Dog Houses Buying Guide

Dog houses  are a great luxury for your canine friend. It can be a form of shelter during the rain or a fun hangout place for your pooch. Buying a dog house can be a bit pricey. Building your own dog house is fairly easy for those with basic skills with a hammer. The beauty of building your own dog house is not only is it a labor of love, but you can also control the design, size, and price to a greater extent. Check the external link section for directions and tips on building your own dog house. 

Types of Dog Houses
A-Frame  A classic dog house design made famous by Snoopy . The slanted roof  lets rain and snow fall off.	Flat Roof  A flat roof is not the best idea in areas receiving heavy rain or snow.  The flat roof design allows dogs and other animals to use the roof as a fun "second floor". Expect neighborhood cats to use this upper level more than your dog.	With Door  Some dog houses come with a little doggy door  for your dog to enter and exit. For the private dog, this is the way to go.

Materials

Materials
Wood  Wood can be painted  and decorated so Fido has the fanciest house in town. Doesn't hold up to weather as well as plastic . Splinters! If you are handling the dog house (such as painting or cleaning it), keep a pair of tweezers handy! Difficult to clean. More attractive than plastic. Usually more expensive than plastic though.	Plastic  Use insulated plastic to keep your pooch warm during the chilly months. Easy to clean. Splinter-free Can't paint  or modify it though! Holds up to weather. Economical. Not as attractive as wood.

Dog House Buying and Building Tips

• Make sure the dog house is big enough for your dog to stand up, sit down, and sprawl out.
• Leave a place inside the dog house for food  and water.
• It's never good to leave a dog outside all the time. Dogs like to spend time inside with the family!
• Put a few toys  in the dog house. Make it fun!
• Is your dog having trouble understanding that the dog house is his? Use treats  to lure him inside the dog house. Once he's inside, praise him and give him more treats.
• Be careful of wild animals, especially at nighttime.
• Make the dog house warm during the winter, but don't leave Fido out in the cold! Putting warm flannel blankets  inside the house during the fall and winter is a great idea.
• If you have multiple dogs, try to make or buy a dog house big enough for all of them. Chances are that they will want to stay in the same house.
• Make sure your dog has a good view of the yard and house. Dogs like to see whatever it is they are guarding.
• Make sure all paints and materials are non-toxic  and pet safe.

Related Guides

Woof Woof!
Dog Food Storage	Dog Food	Dog Bowls and Feeders	Leashes and Collars

Dog Toys	Dog Housebreaking	Dog Bedding	Dog Grooming

Dog Proofing	Flea and Tick Control for Dogs	Dog Transport	Sick and Elderly Dog Care