DOG HOUSE
For accuracy,please refer to this chart to order the correct size.Ideally,the house needs to be just big enough for the dog to enter,turn around, and lie down.Anything larger during the colder months will sacrifice body hear retention.
Choosing the correct size house ensure the comfort for your dog.Most often we use a dog’s weight to determine the size needed.But some dogs are tall structured, so height requirements must also be considered.If you live in a region with serve winters, definitely NOT better.If your region has extremely mild winters,a house “larger than necessary” does not present a problems.(print this page for handy reference offline)
Use the A-B-C method shown for determining the correct size doghouse.
A.)The door height opening should be no less than 3/4 of the dog’s shoulder to ground “A” measurement LARGE doors aren’t necessary,dogs typically duck to enter a doghouse.
EXAMPLE: If dog’s “A” measurement is 19 inches,the door opening needs to be at least 14 inches tall.
B.)The width and length measurement of the house should be the same as or no more than 25% larger than the nose to flank “B” measurement (Tails don’t count).
EXAMPLE: If the dog’s “B” measurement is 24 inches,the doghouse width and length should be no less than 24 inches and no more than 30 inches.
C.)The height of the doghouse should be at least 25%(no more than 50% taller than the height of the top of the dog’s head to his toes”C” measurement Again,this house measurement can exceed the dog’s total height up to 50% and still maintain a good body heat retention factor during cold months.
EXAMPLE: If the dog’s height is 22 inches,then the total doghouse height should be approximately 28 to 33 inches.
Helpful Tips: Consider marking off an are of your for the size of the desired dog house you are undecided about.Would your dog be able to easily turn around and lie down comfortably?
- If your dog’s measurements are borderlines between house sizes,you can be assured a fit with the larger choice.
- To select a suitable size house to fit two dogs.First,measure your “largest” dog using the method shown above in our size Guide and determine which size dog house he/she alone would need.You would then order the next size larger fit both dogs.If your dog is puppy,research what his average adult size and weight will be.
The Do’s & Don’ts for Dog Houses
Do purchase or build the correct size house for your dog.
Do provide your dog with a wood structure dog house (wood is best insulator known to man)
Do have a total wood roof to reduce the sun’s heat and maintain adequate heat retention.
Do have a door barrier installed during the cold months.
Do raise the dog house off ground for better temperature control,drainage and/or place atop stones,rocks,brick,etc.for extra protection against flea infestation from hatching eggs in soil.Do use bedding such as cedar shavings or dense foam pad that is moisture proof and fleas can’t penetrate.(A layer of cedar bed shavings may be placed on top of pet mats inside dog house if your dog tries to chew the mat.)
Do put a porch or awning type cover door opening for extra shade and protection from severe weather or place it under shelter.
Don’t purchase or build a house too big for your dog.especially if living outdoors in colder climates.
Don’t put your dog in a plastic house,It’s too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer.
Don’t use asphalt shingles on a doghouse unless it has an adequate insulation barrier between the roof and the living area
Don’t leave door closed during hot months.Either remove or tie open doors to increase interior ventilation.
Don’t place legless house directly on ground where a moisture problem exists or an excessive cold climate is prevalent.
Don’t use carpet,fabric,straw,towels or blankets for dog house bedding.Body heat,moisture,and darkness will attract fleas,licks and fungus,Don’t apply stain or sealer to the “interior” of cedar house.