Housing your
Dog
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Just
as every dog is
different, every dog
owner and his or her
situation is different.
Housing your dog will
depend largely on your
lifestyle, your home and
what sort of dog you
have.
Lets start
by looking at which dog you
have, as this will be a
very important factor
in what will be best for
housing your dog. Toy
breeds, by the virtue of
their petite size, make
perfect house dogs.
Many
owners of small dogs such
as pomerainerains, shitzu
or maltese are quite happy
to keep their pets indoors
permanantly. These small
breeds respond well to the
home environment, providing
they are trained and
housebroken
correctly.
Often a
small mat, doggy bed or a
plastic dog enclosure is
suitable for these small
family members. For medium
sized breeds, such as
larger terriers, spaniels
or bulldogs, you will need
to look at having their
sleeping quarters in
somewhere more spacious. A
garage or laundry could be
ideal. Ensure there is
enough space for them to
stake their own little
claim, to satisfy
territorial
instincts.
Large
breeds such as german
shepards, boxers
or labradors will
almost certainly need to be
kept outside. The size and
space requirements dictate
that sleeping and living
indoors might be an onerous
task.
Secondly,
you will needs to consider
the size and space you can
offer for housing your dog.
If your garage is well
aired, cosy and there is
not to much clutter, it
might be a great place for
your dog to call its
own.
If you
live in an apartment
situation, or an attatched
duplex, you should consider
the implications on your
neighbourhood that having
your dog outside may bring.
Your pet might be best as a
house dog, in which case
you should only have a
smaller breed. Large dogs
and small spaces should
never mix. Your pet needs
space to move
freely.
Also
consider your breed and
what sort of lifestyle is
best suited to its natural
features and instincts. For
example, while a cute but
lazy bulldog might be happy
with a small kennel in
a small yard space, a
lively and feisty setter
would surely be driven to
insanity if it did not have
enough space to roam, run
and explore. Working breeds
must have spacious runs,
roomy kennels and should
never be kept in tight
quarters.
If your
dog is lucky enough to have
a yard to run around in,
please ensure fencing is
permanant, durable and
secure. Not only will this
keep your dog in, it will
keep other dogs and small
children out. Never choose
cheap or frail looking
fences for your yard. It is
amazing what i've seen some
dogs do to weak
fences!
Next also
think about the warmth
requirements when housing
your dog. Placing a kennel
in a sunny area is a good
idea if your in a temperate
climate, as your dog will
appreciate the warm sun in
winter as long as there is
shelter from summer
sun.
Kennel
insulaton may be required
if the area is frosty or
gets snowfall. Obviously,
in this situation a saint
bernard will be happier
than a greyhound, so
exercise common sense when
insulating.
In very
hot climates, always ensure
adequete shelter is
available, and the kennel
is not constructed so it
will become a furnice under
direct sunlight. Black
paintjobs are not ideal for
this reason.
Kennels
can be built out of many
different materials, with
wood being a popular
choice. Treated timbers
might be dangerous to a
chewer, so discourage
chewing from an early age.
Plastic kennels are a great
easy clean option, however
not as sturdy in harsh
winds or sun. Avoid
fibreglass dog kennels if
you see them, splinters and
chemicals used in the resin
can harm your dog.
Having a
look around your local
department store of petshop
will present many great
ideas for dog houses and
kennels, or if your feel
really keen to add your own
touch, building one can be
very satisfying!
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