Possible Doghouse

[stepper17]

I've currently been taking my dog daily to a kennel to stay while I am at work...drop off at 9:00am, and pick-up at 5:00pm, because I am a 1/2hr drive away from my house. She is a year old black lab. I currently have a 10' x 10' kennel outside for her, but worry about the weather conditions while I am away from her. I've been considering purchasing a 10' x 10' resin shed with windows, butting it up to her wall of the kennel, and putting on a doggy door, this way, if there is ever any bad weather, she can go in the shed, and I don't feel guilty of her not having enough room for her. She currenly stays in her own room in our house at night, but if I were to get this shed, I would probably keep her out there at night instead. The one shed I look at also had a flourescent overhead light in it, as well as electricity, so that I could plug in a fan for her if the weather was to become very warm. Just looking for anyone's feed back on this idea. Thanks in advance.:)

This is one shed I was considering:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2/OutdoorLiving/3/OutdoorStorage/Sheds/PRDOVR~0600283P/Keter%252BHorizon%252BResin%252BShed%25252C%252B7% 252Bx%252B10-ft.jsp?locale=en

[Citizen Bmac]

Why don't you want to leave the dog in the house when you're gone?

[Spidey]

Why don't you want to leave the dog in the house when you're gone?

Because some dogs arent made to be inside dogs. A lab is a definte outside dog, they love the outdoors.

Whats worse, a dog in a kennel in the house, not being able to really move or go to the bathroom, or be outside and have the ability to move around and go to the bathroom

Our dog we built a fairly big one, its about as wide as a pallet and works for her. Its the same inside a really big kennel but if its crappy out she can be out of the rain, wind and snow. If not then she can run around and do what she wants.

Been an outside dog for 2 years now, and even when its really cold out shes fine/ Its the wind thats the killer, not the cold

When we come home if its cold she comes out, does her stretch and is ready to go.

[stepper17]

Why don't you want to leave the dog in the house when you're gone?

I would never leave her at home, because she would first of all destroy our house, and secondly, I am gone for about 8 hours, without the dog being left out to go to the bathroom...

[Citizen Bmac]

Because some dogs arent made to be inside dogs. A lab is a definte outside dog, they love the outdoors.

Really? That's weird because I had a Lab for 14 years and he had no problems being inside either in a kennel as a puppy or out as an adult.


Whats worse, a dog in a kennel in the house, not being able to really move or go to the bathroom, or be outside and have the ability to move around and go to the bathroom

My personal opinion is that a dog should never be left outside unsupervised for extended periods of time in extreme weather. I'd rather have the dog inside where the climate is controlled as opposed to being in sweltering heat where a spilled bowl of water could potentially mean death or in freezing cold temperatures if the dog is not adapted to that kind of weather.

[Spidey]

Really? That's weird because I had a Lab for 14 years and he had no problems being inside either in a kennel as a puppy or out as an adult.



My personal opinion is that a dog should never be left outside unsupervised for extended periods of time in extreme weather. I'd rather have the dog inside where the climate is controlled as opposed to being in sweltering heat where a spilled bowl of water could potentially mean death or in freezing cold temperatures if the dog is not adapted to that kind of weather.

City dogs are pussys :lol:

[pebbles11]

I've currently been taking my dog daily to a kennel to stay while I am at work...drop off at 9:00am, and pick-up at 5:00pm, because I am a 1/2hr drive away from my house. She is a year old black lab. I currently have a 10' x 10' kennel outside for her, but worry about the weather conditions while I am away from her. I've been considering purchasing a 10' x 10' resin shed with windows, butting it up to her wall of the kennel, and putting on a doggy door, this way, if there is ever any bad weather, she can go in the shed, and I don't feel guilty of her not having enough room for her. She currenly stays in her own room in our house at night, but if I were to get this shed, I would probably keep her out there at night instead. The one shed I look at also had a flourescent overhead light in it, as well as electricity, so that I could plug in a fan for her if the weather was to become very warm. Just looking for anyone's feed back on this idea. Thanks in advance.:)

This is one shed I was considering:

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/2/OutdoorLiving/3/OutdoorStorage/Sheds/PRDOVR~0600283P/Keter%252BHorizon%252BResin%252BShed%25252C%252B7% 252Bx%252B10-ft.jsp?locale=en

taken from the bc spca website:

"Your dog will be most happy living and sleeping inside your home with the family. Set up an area with a comfy bed or blanket that your dog can call his own. The BC SPCA is strongly opposed to having your dog live outside but if this is your only option, an outdoor kennel should be weather- and draft- proof, situated in a dry spot, elevated, have insulated walls and flooring and plenty of dry bedding inside. Outdoor dogs should always have access to fresh water in a spill-proof bowl.

Dogs are extremely social animals and need lots of contact with humans and other dogs. If your dog sleeps outdoors, make sure that he is brought into the home daily to interact with his "pack.""

[pebbles11]

taken from the bc spca website:

"Your dog will be most happy living and sleeping inside your home with the family. Set up an area with a comfy bed or blanket that your dog can call his own. The BC SPCA is strongly opposed to having your dog live outside but if this is your only option, an outdoor kennel should be weather- and draft- proof, situated in a dry spot, elevated, have insulated walls and flooring and plenty of dry bedding inside. Outdoor dogs should always have access to fresh water in a spill-proof bowl.

Dogs are extremely social animals and need lots of contact with humans and other dogs. If your dog sleeps outdoors, make sure that he is brought into the home daily to interact with his "pack.""

to add to this, many cities have by-laws in place about outside shelters for those that lack common sense.

[Spidey]

taken from the bc spca website:

"Your dog will be most happy living and sleeping inside your home with the family. Set up an area with a comfy bed or blanket that your dog can call his own. The BC SPCA is strongly opposed to having your dog live outside but if this is your only option, an outdoor kennel should be weather- and draft- proof, situated in a dry spot, elevated, have insulated walls and flooring and plenty of dry bedding inside. Outdoor dogs should always have access to fresh water in a spill-proof bowl.

Dogs are extremely social animals and need lots of contact with humans and other dogs. If your dog sleeps outdoors, make sure that he is brought into the home daily to interact with his "pack.""

Sure their social animals. buts whats social about being inside the house when no one is home.

Either or her setup outside is exactly like they have listed above. And when we are home she is paid attention to all the time, its just her home when we are away or sleeping.

[pebbles11]

Sure their social animals. buts whats social about being inside the house when no one is home.

Either or her setup outside is exactly like they have listed above. And when we are home she is paid attention to all the time, its just her home when we are away or sleeping.

i am not implying anyone is doing anything wrong. just posting what i feel is some useful info.

[Spidey]

i am not implying anyone is doing anything wrong. just posting what i feel is some useful info.

Thanks. It useful info, and some people forget that some dogs enjoy the outside way more than inside.

[Citizen Bmac]

Thanks. It useful info, and some people forget that some dogs enjoy the outside way more than inside.
I'm pretty sure anyone who has ever seen a dog is well aware that they prefer to be outside when it's appropriate.

[stepper17]

taken from the bc spca website:

"Your dog will be most happy living and sleeping inside your home with the family. Set up an area with a comfy bed or blanket that your dog can call his own. The BC SPCA is strongly opposed to having your dog live outside but if this is your only option, an outdoor kennel should be weather- and draft- proof, situated in a dry spot, elevated, have insulated walls and flooring and plenty of dry bedding inside. Outdoor dogs should always have access to fresh water in a spill-proof bowl.

Dogs are extremely social animals and need lots of contact with humans and other dogs. If your dog sleeps outdoors, make sure that he is brought into the home daily to interact with his "pack.""

My dog would never ever be left unattended in extreme weather conditions....she would be taken to a kennel where she is watched. Also, I do not have full intentions of having to leave her sleep alone at night outdoors. When we come home from work, she will be taken back inside her bedroom. Her indoor room including her play space is approx. 500sq.ft. You have no idea how badly spoiled this dog is. She has never been left alone for any period...EVER!! If we are not there to look after her (either being at work, or away for a weekend), she is taken to a great kennel where she plays with other dogs. Even when I head to the big city for shopping, she is dropped off at Petsmart to play at their doggy daycare. And as for living in a big city, I live in the country...

[Beachdown]

If there's a TSC store near you, they have an 8x8 shed on sale for $699 starting tomorrow.

http://www.tscstores.com/stage/mainhome.php

[ricoboxing]

I have the same dog as you, and he stays outside in the backyard most of the day. I have a solid wooden dog house, with woodchips and a hound heater to keep him warm in the winter. If it's -20 or colder then I'll bring him inside at night, but he has a really thick coat so the cold dosen't bother him. He also has a plug in water dish so it dosen't freeze. I always walk him in the morning before work, then usually again in the evening. My next door neighbour also has a dog, so if I don't have time to walk him, then I'll let his dog into my yard, and the 2 dogs will wrestle and play fight till they're exhausted.

My house is pretty small and we have 2 small kids so he's definitely better off in the backyard.

Labs are very hardy dogs and they can deal with cold weather well. It's the hot weather that you have to worry about.

[Spidey]

I have the same dog as you, and he stays outside in the backyard most of the day. I have a solid wooden dog house, with woodchips and a hound heater to keep him warm in the winter. If it's -20 or colder then I'll bring him inside at night, but he has a really thick coat so the cold dosen't bother him. He also has a plug in water dish so it dosen't freeze. I always walk him in the morning before work, then usually again in the evening. My next door neighbour also has a dog, so if I don't have time to walk him, then I'll let his dog into my yard, and the 2 dogs will wrestle and play fight till they're exhausted.

My house is pretty small and we have 2 small kids so he's definitely better off in the backyard.

Labs are very hardy dogs and they can deal with cold weather well. It's the hot weather that you have to worry about.

How are the woodchips compared to straw. We do the straw thing for the winter. But if they work better dont have a problem changing.

[ricoboxing]

How are the woodchips compared to straw. We do the straw thing for the winter. But if they work better dont have a problem changing.

I've heard that straw is better because there chance that the woodchips will get in their eyes. Woodchips make a mess everywhere, so when the dog comes inside some chips also come with him (even after he shakes). But it does make him smell better.

The only reason I used woodchips is that I would have to go to a farm to buy the straw, whereas I just went and bought a huge block of woodchips from walmart for like $10.

[Spidey]

I've heard that straw is better because there chance that the woodchips will get in their eyes. Woodchips make a mess everywhere, so when the dog comes inside some chips also come with him (even after he shakes). But it does make him smell better.

The only reason I used woodchips is that I would have to go to a farm to buy the straw, whereas I just went and bought a huge block of woodchips from walmart for like $10.

Ahh got it. I used straw because I can get them for $1 a piece for a square bale froma buy 2 miles down the road.