Each dog who lives outside must therefore be able to take refuge in his doghouse when he feels the need. And the choice of this one should not be made at random. Several criteria must be taken into account for the dog to make this doghouse a suitable and reassuring shelter.
Which dogs need a kennel?
Although it is very important, not all dogs need a doghouse. Indeed, it will depend on their race. Some are more fragile than others, especially in the face of bad weather or outside temperatures. In this case, the dog will spend more time indoors and will not need a kennel.On the other hand, other dogs, especially those considered to be guard dogs, will be more accustomed to the outdoors because their role will be to watch over the house. For them, the niche is essential. There are also indoor niches. These can bring security to a dog, especially if he feels alone. The animal benefits from an enclosed space that is entirely dedicated to it within the house.
What materials for the niche?
Installed outdoors, the niche functions as a shelter. As a result, it must protect the animal from bad weather (wind, rain, snow, hail), humidity but also heat. The kennel must have excellent thermal insulation, to be pleasant for the dog, summer and winter alike. A niche can be made of different materials, usually wood or PVC, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.
The PVC niche
The PVC niche provides satisfactory thermal insulation but will be insufficient in regions where it is very cold in winter or very hot in summer.This material is more suitable for a mild climate. PVC is quite resistant to insects and mold. In addition, the maintenance of a PVC doghouse is simplified. Just clean it with a sponge or a jet of water. It is also easy to transport due to its lightness. Available in many shapes, sizes and colors, the PVC doghouse is for masters on a tight budget.
The wooden niche
The wooden niche is recommended because it offers excellent insulation. With this type of shelter, the dog is protected all year round. Wood is a strong material but it needs to be maintained. To do this, you must use a product that is not toxic to animals.
On the other hand, a wooden kennel should be avoided for a dog that has a tendency to bite because it risks injuring itself by swallowing wood shavings or splinters. A wooden niche being quite heavy, it is advisable to choose its location carefully from the start to avoid having to move it later.As far as aesthetics are concerned, a wooden niche has the advantage of being able to be personalized. The master can choose to paint and decorate it as he wishes.
What size for the niche?
The kennel functions as a house for the dog. It must therefore be adapted to the animal, in particular to its size and morphology. The dog must be able to sit there, lie down and turn around without difficulty. It is therefore necessary to avoid choosing a niche that is too small and that would not suit the size of the animal. However, too large a niche is not recommended either. Indeed, space does not necessarily rhyme with comfort for an animal. Indeed, dogs do not appreciate wide open spaces because they tend to amplify their loneliness. In addition, in a niche that is too big, the animal will have a lot of trouble warming up and it risks being cold as soon as the temperatures start to drop. The niche should be neither too big nor too small.
To be sure not to make a mistake, the easiest way is to measure the dog. In width, the dimensions of the niche must allow the dog to turn around easily without leaving too much space around him when he is lying down. In height, the niche must measure one and a half times that of the animal.
How to choose the doghouse door and roof?
As the doghouse is designed like a house, it is usually equipped with at least one door and one window. If this is the case, it is best to choose a niche whose openings are not opposite each other to avoid drafts. As for the door, it is better if it is located in a corner. Placed in the middle, it will prevent the animal from being completely protected from the wind. A hinged door is preferred because it allows the dog to be independent.
Concerning the roof, two options are possible: the inclined roof or the flat roof. The latter is easier to clean but it is not recommended in regions affected by severe weather.On the other hand, dogs love to settle there to dominate their environment. The sloped roof is more suitable for rainy regions because it allows water to drain more easily. In all cases, you must choose a waterproof, insulating but also removable roof to ensure that the inside of the doghouse is cleaned.
Some niches have a canopy. This element is significant for several reasons. On the one hand, it allows the animal to be protected from the sun and bad weather while remaining outside. On the other hand, it gives more style to the niche.
Finally, the niche must absolutely be isolated from the ground with a floor or feet. This will allow the animal to be protected from insects, in particular parasites and spiders, and from humidity.
How to maintain the doghouse?
A kennel gets dirty quickly because the dog spends a lot of time outdoors and can therefore bring in mud, leaves and also insects.It is therefore necessary to turn to a niche that is easily cleaned. If the maintenance of it is experienced as a chore, it will not be carried out as often as necessary. However, regular maintenance is essential to remove all dirt and bad odors. This will reduce the risk of the dog developing diseases. To carry out the maintenance of the niche, it is necessary to use a non-toxic product for the animal.
The choice of a niche is not based on aesthetic criteria but on comfort criteria. The niche acts as a shelter for the animal. It must provide him with a certain comfort and protect him from both bad weather and the sun. Neither too big nor too small, it must be chosen according to the size of the animal. As with a house, every detail counts, even the position of the door or the shape of the roof.
Also read: Choosing a niche for your dog