Dog House Selection Tips

 Dog House Selecting Tips

 

Knowing what your pup requires is key when selecting the right dog house. It's easy to get overwhelmed when looking for the ideal pet house without taking important things into consideration. In this article, we provide the top tips for purchasing the best pet house. We'll explain the contrast between a cabin and a crate and also the optimal materials for a dog house. Read on to make your fur baby as comfy as possible.

 Dog House Types

Selecting the best dog house for your dog starts with understanding the various types of dog houses. The different types can be selected based on where they will be located, what kind of material they are made of, and other details.

The main types of dog houses we will focus on are crates, cabins, and raised platforms.

Crate Dog House

A crate dog house consists of vertical or horizontal bars, or both. It's a great way to train your pup with good potty habits. With some crate training, your puppy will learn not to go potty where they sleep. Crates are also really helpful for transporting your pup in the car. It keeps them safe and secure, rather than running around for possible injury in an accident.

 

Cabin Dog House

 Cabins are a popular and versatile style of dog houses - they come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and materials and are easy to customize for your pup's needs. You can keep it indoors or outdoors, offering a safe haven from the elements, a quiet spot to snooze, or just a break from other pets and people. Cabin Houses often take the shape of a crate but, can also provide a more open atmosphere for your pup's comfort.

 Raised Platform Dog House

A raised platform dog house is the least restrictive style of dog house on our list. They are strictly meant for comfort and don’t provide much shelter as with cabin dog houses. A raised platform dog house is most similar to a dog bed, but with a roof, which might be perfect for your dog’s needs. 

Dog House Materials

Once you determine the right style of doghouse, next on our list of dog house buying tips is to consider the material used. The material affects the comfort, durability, and protection offered. The most common types to choose from include wood, plastic, and metal. 

Wood

The most popular material for a doghouse is wood, especially for a dog cabin. Wood makes a dog house versatile in that you can adjust the shape, color, and weather resistance with ease. You can add windows if you want to add more ventilation as well.

Wood is also a great insulator. So, if you live in a cooler climate or an area with cold winters, a wood dog house can help keep your dog warm. 

Plastic

If your idea of the best dog house is one that will last a long time, plastic is an affordable option. Its longevity is similar to that of wood, especially if you live in a mild climate. However, in extreme temperatures, plastic can either melt or crack.

Plastic lacks the insulation capabilities offered by wood. So they’re not ideal if you’re trying to provide your dog with a warm home in the fall or winter. 

Wood Composite

Wood composite offers numerous benefits for a dog house, including rot-proof durability, low maintenance and superior resistance to weather. This makes it a long-lasting, hygienic, and safe alternative to traditional wood, especially for outdoor structures. Pest and insect resistant: The plastic component makes composite material unappealing and resistant to pests like termites and other burrowing insects. This is a major advantage over natural wood, which is susceptible to infestations and decay

Dog House Sizing

One of the best tips for buying a dog house is to make sure you size it right. The best dog house is one that is comfortable for your dog, so you’ll need to pay attention to measurements. To find a good fit, you’ll need to measure your dog and compare those measurements to those of the dog house. 

How to Measure Your Dog

 It's important to measure your pup for their new home, so start by having them stand on all fours. Place the end of the tape measure on the ground below their chin, with their head pointed straight ahead. Measure to the top of their head. Repeat the step, this time measuring from one paw to the highest point of their shoulder. That's it! Now you know which size dog house will fit perfectly.

 Dog House Measurements

Of the 3 dimensions of length width and height, you mainly need to worry about the height. Some manufacturers will have only the height listed in the product name, but the full dimensions should be available in the product description. You’ll also want to note the height of the door or entrance. 

Now, compare the height of your dog’s shoulder to the height of the cabin entrance. For an outdoor home the ideal height entrance would be about 25% shorter than the height of your dog’s shoulder. This helps to control temperature changes within the cabin.

Next, compare the height of the cabin itself to your dog’s head height (make sure the measurement doesn’t include any feet or platforms). The cabin should sit about 10-25% higher than your dog’s head. This ensures your dog has enough room to stand up comfortably and not be hunched over.  

Dog House Buying Tips

Some of our other tips for buying a dog house include details that make it the best dog house for your dog. Our top recommendations involve making sure the house is comfortable, temperature-controlled, and well-ventilated. To achieve this we recommend adding bedding, ensuring protection from the elements, confirming ventilation, and managing temperature. 

Bedding

The best dog house is a comfortable dog house, which is why we suggest finding the right bedding to add to your dog’s new space. For cooler nights and seasons, try finding a soft, padded mat or cushion to retain heat. This is also ideal for dogs with joint problems or mobility difficulties. 

For warmer climates, we recommend elevated cots. These allow better airflow to keep your dog cool while keeping them comfortable. You can choose the right one for your dog based on their size. 

If you’re investing in an outdoor dog house, protection is essential. This can be as simple as placing it under an outdoor canopy tent or under a deck. It can also mean making sure the dog house itself has a strong and durable roof. The goal is to make sure your dog is safe and well-protected while inside of their dog house. 

Ventilation

While ventilation is less of a concern for crates with open slots and open front dog cabins, it’s important for enclosed spaces. If you select a dog cabin and crate hybrid, you want to make sure it provides adequate airflow. If not, we recommend looking for one with windows or an open front instead. 

Temperature Management

Especially in climates with severe weather, temperature management is essential in a dog cabin. If you plan to leave your dog outside in high or low temperatures, consider options that include heating or air conditioning to keep your dog comfortable. 

Make sure to bring your dog indoors during extreme weather. This will help them avoid serious medical problems such as heat stroke and hypothermia. 

Find the Right Dog House for Your Family Dog

Use the above tips to find the right dog house for your dog. Take the time to think about what you want to achieve with the dog house. This information will help you decide between the different types of dog houses such as cabin or crate, 

If you’re ready to find the right dog house for your furry companion, check out the handy links below. 

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