Doghouse - Analysis and Buying Guide - 2022
Choosing the right dog house for your four-legged friend can be challenging, especially if it's your first time shopping. If your dog likes to spend time in the yard, an outdoor dog house will provide shade in the summer and shelter from the elements in the winter.
If you are considering an indoor dog house, your requirements may differ slightly. An indoor house does not provide a shelter, but it does offer a safe and attractive bed or place for your pup.
If you want to know more about dog houses and how to choose the right one, read on.
When you're ready to make a purchase, you'll find some of the best dog houses on the market in our product list, above.
Types of Dog Houses
The market offers dog houses in numerous shapes, sizes, and styles. As already mentioned, these products fall into two general categories: outdoor dog houses and indoor dog houses. We consulted professional pet trainer Nicole Ellis to learn more about dog houses and how they can benefit you and your furry best friend.
- Outdoor Dog Houses
This is probably the most common type — and what most people think of when they hear the term "doghouse." Outdoor dog houses tend to be a bit rougher than their indoor counterparts. After all, there's more to consider; outdoor houses must be weather resistant and highly durable. The best ones have good drainage and insulation, too. Although a house is made for outdoor use, Nicole says that she may still need some maintenance over time to make it last. For example, wooden houses may need to be re-waterproofed after a few years.
- Indoor Dog Houses
These are somewhat less common and are basically luxury dog beds. Some owners prefer an indoor dog house to a cage because the former is more attractive. (The Cheerful Wood Room with a View, for example, is undeniably adorable.) Some choose an indoor house because they want something den-like and comfortable (like a crate), but they don't want to lock up their dog.
For obvious reasons, indoor dog houses don't need to be as sturdy or durable as outdoor ones. Nicole says, "An indoor house doesn't provide shelter, but it does offer a safe and attractive bed or place for your pup."
Why Buy a Dog House?
This is an important question to ask yourself before moving forward.
You may want to purchase a house to protect your dog from the elements. We are not suggesting that your dog should live outdoors. He is a member of the family and should be treated as such. However, most dogs love the outdoors and can't get enough of being in the yard. An outdoor dog house allows your dog to spend more time outside and gives him a respite from the cold in the winter and shade from the sun in the summer.
You may want to buy a dog house because you are at work all day. We do not advocate keeping your dog outside when you are not home. However, some people have dog gates that allow their pups to come and go as they please when they are away. A dog house can be a great place for a dog that has free rein in the garden.
You may want to help your dog feel more secure. In the case of indoor dog houses, many owners choose them over a regular dog bed because they provide an extra sense of security. Much like a dog crate, but without a door, an indoor dog kennel is a safe, den-like place that some dogs can't get enough of. In particular, anxious dogs benefit from this type of safe haven.
You may want a dog house because they look nice. There's something delightful, the American dream, about having a house with a white picket fence and a doghouse in the yard. And there's nothing wrong with owning a dog house, partly because of aesthetics.
Factors to Consider
A dog house can be a pretty big purchase, so you want to make sure you buy one that is perfect for your dog.
Keep these considerations in mind when making your choice:
- Material
Two common materials for dog houses are plastic and wood. Each offers its own pros and cons.
If you want a durable, low-maintenance dog house, plastic is the perfect material. It is durable, easy to clean and lightweight for easy portability. For outdoor use, the main problem with plastic dog houses is that they require adequate insulation to prevent overheating in the summer and freezing in the winter. It can also be said that they are less attractive than wooden dog houses.
Wood is a classic and attractive doghouse material that many people prefer over plastic. Fortunately for dogs, the interior temperature of a wooden dog house fluctuates less with seasonal weather changes. However, wood is not as durable as plastic. If you want a wooden dog house to last more than a couple of years outside, you should treat it annually with a dog-friendly varnish or seal.
- Size
The size of dog house you need depends on the size of your dog. It needs to be large enough for your dog to lie down with his legs and head fully extended.
Bigger isn't necessarily better, though—especially if you want a house that will help your friend feel safe. Dogs are generally comfortable in fairly tight spaces. Remember, this is not where your dog lives; it's just a bed or a place for him to lie down. It doesn't have to be huge.
- Style
The market offers a wide variety of dog house styles, and this is where your personal taste comes into play. There is nothing good or bad here, so choose what you like.
Indoor dog house styles can be even more creative since they don't have to be weatherproof. For example, the Cheerful Wood Room with a View features a “house” portion below with steps leading to a raised, open bed.
Although you should choose a dog house that appeals to you aesthetically, it's important not to choose style over substance. Whatever you select, make sure it is of good quality.
- Ceiling
Beyond aesthetics, the type of roof of a dog house inside is pretty inconsequential. But an outdoor dog house needs a sloped roof for rain to run off. Some open-air houses have a classic pitched roof; others have a slightly sloped roof from front to back. Both designs prevent water from collecting on the roof... a critical feature.
- Door
Please check the dimensions of the gate before purchasing, and measure your dog to make sure it will fit in those dimensions. Taking this step before ordering will help avoid the hassle of unnecessary returns.
- Floor
Of course, you want your dog house to be totally airtight. But if the water leaks, it should be able to come out. Many dog houses have a floor that is slightly higher in the back than the front, allowing moisture to drain as needed.
The floor of an outdoor dog house should be slightly raised off the ground. This prevents cold from being transferred from the ground to your pet during the winter months.
- Isolation
Proper insulation helps keep the inside of the house warm when it's cold outside, and helps keep things cool during hot weather.
A fully insulated model like the ECOFLEX Lodge Style Dog House will help keep your dog comfortable all year long.
- Durability
A quality dog house should last 5-10 years...and potentially longer if you care for it properly.
Plastic dog houses are good because they are low-maintenance, odor-free, and can be long-lasting. That said, Nicole warns that they can become brittle after long exposure to ice and heat. Also, the temperature of the plastic fluctuates a lot in high and low temperatures. It may not be something her pet wants to do on a hot day to get out of the sun, says Nicole.
Wooden dog houses can last a long time and protect well against the elements, but only if you take care of them. Like a garden fence or shed, you should occasionally treat the wood with a waterproof stain, varnish, or seal. Any product you use should be dog-friendly and non-toxic. Generally, if a product is safe for children, it should also be safe for dogs.
FAQ
Que. Why should I buy my dog a dog house?
Ans. A dog house is not essential for all pets. But for some furry friends, it's ideal. If your pup likes to spend a lot of time outdoors in all kinds of weather, an outdoor dog house provides shelter. If your dog is anxious or feels more secure in small spaces, an indoor dog house might be the perfect sleeping spot for him.
Que. Is this dog house for indoor or outdoor use?
Ans. Sometimes it can be difficult to tell if a particular house is designed for interior or exterior use. Of course, there's no rule against using an outdoor dog house indoors (although it might be overkill), but an indoor dog house won't be durable enough for outdoor use.
Outdoor dog houses tend to be waterproof, insulated, and raised off the ground. Most are made of wood or plastic. Indoor dog houses do not need to be raised, waterproofed or insulated. In addition to wood and plastic, you will find some fabric dog houses indoors.
Que. Should a dog live outside in a doghouse?
Ans. No, absolutely not. While some working dogs live outside in totally secure kennels with other canines, the right place for a family pet to live is in the house with the rest of the family. Dogs love to be with the rest of their "pack" and will be isolated and unhappy living outside. Not to mention, there are all kinds of dangers to a dog living outside alone. Dog houses are designed as a haven and a nice place for a dog to hang out while they're out in the yard, not as a full-time home or overnight resting place for a dog.
Que. What size dog house do I need?
Ans. This depends on the size of your dog. Most dog houses are marketed as small, medium, large, extra large, etc. Some manufacturers suggest what size is suitable for each breed. However, to be absolutely sure your dog will fit, measure your dog's height and length and compare its dimensions to those of the house.
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