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Dog Houses

Dog House types

Dog houses are of various different categories. You can find dog houses of different styles and shapes made of materials including wood, metal, plastic, steel and more.  The dog houses also differ based on their purpose. While some houses are designed to be stationary in your garden or yard, there are portable types like dog tents, boxes, crates and other carriers that act as temporary homes for dogs. Here is a break down on the different dog houses.

Kennels

Kennel refers to a shelter for dogs and is also the term used for a place where dogs are trained, boarded and bred. The term covers all the different types of dog houses including the crates, carriers and dog houses.

Wood dog houses

Wood is the commonly preferred and conventional choice for dog houses. It is easy to design, looks good and is plentiful. Durable wood dog houses are made from redwood or cedar, which is resistant to decay.

The wood houses are further distinguished by the type of roof used:

• Flat roof: This is a simple design made of a flat single panel with a slight tilt from front to the rear. Most dogs prefer lounging on top of the flat roof rather than inside the dog house.
• Pitched roof: The roof is made of two panels angled to join at the center. This is an attractive and popular design that mimics human homes.
• Loft Roof: The loft type dog house sports a sun deck or loft over the house. This fancy loft is built over a slanted or conventional pitched roof.

When compared to the houses made of plastic and other materials, the wood houses for dogs are expensive but are realistic and attractive to look. The houses need to be refinished to withstand all types of weather conditions. And in extreme weather these offer better insulation and protection.

Plastic Dog Houses

In recent times, the plastic houses have become popular as they are light in weight, require minimal maintenance and most importantly these are priced competitively. Most models are easy to set up without any hassle. The pitched roof, barn and igloo are the models that are popular in this variety.

But when compared to the wooden houses, plastic houses do not offer the insulation needed for keeping the dog house cool during summer and warm in winter.  And these are not as realistic as the wooden houses. However the expense is less, and these do not need refinishing for protection from weather extremes.

Metal Dog Houses

The dog houses of metal are not as common as the other two types. In general, these are made of aluminum or steel and have good insulation. The house is typically rectangular in shape. As metal is difficult for dogs to chew and damage, these are indestructible and do not rot. But these are sold only by vendors specializing in hunting dog supplies.

Barrel Dog Houses

Made from plastic, metal or wood barrels, these houses are preferred by dogs as they like the curved and shallow holes. By lining a barrel with plenty of wood chip this barrel design can emulate the natural environment that dogs like.

Fiberglass caves

This dog house is made from sturdy fiberglass that is resistant to leaks and rots and is very spacious. It can comfortably house two big sized dogs. While the look is not as appealing as a wood house, it can be a unique house for your dog.

Portable dog houses

Portable dog houses include dog tents, dog crates, inflatable dog houses, pet carriers made of hard plastic or soft sided carriers and dog boxes. These serve as temporary houses for pet dogs usually used for transporting the dogs on a trailer, pickup truck etc. These are chosen based on their ease of setting up, packing, protection and comfort.

Choosing the right size

While the type of dog house is an important consideration, the size is also crucial. You can determine the right size based on the dog’s size. Remember that a big space is not always what a dog would like. Dogs generally prefer a smaller space as it gives a secure feeling.

So the right size is one where your dog can stand up comfortably and turn around easily without any additional space. The space should also allow the dog to stretch when it is lying down.

Which material is preferable?

While all the above mentioned materials are suitable, plastic and wood are the most commonly preferred options. However the material chosen should be based on the climate of the region you live in. For places that see extremes of temperature wood dog houses offer better insulation from weather conditions.

Design of the dog house

When it comes to the design, you need to consider several components such as

• Door: You can design a dog house with or without a door. The addition is based on what your dog would like, the climatic conditions and the purpose for which you need the house. The position of the door is another consideration. A door placed to the side is more preferred as it helps to keep elements out and retain body heat.
• Floor: A raised and insulated floor helps to keep insects and moisture out and also protects the wooden base of the house
• Roof: A flat or pitched roof is the most common type of roof. With flat roofs, dogs have additional space for resting. The roof angle should be chosen based on the climatic condition and the type of material to use for protection from the weather.
• Ventilation: Ventilation is important for cold and hot climates. It keeps the dog cool in hot climate and avoids excessive moisture inside the house during cold weather. Houses with small window or slotted openings in the top portion are ideal. Vinyl flaps on the doorway also provide good protection and airflow.

The above guide on dog houses is sure to help you understand the various models, styles and types available. The tips will enable you to make the right choice for your pet dog.