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