Did you know that an outdoor dog house is a great way to supply your four-legged friend with an amazing place that is all of their own? While the idea of an outdoor dog house may seem to be a bit odd or old-fashioned, we want you to understand the truth about these structures. A quality, built outdoor dog house can solve many of the problems that you are having with housing your dog. In fact, we think it can enhance the bond that you and your dog have!
What Is The Best Material To Build An Outdoor Dog House Out Of?
The best materials for your outdoor dog house to be made out of are materials that will last. This may sound like an obvious idea, but it really does make the difference between an OK outdoor dog house and one that will stand the test of time. Some of the items that make up a high-quality outdoor dog house are
Outdoor Dog House | Roofing
Did you know that a metal roof will last at least 40 years? In comparison, the average shingle roof will last you about 25 years. By having a metal roof on your outdoor dog house, you will be able to keep your dog dry from whatever nature throws our way.
Outdoor Dog House | Siding
Duratemp Siding is a top-of-the-line material and is great for siding many structures. Some of the greatest features of this material are that it is made from wood, has a tough board surface, and is fully water resistant. Being a fully water-resistant product makes this a great material to easily wash down should your dog decide to mark its territory.
Outdoor Dog House | Flooring Base
The base flooring is one of the most important features of an outdoor dog house. Did you know that by having a pressure-treated floor joist, you will be able to improve the life of your outdoor dog house? Pressure-treated lumber has been shown to withstand even the harshest of weather elements. These floor joists can withstand the severely humid and wet climate that the Pacific Northwest is often associated with. With a feature like this, your outdoor dog house has the advantage over other imitations that won’t be able to last as long.
Outdoor Dog House | Interior and Run Flooring
Let’s face it, no matter how well you keep up with your dog’s nails, they still seem to scratch things up. To make sure that your outdoor dog house is not as susceptible to scratching, we use composite flooring. This kind of flooring is easy to clean up and is sun fade, scratch, and mold resistant.
Outdoor Dog House | Moisture Barrier
One of the biggest things that keeps your dog from being warm in their outdoor dog house is a moisture barrier. A moisture barrier’s job is to keep the coolness and moisture away from the rest of the structure. This allows your outdoor dog house to be kept warmer on the inside, allowing your dog to have a luxurious experience by staying warm no matter the conditions.
How Can I Warm My Outdoor Dog House Without Electricity?
One of the biggest things people want to be able to do with their outdoor dog house (or dog kennel, as some call it) is to keep it warm. While there are ways to do it with electricity, that can pose a continual expense that you may not want to incur. To help you with keeping your fur baby warm, there are a few ways to keep your outdoor dog house insulated and warm without electricity.
Outdoor Dog House Insulation | Paint Color
Do you remember when you were growing up and you had to run across the blacktop so that you wouldn’t burn your feet? This principle is known as absorbing light energy. Science shows that the closer you are to the color black, the more heat energy you are able to absorb. By selecting a darker paint color, you will be able to help your outdoor dog house absorb more light energy. In turn, this will keep your outdoor dog house warmer.
Outdoor Dog house Insulation | Blankets
Every dog loves to be snuggled up on a nice soft blanket. If you have some old blankets lying around the house, you can use them in your outdoor dog house. By using blankets, you will offer your dog a great way to snuggle up on a soft surface and keep themselves warm.*
*Using blankets is a great way to keep your dog warm. However, if your dog has a habit of eating soft toys or plushy items, it may be better for you to use another solution.
Outdoor Doghouse Insulation | Straw
When your dog is in their outdoor doghouse and they are a bit of a digger, we suggest using organic bedding straw. Using a product like this can keep down the odor your dog tracks into their outdoor dog house. In addition to that, you can provide them with high-quality insulation. Think about farmers who have been using straws for years to keep their livestock warm. We think this is a classic example of “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”
Outdoor Doghouse Insulation | Foam Board Insulation
When looking at insulation for your outdoor dog house, foam board insulation is a great option. This material will fit in between the internal studs of the shelter area of your outdoor dog kennel. Foam board insulation comes in a variety of thicknesses so that you can determine how much airflow is able to come in. Think of it this way, the thicker the foam board, the less air that is able to get in.
*While this is a great high-quality insulator, the foam board insulation will need to be covered. If the insulation is not covered, it will allow your dog to scratch up the insulation. This causes damage and can pose potential health risks if eaten by your dog. A great way to help prevent this from happening is to put some kind of interior wall up.
Can My Dog Live In An Outdoor Dog House?
Yes! Your dog can live in an outdoor dog house. (And no, that doesn’t make you a lousy dog parent). Think of an outdoor dog house as a space that is your dog’s personal palace. Here, your dog is free to sleep wherever they like and take up as much room as they want. A well-designed and thought-out dog house give your dog a wonderful shelter space as well as a run so they can enjoy both the indoors and outdoors at their leisure.
So Are You Ready To Get The Dog Palace Of their Dreams?
At My Barnyard, we strive to bring the best materials to the best ideas into one amazing outdoor doghouse. If you love your dog as much as we love ours, you know how important it is to give them a space all their own. Take a look at our outdoor doghouses and see which one fits the needs you have! Or, if you are ready to move the process along, fill out a quote form, give us a call, or send us an email. We can’t wait to hear from you and see the smile on your and your dog’s face when you receive your new outdoor dog house.