How to Buy a Doghouse

Purchasing an outside shelter for your dog will give the animal the opportunity to spend more time outside, and will give it a private space to sleep, relax, and play with its toys. If your dog lives primarily outside, a doghouse can also insulate the dog by keeping it cool in warm months and warm in cool months. When purchasing a doghouse, you need to take your dog’s size (height and length) into account, and also consider the type of materials used to construct the doghouse.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Choosing a Good Doghouse

1
Measure your dog. Before making any decisions about the type or size of the doghouse itself, you need to know the dimensions of your pet. This will allow you to purchase a doghouse that will give your pet sufficient room to stand, turn around, and sleep. Have your dog stand still and, using a measuring tape, measure: standing height (floor to top of head), shoulder height (floor to shoulder joint), and length (nose-tip to haunches).^{[1]XResearch source}
- The doghouse should be at least 25% higher than your dog’s standing height. So, if your dog stands at 30 inches high, the doghouse roof should be 38 inches.
- The height of the doghouse door should be 75% of your dog’s shoulder height. This will give your dog enough room to comfortably enter the doghouse. If your dog’s shoulder height comes to 20 inches, the door should be 15 inches high.
- The doghouse length (from door to back wall) should be at least as long as your dog’s full body length—and ideally a little longer to give your dog room to make itself comfortable.
2
Choose an appropriately sized doghouse. Visit a local pet store, and bring your dog and measuring tool with you. If the store manager allows it, have your dog go into the doghouse to confirm that it will fit comfortably. This will also give you an opportunity to make sure that the width of the doghouse is not too narrow for your dog.^{[2]XResearch source} If you’re not allowed let your dog enter the doghouse, just measure the dimensions.
- Also confirm there is enough space for the accessories that you’ll put in the doghouse, such as the bed and toys.
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3
Anticipate both winter and summer weather. In warm weather, a doghouse with plenty of space will be more comfortable. A smaller doghouse may be better in a cold climate, as it will better retain heat from the dog’s body. It might be most practical to compromise: look for a doghouse that provides extra room for your dog to lounge in, but won’t leave it freezing in cold months.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Limit your dog’s exposure to dangerous weather. Different breeds will have different tolerances for cold weather and hot weather. However, a doghouse is not sufficient protection against severe inclement weather. If temperatures become dangerously high or low, or your dog is exposed to high winds, rain, hail, or snow, bring the dog indoors with you.
4
Choose a safe, durable material. Wood (or synthetic imitation-wood) is often the best choice, as it will not change temperature based on outside weather. Metal and plastic houses can develop sharp edges and be unsafe for your dog, and can also absorb cold and heat in respective seasons, making the doghouse uncomfortable.^{[4]XResearch source} If you’re looking for a light doghouse that can be transported or re-located easily, plastic will be the best material.
- If you choose to purchase a wooden doghouse, make sure it hasn’t been treated with any toxic paint or other substances that could harm your dog if chewed.^{[5]XResearch source} Wooden houses can also splinter. Clean up the surfaces before you set up the house, and check regularly for sharp edges or splinter so you can smooth them away.
- Before you buy a doghouse, you should make sure it will be resistant to heat, cold, rain, and other weather varieties. Ask the pet-store owner what they recommend, and confirm that the doghouse you’re looking at is durable and water-resistant.
5
Opt for a raised floor. Many doghouses come with raised floors, which provide a few inches of air space between the bottom surface of the doghouse interior and the ground. This area provides insulation and will keep the doghouse warmer than if the floor rested directly on the earth. If the doghouse is made of wood, a raised floor will also keep the wood from absorbing moisture from the ground.
- Choose a doghouse with a hard floor, so that you can put a dog bed inside. Pre-installed carpeting can make the dog too hot. A doghouse with no floor at all will also work, but only if you don’t expect rain or water drainage.
6
Stay within your budget. A good doghouse can easily cost US $100, so make sure you’re spending your money on a sensible purchase. If you anticipate being constrained by your budget, explain this to the pet-store owner when you arrive, and they can work with you to find an effective and affordable doghouse.
- Some higher-end doghouses offer amenities such as ventilation and heating. Ventilation can be important to consider for summer months, when the doghouse may become unpleasantly hot or stuffy without airflow.
- Likewise, if your dog is going to be spending the winter in its doghouse, or if you live in a generally cold climate, it may be worthwhile to purchase a doghouse with an internal heater.
- However, if your budget is restricted, you may need to forego ventilation and heating to find a more affordable doghouse.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Locating the Doghouse

1
Decide on the doghouse location. Dog owners usually putdoghouses in the front or back yard, so that the dog will have space surrounding the doghouse to run and play in. Consider placing the doghouse in a fenced-in location, so that the dog will not be able to run away. The doghouse should be in an area that your dog has constant access to; the dog should be able to easily go in and out of the doghouse when it pleases.
- Locate the house away from asphalt or other material that absorbs heat or cold.
- In rainy seasons, keep the doghouse away from soil so the dog doesn’t track mud into your house. Check the doghouse for leaks as well.
2
Avoid exposing your dog to excessive sun or shade. Look for a location for the doghouse that will provide your dog with a mix of heat and shade. Do not locate the doghouse in an area where it will receive direct sunlight for more than a couple of hours. Similarly, avoid placing the doghouse in a location that will always be in shade.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Also, pay attention to the wind patterns around your doghouse. If you’ve arranged the house to face north, your dog may be subjected to cold winds in the winter.^{[7]XResearch source} Face the doghouse away from the wind, towards a more sheltered part of your backyard.
3
Introduce the dog to the doghouse. Most dogs will act cautious the first time they see the house. Let yours explore the house on its own time, without forcing it closer. Start with 10–20 minutes of exposure to the doghouse, and don’t force your dog into the doghouse until it’s ready to enter on its own. You can even “bribe” your dog with treats and praise to make it feel more comfortable around the new doghouse.
- If your dog is skeptical of the doghouse, make it feel more comfortable by placing familiar bedding or toys inside the house.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Accessorizing the Doghouse

1
Provide a dog bed. Put a comfortable, warm dog bed inside the doghouse, and possibly a second one outside if your dog enjoys resting in the fresh air. Since the doghouse is located outside, however, you may run into problems with ticks, fleas, and weather-related issues including mold and mildew. To get around this issue, many dog-owners place a layer of cedar shavings on the doghouse floor, under the other bedding. Cedar shavings absorb moisture and repel both ticks and fleas.
- Cedar shavings will be available for purchase at a local hardware store, and may be in stock at your local pet shop too.
2
Give your dog a food and water bowl. If your dog spends substantial amounts of time outdoors and unsupervised in its doghouse, you’ll need to provide it with accessible food and water. Change the water frequently, since it can attract insects and unhealthy bacteria. You don’t need to keep the food bowl constantly full—only feed the dog at its specific meal times, as wild animals may steal excess food.
- The dog should always have access to fresh water. In hot weather, you could also treat it to a kiddie pool filled with ice.
3
Add some toys near the doghouse. If your dog is very energetic, toys will help it burn off extra energy, and will also keep the dog from chewing on the doghouse itself. Give your dog an assortment of toys in its doghouse. The dog can chew on on a relaxing toy (such as a rawhide strip) inside its house, or a more fun toy (such as a ball or Frisbee) outside its house.
- Avoid letting your dog take plush or furry toys (like stuffed animals) outside, as these toys will likely get wet and dirty quickly.
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Some doghouses are sold unassembled and meant to be put together at home. Make sure you have all the necessary bolts, screws, and so forth before you start assembling the doghouse.
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Periodically check for any problems with the doghouse, such as sharp edges, splinters, or leaks.
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If you live in a cold climate, consider insulating your doghouse with extra blankets tacked up on the interior walls.
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How to Buy a Doghouse

Steps

Choosing a Good Doghouse

Locating the Doghouse

Accessorizing the Doghouse

Expert Q&A

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Tips

References

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