| If you are a dog owner, then chances are you | | | | heat from the dog. The second insulator is to trap |
| have wanted to let your dog stay outside at one | | | | the dog's body heat in the straw and by doing |
| time, and a dog house makes this possible. A well | | | | this create a zone of warmed air around the dog |
| built dog house is like a well built house for your | | | | nestled into the straw. |
| dog, and it should provide shelter from the | | | | It is very important when either buying or making |
| elements, be waterproof and sealed well on the | | | | a a dog house that you take into consideration |
| outside, and the roof ideally will have real house | | | | the breed of dog and their expected mature size. |
| shingles put on to further provide a weather | | | | If your dog is a puppy but a large breed, make |
| proof dog house. | | | | sure you change the openings to allow for growth |
| The exterior of the house should be sealed | | | | in the dog until adulthood. You may also want to |
| against rain, moisture, and wind. This is especially | | | | research your specific breed of dog if it is still a |
| important if you live in the northern climates | | | | puppy, just to make sure you know how big it is |
| where winter climates can be bitterly cold. A layer | | | | going to get. |
| of straw or hay should be spread thickly on the | | | | When leaving your dog tied up outside in his dog |
| floor of the dog house, and then an old blanket | | | | house always make sure that he is securely tied, |
| laid over the hay to make a comfortable place to | | | | chained, fastened, or inside a closed fenced in |
| curl up and sleep. | | | | area. This makes sure that your dog and any |
| The hay or straw serves two different purposes. | | | | people around stay safe and out of harms way. |
| The first purpose is to cushion the ground and | | | | Always make sure that there is fresh food and |
| give the dog a soft and comfortable place to rest. | | | | water right outside the dog house so that your |
| The second purpose of the hay or straw is | | | | dog can access it. In the winter time be very |
| insulation, and this actually works two ways. | | | | vigilant about checking the water if your dog is |
| The straw keeps the dog warm and insulates the | | | | outside in the dog house, as the water can freeze |
| dog against the cold ground that could pull body | | | | over and your dog can not get water. |