bedding.

Some settings may be way to hot for your dog. Never use a heating pad that was designed for human use as they are too hot for your dog and will cause hair loss.

Of course, if you are a dog lover with a pampered pooch, your dog will no doubt have a warm and cozy spot all ready for them in the house as mind do but even if that's the case, I think it's important to always have a backup available outside to your dog for that just in case moment.

You never know when you might get called away in an emergency or get really sick or injured and someone else might be looking after your dog. Either way, it's important for them to have a place available outside that they are used to and comfortable in.

This way if you need to utilize the outside dog house, your dog is already familiar with his new digs and knows right where to go and will not have the anxiety about not being in the house. Your dog will thank you when they are all snuggled up and warm!

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