OUTDOOR DOG HOUSES
Under the list of best investments for your pooch, consider an Outdoor Dog House at the top. When your pup enjoys his time outside, you want him to be around a shelter—a shelter where he can be safe and feel protected.
Indoor living can sometimes feel like a restriction for dogs who love to play, run, and enjoy a place built for them only. Who doesn’t like a home of their own? A place where they can be themselves without worrying about any damage or mess.
Dog houses serve the purpose of protection and shelter for dogs in every temperature and environment. Such features make them the best investment you can make for your dogs.
Considering a whole variety of different materials and structures it comes in, we did the entire research for 10 best Outdoor Dog Houses! Go through the guide we’ve come up with, and you will be sure about the choice you are going to make.
Who Should Purchase Outdoor Dog Houses?
There isn’t a specific category of people who may want to buy a dog house or a typical dog breed who would wish to have a dog house of his own. The different situation for every pet owner calls for the need for a dog house very often. Let’s go through the conditions when you would need a dog house, and why.
If your Dog lives outdoor, your dog spends most of his time outdoor, or due to some reasons you keep him outdoor only, you should get a dog house. When the outdoor environment is his permanent place of living, you should think of his safety, comfort, and security. And you can checklist all these features with just one lifelong investment; an Outdoor Dog House!
- If you have a yard or lawn
When you live in a house with a yard or a lawn, you often let your canine go out to play. And while his time out, he may need a place to rest. A dog house doesn’t only serve as a place of rest and comfort, but also a change of environment for your pooch while he enjoys his time outside.
- If you travel more often
Instead of carrying a crate around when you are traveling with your dog, have you ever considered how comfortable it would be with a portable dog house? Such dog houses serve an easy carrying purpose and also provide your dog with the same environment that he is used to.
- If you like to picnic or go to vacations
While on the beach or in hotel rooms, you don’t want to spend extra time in cleaning and clearing the area for your dog. To minimize such efforts, a soft or portable dog house is the best option! Just set it by the side on the beach or in the hotel room floor, and your dog can enjoy his same personal place while you can chill around.
Types of Outdoor Dog Houses
While being a popular product, outdoor dog houses come in different materials and styles based on the model you prefer according to your use and climate. We’ve divided the classes into two main categories and their subcategories for your easy understanding.
- TYPES BASED ON MATERIALS
WOODEN HOUSES
Wood is the most common and old material from which outdoor dog houses are made. Its popularity is because it can adjust to any temperature. They are highly insulating and keep your dog warm in winters and cold in summers.
Wood is sturdy, but when it gets old and bear rain and weather changes too often, it requires repair just like any other wooden material. It can also be infested by pests if not taken care of properly. So, to avoid any bugs or ticks, consider the type of wood that resists pests such as cedar.
PLASTIC HOUSES
They don’t often look like a real dog house because of the material but are very reliable and long-lasting. It weighs less and makes carrying and replacing very easy. The sturdy plastic also doesn’t require any repairs very often.
While on the other hand, it may not be a perfect insulator for areas with extreme climatic conditions.
METAL HOUSES
A very less opted option but still a quite durable choice. These are made from aluminum and thus provide ultimate durability.
They also come in shapes of crates which lack a roof while the ones of a complete house shape can withstand any storm, rain, or weather change without getting damaged.
FIBERGLASS HOUSES
Fiberglass is a scarce material that is selected for an outdoor dog house. They provide a more luxurious look to the home. It’s material quite resilient for all types of temperatures, and hence, provides utmost satisfaction in terms of protection and security.
It doesn’t need repairs and polishing; hence, it reduces your timely efforts as well.
INSULATED DOG HOUSES
This type of dog house has a particular layer of insulator inside. It is made from a mixture of materials to make it warm and very well insulated.
This type serves as the best dog house if you live in an area with a cold climate. Your dog stays warm and protected under this material, even if it is snowing outside.
Types based on Styles
The Classic and Traditional Design
This is the most common design all over the world. A perfect, small depiction of a house with roof, windows, and shade. It is mostly made of wood or plastic.
Igloo Style
This design has a dome-shaped top that can resist strong winds. Its design also proves to be best for insulation where the winters are long.
Tent or Canopy Style
This design works only as a portable option for safe shade. You can take it with you anywhere and set this up for your dog’s shade while enjoying the fresh air as well. It works best for summers or beach sides.
Indoor Dog House vs. Outdoor Dog House
Most of the people get confused when they hear about these two different categories. When you are buying a dog house, you should know exactly which type to consider. Can the indoor one also be good for you, or should you go for the outdoor one? Let’s solve this confusion of yours while stating the main differences both have.
Indoor Dog House:
- Not much durable.
- The stuff is made for room temperature only.
- Portable and easy to carry.
- It can’t be an alternative to outdoor dog houses.
- They mostly aren’t waterproof.
- The material is light and not long-lasting.
Outdoor Dog House:
- Remarkably robust and durable.
- The stuff is made for all extreme outdoor temperatures.
- Heavy and can’t be carried easily.
- It serves the best purpose of the outdoor dog shelter.
- They are made waterproof to withstand rain and storms.
- The material is rigid and quite long-lasting.
Hence, it can be noted that the purpose of an outdoor dog house can never be served by an indoor one. You need to be very specific about your choice in that sense.
Best Uses of Outdoor Dog Houses
You are wrong if you think of only one mainstream purpose a dog house serves. It’s a single solution to many concerns you might have as a dog owner. An outdoor dog house can be of many uses based on your requirements, which we’ve mentioned below.
An outdoor dog house can be used for:
- Providing a separate place to your dog.
- Preventing any mess that your dog can create while he is indoors.
- Keeping a fair distance from your dog if you are allergic.
- Avoiding cleaning your house again and again by providing him a separate place.
Your dog’s personal space
How to Keep the Dog Houses Comfortable? (based on different seasons)
After you’ve bought one, you should also learn how to make it the best place for your dog. There are several methods you should know how to maintain the comfort level of your dog house and add to its pleasure.
IN SUMMERS
To create comfort in your dog’s house for summers when the temperature is so high, you should consider a cooling unit if you can spend a bit. A fan or an air conditioner can be installed at any dog house, which continuously throws cold air, just like our regular air conditioners. But this feature must only be added to the dog houses that have a door to close and windows, or else the cooling may escape and cause no difference.
You can also consider adding cool material pads or cushions at the base to avoid the heating floor from touching your dog.
IN WINTERS
Despite all the built-in features of insulation a dog house has, you still might need to consider a bit more. Think of adding a self-heating cushion pad to the floor, which absorbs the dog’s heat and stays warm. The metal plate inside doesn’t allow it to get cold and repels the dog’s warmth back to him.
You can also go for an electric heater if you can or opt for a heating lamp instead.
IN MODERATE CLIMATES
When there’s nothing to worry about the weather, you can easily create a cozy environment for your dog. Add rugs and cushions to his house for comfortable sleep. Also, make sure that the house is placed in a well-ventilated direction for maximum air crossing. Ensure that the home gets enough sunlight while not being directly exposed to the sun.
So, by taking care of these factors, you can quickly increase your canine’s comfort in his favorite place.
Things to Consider Before Buying a Quality Outdoor Dog House
Ranging from the best material to all the latest features, there’s a long list of considerations that can confuse you. To make your decision easy, quick, and worth your money, we’ve enlisted all the essential features and things you should consider while buying a dog house for your pup.
MATERIAL
Always lookout for the best stuff. You are going to invest in a lifetime product. You don’t want to get into unnecessary repairs and fixing time to time.
Choose the best material, such as wood or fiberglass, which lasts a lifetime and doesn’t require extra investments.
INSULATION
If you live in an extremely hot or cold area, you must pick the one with proper insulation. Dog houses outside may heat up like an oven if the temperature is too hot and doesn’t have adequate insulation. The same goes for cold weather where they can turn into a freezer in no time.
You should be highly concerned about providing your dog with a moderate temperature inside, for which proper insulation is compulsory.
WATERPROOF
Always ask if the material of the dog house is waterproof or not. You don’t want the water dripping from the roof while its raining and destroying the wood.
Choose a dog house that doesn’t get affected by rain and water. Waterproof dog houses also tend to last longer than those who are not.
WEIGHT OF THE HOUSE
Choose a standard weight of the house which you can place by yourself and also doesn’t get carried away with strong winds.
If you wish to take it on traveling as well, then go for a light-weighted portable one.
SIZE OF THE HOUSE
This feature is the most important one. Always buy a dog house that is suitable for the size of your dog. Check the width of the house and its elevation. Selecting a smaller home for a bigger breed will do no good as it will look like nothing less than a prison.
Look out if your dog can comfortably stand in it with still much space left above, if yes, then it’s the perfect size for your pooch.
VENTILATION SYSTEM
Always consider buying one with doors and windows. It provides better ventilation to your dog and keeps the environment fresh inside.
ASSEMBLING
It will help you a lot if you go for a quick assembling model. Wasting so much time on a complicated model just to assemble it won’t do you any good. Go for a more accessible option to save your time and energy.
It will also be easier to dismantle and assemble again if you shift your home or decide to place it to some other area.
DURABILITY
The overall durability of the dog house plays a critical role. An ideal outdoor dog house must withstand temperature, rain, climatic changes, shouldn’t require time to time repairs, and prevents pests.
This standard of durability will save you from spending extra dollars on it.
COST
Apart from all the features, the price is the naturally main concern of every pet owner. You don’t really have to spend a fortune over a dog house. You can get your desired features in an average cost that is neither too low nor too high.
Spend efficiently on your dog’s home as it is one of the principal investments a dog owner makes.
Benefits of Using Outdoor Dog Houses
The first question that comes to your mind will be the benefits it would provide. Would they be useful enough for your dog and not too costly in your pocket? To erase all your concerns, let’s discuss all the benefits an outdoor dog house has.
PROVIDES SHADE IN SUMMERS
An outdoor dog house is the best place of shelter that your dog will love in summers. It will allow him to play outside while getting some rest in a cozy accommodation whenever he wants. The unique material keeps dog houses fresh in summers as well, so your dog doesn’t get too exhausted in heat.
KEEPS YOUR DOG WARM IN WINTERS
You don’t really want to leave your dog outside while its freezing. Dog houses are so well insulated that they resist cold and make the inner temperature warm for your dog. Your dog can enjoy his comfortable sound sleep in his dog house even while it’s snowing outside.
PROTECTION FROM RAIN AND STORMS
Outdoor Dog houses are made very strong and stiff to withstand any storm or rain. They don’t break down or get carried away by any storm or strong winds. The material is very reliable in this matter of fact, and the dog is still the safest inside.
SEPARATE PLACE
If you wish to protect your home from any mess or hair your dog sheds, while also being concerned about any other place your dog will be safe in, then a dog house is the ultimate solution. Not only does it keep your dog at a separate area, but it also provides him maximum protection from outside elements, weather, etc.
SECURITY
Dogs are susceptible about their care. They need to feel secure and comfortable, or else they end up being irritable. The dog house is the only place your dog will love like its own home. It keeps him safe and secure while ensuring his level of protection.
COMFORT
If you add extra accessories to the dog house, it becomes the best comfortable spot for your dog. Every dog enjoys its own cozy, small, and healthy environment, which makes the dog house a perfect place for them.
Important Tips
To save you the extra dollars for unnecessary repairs and maintenance, you must know some essential tips. To maintain and enhance the uses of your outdoor dog house, you must:
- Consider extra add-ons for maximum comfort with respect to the climate.
- Add cameras to have an eye on your pooch for his security.
- Change his surroundings from time to time if he gets bored or doesn’t go to the dog house after some time.
- Always get the dog house, which is suitable for your area’s particular environment.
Conclusion
Considering the need, the pet products industry has invested a lot in building a large variety of dog houses, meeting every requirement that suits you and your dog. Ranging from different materials to different styles for every location, weather, size, and environment, selection of the right one is now very easy.
Give your dog the best gift that he deserves, a gift of his own house! You’ll love to see him enjoy his own personal cozy place later.
FAQ
1) Why are outdoor dog houses used?
Outdoor dog houses are used to provide a separate private place for dogs. They add to their comfort, give them shelter according to the temperature, and keep them safe and secure.
2) What is the best outdoor dog house?
We found out the Petsfit Outdoor Dog House to be the best one through our research and review. It is made of cedarwood, which doesn’t get infested with pests. It has a door, windows, and a removable top for better ventilation. The flooring can also be removed for easy and quick cleaning. It is a perfect package for dogs of standard size.
3) How can I keep my dog’s house warm in the winter?
You can easily add an electric heater, heat bulbs, or self-heating pads to your dog’s house to make it warmer and cozier throughout the winters.
4) What is the best outdoor dog house for winter?
Confidence Pet Plastic Dog Kennel Outdoor House Is the best option for winters. It is an insulated plastic material and has a large room to add heaters or cushions. It doesn’t have any windows, which prevents cold wind from coming in. It is effortless to assemble, and the plastic material doesn’t even get damaged in winters or by snow.
5) Are outdoor dog houses safe?
Yes, they are totally safe and protected. To ensure more safety and for your satisfaction, you can easily install cameras to the house to monitor your dog’s activities.
6) What is the best plastic outdoor dog house?
Suncast Outdoor Dog House is the perfect one among all the plastic dog houses. It is designed with the resin material to ensure its durability during all weather. It contains a new vinyl door that can be easily assembled to ensure your dog’s safety. It is effortless to assemble and ideal for all breeds. It has windows for proper ventilation, and the roof panels can also be removed.
7) What size should an outdoor dog house for small dogs?
The ideal size of an outdoor dog house for smaller breeds should be 33″L x 25″W x 23″H. This is standard for all small breed dogs and are very comfortable for them to stay in.
8) What is the best small outdoor dog houses?
Indoor-Outdoor All-Weather Doghouse Puppy Shelter is the best choice if you have a small pup. It has a standard size suitable for small dogs. It is light weighted and can be easily assembled and cleaned. The plastic material ensures durability and prevents any damage. It also saves you from repairs. The floor is raised from the ground and has a smooth surface for better cleaning.
9) What is the best large outdoor dog houses?
Merry Products Extra Large Solid Wood Dog House is the most spacious and large dog house you can ever imagine. It can be partitioned if you are using it for two dogs, or else it is perfect for one large breed. The roof and floor panels can be easily removed for cleaning. It is made of solid wood to bear heavy-weighted dogs and is very durable yet affordable.
10) What Bedding Should I use for my Dog’s Outdoor House?
To add extra comfort, you can put linen cloths, rugs, hay and straws, wood chips, cushions, and sawdust. All these materials will provide optimum comfort and warmth to your pooch.
11) Is straw good bedding for outdoor dog houses?
Straw can be used to bed a dog house, but they may get infested with bugs, flea, and ticks in outdoor ones. It’s better to avoid any such material that can rot and create more mess instead of providing comfort.