Last updated on February 1st, 2016 at 10:47 pm
To many people, dog houses are typically developed for dogs who are not suited for indoor living, but it can be equally useful inside a home.
Whether you have just adopted a large dog or you have a lot of land in a rural area, it may not always be a good idea to keep your dog as an indoor pet. Dogs often love having fun outdoors, running around and staying active. Obviously, there are plenty of circumstances that can go in the other direction. An old, blind or deaf dog needs extra protection. A sick dog or puppy cannot be left outdoors. So what do you do in this situation? Also, many small breed dogs are indoor dogs. You can buy and use an indoor dog house.
Try to put yourself into the dog shoes in order to determine the necessity of an indoor house. Would you like to sleep wherever you can? Would you like to sleep on the floor one night and under a table the next? How about sleeping on a rough surface? While keeping your dog inside is a good idea (especially during hot summers or cold winters), do provide it with a home. If you think that a bed might be the optimal solution, you will soon realize that not all dogs enjoy sleeping in beds. Instead, they take them for toys and damage them. A solid dog house suitable for indoors is a better idea and you can almost always find some room for it.
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Benefits of indoor dog houses
Dog homes come in all kinds of styles, shapes and sizes and cost. Luckily, you do not need to apply for a mortgage in order to get it done. Plastic is a very common option. It is not perfectly insulated though, so it is a good option for indoor uses. Wood is a better solution that can be used both inside and outside, too, if needed. It is clearly more expensive, but you can check local ads for a used model or perhaps get a carpenter to do it for you. If you like crafting, enjoy doing it yourself.
An indoor home provides a feeling of safety for your dog. When indoors, this is helpful because there are fewer risks to your dog. Instead, the feeling of safety is in the dog’s mind. That is their own special place where they feel protected, so offer a good one. Keep in mind that dogs are natural den dwellers, so they can enjoy sleeping in confined spaces.
An indoor house is a great option to keep the food and water too, especially if it is large enough. How many times have you stepped into the water bowl or kicked the food bowl? They both happen, especially overnight or when you rush to do something. With an indoor dog kennel, you can keep both bowls in there.
Common considerations in purchasing an indoor home for your dog
- When it comes to indoor dog kennels, most people need to know the available budget, the ideal size and the actual type. There are also plenty of other secondary questions regarding materials, classifications, shingles, insulation, heat, air conditioning and so on.
- Materials usually include plastic, wood and metal. Plastic does not rot, but it is also lightweight. It is very easy to maintain, but it does not look elegant. Wood is more expensive, protective and provides a wide plethora of customizations. Metal homes are normally used as crates or for transportation.
- When it comes to sizing standards, make sure that the dog can turn around, lie down and stretch comfortably. A bigger indoor dog home is not necessarily a better one. Dogs feel secure in places that can perfectly match their sizes. If you have a puppy, find out how large it will grow. Come up with a cardboard house first and ensure that your dog has room inside.
- Bedding can be more diversified. When used outdoors, the home can use hay or straw. Blankets are acceptable, but obviously should be changed regularly. When used indoors, they are more appropriate than hay. Carpet or towels are also a good choice.
- Ventilation is critical. If the air goes too hot during the summertime, your pet will feel uncomfortable. Moisture buildup will occur during the wintertime too. Proper ventilation is, therefore, essential. Otherwise, the indoor dog home may end up with mildew on the internal walls. With this aspect in mind, it may be helpful to place it under shade and provide a fan on hot days.
- Assuming that you have found the perfect home, the next challenge implies convincing your dog of its benefits. So what can you do to make things work?
Keep the dog close
The dog house should not be kept in the basement, attic or a part of the house that you rarely access.
The dog must feel familiar smells and sense you nearby. The same goes for the sounds it hears everyday. At least during the first weeks or months, consider installing the indoor house somewhere close to the most common and circulated places. This way, the dog will always be in contact with you.
Give your friend time
If your dog is new in the house or it is used to sleep outdoors, do not expect it to accept this new home right away. Keeping it inside for its safety implies giving it a little time too. Put its bowls inside the home, only for your friend to get used to it. Some indoor dog kennels feature transparent walls or windows, so the dog can still keep an eye on you and see you nearby. Such things will calm it down and give it more confidence. With time, it will learn how to adopt this new house too, rather than sleep on the floor or close to your bed.
Put familiar toys inside the house
Not sure how to introduce the dog to its new house? Forcing it inside will scare it, so the dog will get to hate and fear the respective home. Instead, make it more appealing with some toys or familiar things. Just think about something that he likes. You may put its food bowl or favorite treats in the house, to attract the dog’s attention. Use your imagination and better get ready to face your dog pulling things in and out as well.
As a conclusion, an indoor house for your furry friend does not have to be a challenge. Instead, you should follow the preceding steps, allowing for your dog’s behavior and preferences. Finding the perfect model and getting your dog used to it shouldn’t take long.