Dogs tend to like “dens” and young dogs especially like to curl up in a den where they feel secure. An older dog that has not been exposed to a dog house before may be more reluctant to enter the dog house and find it confusing or view it as a trap or punishment.
The first concern is the size -- a too-small house can hurt your pet's health. You also need to make sure you use proper materials and insulate if necessary, as discussed on the previous page. Dog houses can't do much to keep out the cold in frigid temperatures, and overheated structures can be just as dangerous.
Whether your dog stays primarily outside or takes regular naps on your bed, a dog house is essential for your pet's protection outdoors. Providing a safe outdoor place for your dog is important, especially if they live outside or are going to spend long periods of time outdoors.
Why is it important to have a proper dog house? (Having a proper dog house ensures the dog is comfortable and safe outdoors and contributing to meeting some of the animal's basic needs. By law, dogs need access to a shelter – even if they don't regularly use it.)
A dog house or kennel provides a secure and comfy home for your beloved pet, giving them a designated place to eat, sleep and relax. This gives them somewhere in your home or garden that is exclusively theirs, which can bring them a sense of safety and belonging.
"Not in most situations," said Dr. David Sewell, veterinarian and co-owner of Crestview Animal Hospital in Cumming, Ga. "Dogs need to be outside for exercise and for their mental well-being. It makes them happier."
To ensure that your dog has proper shelter, include the following provisions: Complete Waterproofing The shelter must be watertight and have a solid roof, enclosed sides, a doorway, and a solid, level floor raised at least 2 inches from the ground on a pallet or on blocks to prevent floor rot.
As your puppy gets older gradually increase the total amount of time you leave them alone. Adult dogs are generally okay on their own for 4-6 hours a day.
Additionally, it is recommended to take them out to go to the bathroom every 2 hours. Adult dogs who are using to being home alone can be left longer – as they've probably learned to sleep while you are away.
There is some wiggle room, provided that your pooch has access to enough food and water, as well as a place to go potty if they need to. However, even if their basic needs are met, you shouldn't leave your pet alone and unsupervised for more than 8 hours a day.
In most shelters, dogs spend far too much of their time alone, with little to do. Their lives are more stressful and frustrating than is natural, acceptable, or necessary. To ignore the effects life in a shelter have on the well-being, health, and behavior of these dogs is to do them a great injustice.
A lot of dogs get bored when their owners aren't around, and a good way to combat that is with interactive toys. Interactive toys are a great way to keep your pup entertained, even when they're home alone. Some examples of interactive dog toys are: Kibble-dispensing push toys.
There are several reasons why it's generally a good idea to give your dog a sleeping place indoors: Weather – Hot, cold or rainy weather can make it uncomfortable for dogs to sleep outside. Not to mention, they might be at higher risk of heat stroke, hypothermia, or other dangerous weather-related conditions.
Making a suitable environment
provide your dog with a comfortable, clean, dry, quiet, draught-free rest area. change your dog's bedding regularly and make sure it's comfortable. provide your dog with somewhere it can go to avoid things that frighten it.
Things to consider before housing your dog outdoors:
Dogs should be acclimatized to outdoor living when they are young and the weather is warm. During severe weather, dogs may have to be brought inside the family home. Aged, young or infirm dogs should not be housed outdoors, especially during cold weather.
Yes, people keep outside dogs, with or without dog houses. It can be fine depending on the weather and how much attention the dogs are getting. A dog house is essentially a shelter for a dog from rain and cold weather, so there's nothing inherently wrong with having one for the dog.
Some dogs suffering from separation anxiety become agitated when their guardians prepare to leave. Others seem anxious or depressed prior to their guardians' departure or when their guardians aren't present. Some try to prevent their guardians from leaving.
Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.
As a general rule of thumb, adult dogs can be left alone for up to 6 hours a day. However, the amount of time a dog can spend safely alone will vary from dog to dog, as even the most laid-back dogs may become distressed when you leave them on their own for long periods of time.
Typically, though, dogs often spend 50% of a day sleeping, an additional 30% just lying around, and a mere 20% being active. Sounds like our kind of day…
Dogs get bored just like we do, so it's important to provide them with exercise, training, interactive toys, and brain games to keep them busy and entertained. Giving them appropriate ways to burn that extra energy also means your flower beds, shoes, and couch won't become unfortunate casualties.
While your dog will remember you leaving the house, they most likely won't understand how long you were away. When dogs are left alone, sometimes they become stressed (stemming from their separation anxiety), indicating that they have an awareness of the passage of time.
Dogs that like to sleep stretched out generally prefer floor pillows while dogs that curl up to sleep usually like bolsters or donut-shaped beds. His bed is too small, lumpy, or dirty and he feels claustrophobic or uncomfortable in it.
Ventilation, and the ability to open and close it, is an important aspect of building an outdoor doghouse—especially one in a climate that experiences cold winters. In warm months, having cross breezes from the door, possibly a window, and open vents near the roof will help cool the doghouse and dissipate body heat.
Using a door will help keep the dog house warmer during cold months. An awning type cover can also be used over the opening for added shade and protection.