How to choose a good doghouse for your dog
Best materials and designs for maximum comfort for your pet
DOG KENNELS: ARE THEY RECOMMENDED?
Approximate reading time: 10 minutes
If you have a garden or plot at home and you are thinking of buying a kennel for your dog, you are probably wondering how to choose the best option among all the varieties on the market. Before deciding on a kennel based on its beautiful design or cheap price, we recommend that you stop and ask yourself: is it of good quality, will my dog be really comfortable inside, will it protect them from the rain, heat or wind?
A dog's kennel should never be the place where the animal lives or sleeps on a regular basis, because isolated from their family and without the warmth and comfort of a real home, they could become very lonely and depressed. Dogs are social animals that need our love and care, so leaving them alone in a kennel all the time, however comfortable it may be, is simply not an option. However, there are some situations in which it can be very useful to have one of these doghouses. Whether we are working in the garden, enjoying a family barbecue or sunbathing in the sun, our furry friend can join us and take shelter in their kennel from the weather if they want to. And if they feel like exploring outside at any time of the day, they'll have a refuge in which to relax and unwind. But how can you be sure to choose the right doghouse?
Table of contents
1. Guide to choosing the best doghouse for your dog
5. Turn your dog's kennel into their favourite shelter
Guide to choosing the best dog kennel
Some important aspects when buying a good doghouse for your dog are strength, safety, practicality when cleaning, insulation and comfort for your pet. For this, there are three basic elements that you should consider regarding your new doghouse: the material it is made of, its size and the design, both aesthetically and in terms of layout. We leave you with our guide to choosing a comfortable and safe kennel for your furry friend.
Doghouses according to the material
The first thing you should think about if you are going to buy a kennel for your dog is the material. Nowadays, most of them are made of wood or plastic, although depending on the quality of these, the final result of the kennel can vary a lot. Let's see what types of dog kennels are available on the market depending on the material.
• Plastic doghouses
Doghouses made of plastic are a popular choice due to their low cost. They are also very practical because they are lightweight, easy to transport and move, and easy to clean (with a hose or damp cloth). Another benefit of these plastic dog kennels is that, as they do not contain organic materials, they do not absorb humidity and insects do not cause damage to the surface, as can happen with wood.
However, there are certain drawbacks that you should consider before buying a plastic doghouse for your dog. Its thermal insulation capacity is not one of the best on the market. Although it protects from the sun, rain or wind, the temperatures inside can be cold in winter and too hot in summer. On the other hand, they are not as resistant as those made of other materials if your dog tends to bite or scratch, although the ideal is that you try to redirect this behaviour of your pet through training with positive reinforcement.
• Wooden doghouses
Although the price is usually a little higher, especially for good quality wooden kennels, this option is also very popular with dog owners because of its much more beautiful and decorative design. Beyond appearance, wood acts as a thermal insulator for both heat and cold, making it an excellent material for the doghouse to maintain a warm indoor temperature all year round. In addition, wooden doghouses are stronger than plastic doghouses, increasing their durability.
However, some insects could damage the wood of the kennel if it is not properly maintained. In addition, as it is a natural material, it could absorb more humidity, even creating fungus. This can be avoided by using a waterproofing treatment or by choosing a doghouse with legs that raises the base a little and isolate it from the humidity of the ground. Another idea is to cement the area where you are going to place the house, place gravel or asphalt fabric.
• Metal doghouses
Fortunately, metal dog houses are less and less used, as this material is the least recommended for this use, as, although it is resistant, it offers little insulation from the outside. This type of metal kennel can become a real refrigerator in the cold and an unbearable hell in summer, so it is very rare that a dog will want to stay inside of their own free will. In addition, they tend to rust and get dirty easily, and the metallic sounds and vibrations from the metal sheets are very annoying for dogs.
Doghouses by design
The design of a doghouse is very personal. We recommend that you take the time to think about the colour and shape that you like best and/or fit in with the space you have available. Some tips that will help you to get the design of the kennel right are that the roof can be removed, which will make cleaning much easier, and that the door is angled with respect to the façade, as this way the wind will not enter directly into the area where your dog lies down to rest. Sloping roofs are also highly recommended, so that the rain drains away and there are no leaks, and with eaves, as they create a shaded area at the entrance to the house, cooling the temperature inside. As far as the entrance is concerned, some models have a door that closes and opens. While this provides better insulation, it is not practical for a dog. It is preferable to install a strip curtain to provide some insulation, but still allow the dog to come and go as they please.
Dog kennels by size
Obviously, the ideal size of the perfect kennel for your dog will depend on their size. If your dog is small, a small kennel will be more than enough, but if you have a big dog, you'll need to invest in a kennel that's big enough to keep them comfortable. That's the key. The perfect doghouse should be neither too big, as it could be cold and unwelcoming, nor too small, as the dog will feel overwhelmed and stressed and probably won't even want to go inside. To calculate the perfect size, both height and length, you should measure your dog (from nose to base of tail and from legs to head). The ideal dimensions for dog kennels should exceed 25% of the dog's measurements or, in any case, no more than 50%. As for the width of the kennel, it should allow your pet to turn around without any problems, but it should not be too wide, as it will not be cosy.
Turn your doghouse into your dog's favourite refuge
If you want to transform your doghouse into your furry friend's favourite resting place, we recommend placing a breathable mattress in summer and adding a blanket in winter. To maximise your dog's comfort, position the kennel facing south in winter and north in summer. You can also leave some of their favourite toys inside to make them feel at home. Don't forget to place a bowl of fresh water to keep your pet hydrated at all times, and check that everything is running smoothly from time to time. And remember, a kennel is not a home for dogs, but an occasional shelter for their outdoor stays. Enjoy!