So, you've decided it's time for your pet pooch to move out of the house and is in the process of looking at the possible options of dog houses to consider. Before you do, there are several key factors that you should be closely looking at first, in order to ensure that not only will you be getting the most out of the purchase but your dog as well.
Making the right choice will involve knowing the various types of dog houses that you can come across on the market, the budget that you have set aside, the size of your dog, the climate that you have and your preference in terms of style or design.
Some of the styles that you'll encounter will include; wooden, the classic snoopy house, plastic, luxury and others. Each one will be available in a variety of designs that range from the simple to some of the most elaborate. Size and the number of entrances can also vary depending on how many dogs are going to be living in them.
Wooden dog houses are the most common and can either be created from scratch with the help of DIY plans found online or purchased ready-made from various local or internet based animal supply shops. The roofing used will also differ. Some use asphalt shingles, while others utilize wood or metal. For walls, you can choose between plain or insulated. But it comes highly recommended that you get the latter, especially if your area undergoes the four seasons. This will keep your pets cozy and warm even during wintertime.
When buying, also consider raised dog houses as this will help keep the floor dry during rainy seasons and extend the life of the house as well. To prevent rain, snow and high winds from entering the house, you can go with rain shielded doors and windows. It's going to be a bit more expensive than ordinary windows and doors but will be worth the investment. Some of the newer models even have advanced heating and cooling system to provide your dog with the ultimate comfort regardless of weather conditions. If you're on a budget though, you might want to go with plastic houses instead as they're already waterproof.
Buying a dog house for the first time can be daunting. But knowing the types that you'll find on the market as well as the various factors to consider will simplify the process and will help you in making an informed decision later on.