Many people purchasing a dog house for the first time find themselves faced with so many different choices. It can be hard to determine what a dog house really needs. The first thing to consider is whether you really really need an outdoor dog house for your pet.
Dogs that have spent most of their lives indoors will probably not be interested in moving into the nicest dog house. Dogs are social animals so a single dog will probably want to stay near you indoors. While your dog may not live outdoors you may want to buy an outside dog house which can be a temporary shelter for times when your dog must be outdoors.
There are other dogs, however, who need to live outdoors full time. Dog houses for dogs that spend all their time outdoors will need to be very sturdy and comfortable. It does not matter how long a dog is used to being outside always check him regularly so you know he is safe.
Don’t think a dog house will be more comfortable simply because it is larger. This is especially true for those who live in cold climates. A dog house which is exceptionally large will not allow your dog to warm it up with their body heat. The ideal size of an outdoor dog house is just big enough for your dog to lay down and turn around without hitting the sides. The door should be wide enough for your dog to easily enter without kneeling down.
The floor of the dog house needs to be several inches from the ground to protect against water and moisture. You can use straw for bedding as long as you change it often. If you live where it snows you want a sloped roof to allow the snow to run off. Pressure treated wood contains toxic chemicals and it should never be used for building a dog house. Make sure your dog can handle the outdoor conditions before you decide it should live outdoors. Toy dogs are not well suited for outdoor living while the larger dogs, especially those bred to be working dogs, should have no problem.
