Breeds are all different, same as people are different. Housing your dog depends on many factors, such as your lifestyle, your dog breed and the amount of room you have to spare.
For those who dont know me, my name is Sue Walton, and I am a professionaly accredited Dog trainer and coach. This article shares with you some of my top dog housing tips, but for my best secrets and heaps more info, you need to visit my site on dog training tips, which has a huge section on choosing and siting a great kennel/dog house.
Its best to start by assessing what dog you have. Housing your dog largely depends on its needs to stay safe warm and dry.
Toy breeds, by the virtue of their petite size, make perfect house dogs. Many owners of small dogs such as terriers, shitzu or bichon are happy all the time, provided they are trained well!
These small breeds respond well to the home environment, providing they know their place in the home! You’ll find a matt or a dog bed around the size of a cat bed will do for these small breeds.
Keeping them in garage or laundry could be ideal, provided that your dog feels safe and it feels like it has a little area of its own. Dogs are, after all, well known for being territorial.
As for bigger dogs, such as medum sized pointers, boxers and terriers, you will learn that keeping them inside becomes tedious or irritating. Not just for you, but for your dog too.
They require the space that outdoor freedom offers them.
Also, you will have to consider the space and room that you can offer for housing your dog.
If your garage is well aired, cosy and there is not to much clutter, it might be a great place for your dog to live, if however its full of gear and your dog has to live in a corner where it cannot make its own space, it will quickly become fustrated.
For those of us that live in units, apartments or other small areas, you have to be very cautious of how your dog interacts with neighbours. Alot of dogs dont like being housed where other people can annoy them and irritate them.
Youve also got to think about what sort of breed requires what sort of housing.
Your breeder will have sussed you out before selling a dog, to see if your lifestyle suits that breed, however people often come across dogs in other circumstances. Do plenty of research into your chosen breeds living requirements. A lazy bulldog will surely be happy with a corner of the yard and not much space, but you try and keep a livly breed like a pointer in a small yard, and you’ll drive the poor dog insane. Active breeds such as working dogs, needs space and roomy enclosures.
If your in this situation, and have a yard space for your dog to be housed and run around in, please please please ensure that the fence you put up or have, is in good order and is secure. Consider your dog must not get out, but also consider if anything else can get in. Cats, other dogs and children are pretty handy at getting into places where they shouldnt be, and this can lead to obvious trouble!
Housing a your dog also has situational requirements. Think about the climate you live in and where you will site your kennel. Will it be cold? Windy? Directly sunny? Consider these factors when moving a kennel in your yard or chosen area. Kennel insulaton might be required if the area is frosty or gets snowfall regularly or intensely.
Obviously, in this circumstance a saint bernard will be happier than a greyhound, so exercise common thought about the breed your dealing with. Pay attention to hot climates also, because this can affect them very rapidly.
Black paint on that kennel might suit your house, but will it cook your dog….? As far as purchasing a kennel goes nowadays there are great off the shelf items that suit many lifestyles and homes. Moulded plastic versions are popular but watch out if your dog is a chewer!
Avoid fibreglass kennels like the plague, as the glass can lead to pain and discomfort for your pet. Wood ones are hard wearing and look great also. If you can afford a nice wooden kennel, go for one!
My best dog housing tips, and some great examples of kennels and enclosure designs can be found at my dog resource page on housing your dog. Check it out, and the rest of my site www.dog-hobbyist.com
