When you treat your pet like a part of the family, you want to provide them only with the best. Everything from the dog food and treats you supply to the safe haven you create when your pet goes outdoors should be just perfect!
Giving your dog the royal treatment by building them a custom home will provide them with shelter from the elements and a safe place to retreat when they feel stressed or anxious.
Before you begin building your dog house, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the topic. We’ve got you covered. Here are 5 things you should know before you start designing and building your puppy’s safe haven!
1. Know the location
Where you put your dog’s outside kennel will have a major impact on its design which is why you should give some thought to it.
Choosing a spot for your dog’s new crib requires careful thought. It’s important to consider things like the climate, zoning regulations, and other factors which are out of your control. These factors will determine the final location, as putting up an outside dog home in an area where windstorms are common is perhaps not the best idea.
2. Decide on the primary purpose
Determining the doghouse’s function and how your dog will utilize it is the most important consideration. Most doghouses give shelter for your pooch while you’re hanging out together outdoors. Having a doghouse in the yard may provide your dog a specific spot to go and rest and provide some shade in the summer.
Think about the seasons and how your own home is used by your pet. Where will your dog sleep? Is the doghouse going to work year-round or merely give shade in the summer months? Your choices concerning insulation, wall configuration, and flooring materials will all stem from this.
3. Sizing is essential
It’s important to consider how big you’ll need to make the doghouse before you start construction. Your pet should have enough room to stretch out, circle around, and walk up and down inside it. In a home of suitable dimensions, your dog should be able to stretch out on his side, too. Remember to take both the length and height of your dog into account when comparing it to the proportions of their future shelter.
Remember that your puppy will develop into a full-sized dog over time. You may save yourself the trouble and expense of building a new dog home every few months by erecting a more permanent one while they’re little.
4. Consider the insulation
Make sure the dog home can be warm in the winter as well if you’re planning on using it year-round. It’s important to keep your dog comfortable even when the temperature drops outdoors. By putting proper insulation in the dog’s shelter, you’ll be able to achieve this.
Foam insulation is another viable option during the colder months. Do it yourself spray foam insulation will assist in maintaining the warm air in the dog’s home and keep him cozy. Dogs are notorious for chewing; therefore, it’s important to invest in insulation that may deter them from doing so.
The use of a heated light bulb is another option for keeping your dog warm. Since a heated light bulb gives out both heat and light, it will be an excellent source of warmth for your dog.
A doghouse has to be able to withstand the elements so that your pet is safe and secure throughout the year. But be wary of making the dog enclosure too airtight since this might make it unsafe. Remember that it must be watertight and provide enough ventilation.
5. Know your budget
To avoid going over your set budget for outdoor dog housing while making sure the pet enclosure has everything it may need, you need to plan accordingly. It’s worth noting, however, that a smaller outdoor shelter may run you as much as a big one. However, if you want a highly customizable pet house, you may need to allocate a larger budget to the project.
