Where Should I Put A Dog House?
A doghouse is essentially built to give your little fur buddy a sense of security, possession, and most importantly, protection from extreme conditions. There comes the question, though, as to where should you actually place the whole structure?
What’s the Best Spot to Place Your Doghouse?
Many factors demand attention when you are placing a doghouse such as safety, comfort, environment, or even aesthetics. Before finding the perfect spot for your dog, we need to gain some insight into how various factors influence our decision.
Temperature
Maintaining an ideal temperature for your dog is very important as it not only aids in their comfort but also keeps them healthy and active throughout the day. Dogs with extremely heavy fluff might find it difficult to sleep in a hot environment while light-coated dogs may get hypothermic due to cool winds.
You can control the temperature by choosing a spot that isn’t too close to the kitchen and has ample shade. Your ideal spot should have decent ventilation and allow winds to pass through if you live in a hot climate.
Keep it Dry
When picking out a location for your doghouse, make sure that the ground is elevated to prevent water from entering the structure. You should also aim for a spot that doesn’t dampen during rainfall and stays unaffected by the outside weather. Sitting in water would not only make your dog cold but also give rise to water-borne infections like eczema.
Safety
When putting up a doghouse, make sure that your dog is completely safe in its environment. Outdoor dog houses need to be protected by a fence or a gate so that your dog doesn’t fall prey to wild animals.
On the other hand, an indoor dog house needs to be placed away from radiators, fireplaces, and air conditioners. You should also keep the doghouse away from electrical sockets if your fur buddy is a bit adventurous.
Practicality
An indoor dog house shouldn’t come in the way of your own home decor. Choosing out a doghouse that is extremely large would not only be pointless but also disrupt your home’s setting.
While picking out a doghouse, a general rule of thumb is to make sure that the width of the house should be a tad bit longer than your dog. Furthermore, the height of the door should be 75% of your furry’s shoulder height.
Doghouse Width (inches) | Doghouse Height (inches) | Depth (inches) | Recommended Breeds |
24 | 24 | 30 | Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Yorkies, Pugs, Poodles |
30 | 32 | 36 | Labradors, German Shepherds, Doberman, Pointers, Golden Retrievers |
36 | 42 | 42 | Great Dane, Irish Wolfhounds, Rottweiler, Siberian Husky |
Aesthetics
In addition to being comfortable and safe, the doghouse should also blend with the overall aesthetics of the house. Pick out a doghouse that matches your home’s vibe and adheres to the color scheme. Humungous dog houses would not only look out of place but ruin the overall look of your home as well. If you’re placing the house outside, find a place like a porch where the dog isn’t able to dig up dirt and create a mess.
Indoor vs Outdoor Dog Houses
As good and aesthetically pleasing outside doghouses may look, they are actually not that safe for dogs. Dogs are social animals that require constant attention from their owner. This thirst for recognition is better served from inside dog houses than outside.
Outside dog houses not only make your dog feel neglected but also exposes them to extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, inside dog houses help you in keeping a check on your dog, ensuring it is properly fed and taken care of. Moreover, keeping the temperature maintained inside the structure is quite easier when it is actually in the same environment as you are.
Best Doghouse Locations
If you’re still not sure about where to place your doghouse, here are some common places used by other dog owners.
Inside | Outside |
Living room | Porch |
Hallway | Closed terrace |
Under the stairs | Backyard (preferably under shade) |
Final Thoughts
Placing a doghouse is not a game of chess but it does demand a bit of logical thinking as to what is best for your dog’s health, safety, and protection. Nevertheless, if you keep all the factors we’ve listed in mind, you’ll definitely be able to find the perfect spot for your doghouse in your home!