Let Your Dog Lounge in Safety and Comfort in the Best Dog House
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ASL Solutions Dog House -
Petmate Husky Dog House -
Suncast DH250 Dog House -
Eagle One Luxury Small Dog House -
Pet Zone Comfy Cabin Dog House Small -
Wood Chuck's All Natural Cedar Dog Duplex House for Small Dogs -
Climate Master Plus Large Dog House -
Pet Squeak Bird Dog House -
Comfy Dog Cottage -
Petmate Aspen Pet Petbarn Dog House -
DenHaus TownHaus Hideaway Dog House with Nightstand End Table -
Pei Pod Dog House -
Pet Haven Indoor Folding Pet House -
Room With A View Dog House -
Best Friends by Sheri 2-in-1 House and Sofa Bed -
Buyer's Guide
The Great Outdoors is filled with scents, sights and sounds that dogs find irresistible. Why not let your dog get his fill of all this fun while lounging in the safety and comfort of a dog house? We've looked for plastic dog houses that are warm in winter and cool in summer and that offer options like doors, heaters, fans or other ventilation. Plastic dog houses are all easy to clean — at least on the outside — so we've looked for dog houses that are easy to clean on the inside as well. We've also looked for best dog houses in 2022 that are easy to assemble so you can spend more time playing with your dog than building his house.
Best Dog Houses Worth Considering in 2022
ASL Solutions Dog House - Best Dog House Overall
ASL Solutions offers their Dog Palace that will keep your dog snug as a bug on even the coldest days. With up to 4 inches of foam insulation, this sturdy dog house also keeps the heat out on hot days. The peek-a-boo door allows your dog to keep an eye on the comings and goings of neighborhood squirrels while staying cozy. The door might be a bit of a challenge for dogs to learn it's well worth the challenge — and a few treats to tempt her inside. Other options include a heating pad for those wintry days and a solar-powered fan to pull the hot air on those dog days of summer.
Petmate Husky Dog House - Runner Up
The Petmate Indigo Dog House offers an easy to clean all-weather dog house for dogs of all sizes. Made with an insulating foam, it keeps your canine pal warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather. The igloo shape has a vent at the top to keep air moving on those hot days and the offset entryway helps to keep the rain and wind away. The Indigo is made with an antimicrobial to reduce bacterial growth and reduce staining from mildew and mold. Options include specially-shaped dog beds and a dog door to ensure that your dog stays snug and dry.
Suncast DH250 Dog House - Honorable Mention
The Suncast dog house offers a lightweight dog house that's easy to put together and to take apart when you want to clean it or move it. The crowned floor and channel around the inside edge help to keep water or other liquids away from your princess while she enjoys her nap. This cute dog house comes with a door to keep the wind and rain out, but reviewers note that the dog house offers little insulation so unless you can provide some good insulation this might not be the best choice for colder climates.
Eagle One Luxury Small Dog House - Consider
Here's the dog house for the dog who loves the outdoors. Your dog will appreciate not only being cozy in winter and cool in summer, but he'll also bask on his private sundeck where he can be king of all he surveys. It's made with recycled plastic and has a raised floor to keep out the wet and the cold. Owners appreciate the hinged roof that makes cleaning easy. It's available in several colors and can be personalized with your dog's name. This dog house is not for the faint of heart; it's heavy and expensive but made to last.
Pet Zone Comfy Cabin Dog House Small - Best Plastic Dog House
The Pet Zone Tuff-n-Rugged Dog House uses double-walled construction to insulate this dog house from summer heat and winter cold. It's raised off the ground to keep your doggy pal away from the cold and wet ground and the optional dog door will keep out the wind. Dogs up to 125 pounds will enjoy some quality snooze time, especially if you add a comfy pad. Easy assembly without tools and easy cleaning make this a great choice for busy dog owners, allowing you more time for feeding your best friend tasty treats.
Wood Chuck's All Natural Cedar Dog Duplex House for Small Dogs - Best Wood Dog House
Your pack of smaller dogs will be the envy of their peers in Wood Chuck's All Natural Cedar Dog Duplex Dog House for Small Dogs. Constructed of Western red cedar, it is naturally insulated from cold and heat and is also naturally insect and decay resistant. Raised interior floors keep the pack away from the cold ground. Optional insulation for colder climates is concealed in the sides and the roof and away from inquisitive noses. Other options like heaters, air conditioners and a raised foundation increase your dogs' comfort on cold or hot days. These dog houses may be pricey, but they are made to last.
Climate Master Plus Large Dog House - Best Wood Dog House
For dogs up to 100 pounds the Climate Master Plus Large Dog House offers an insulated dog house that gives your big boy plenty of room to stretch out for a snooze in cool comfort on a hot day or cozied up on a cold one. It's easy to put together and the removable roof makes cleaning easy. Another plus is the PlexiDor all-weather acrylic dog door that adds another layer of thermal protection. Even better, the door's clear panels and sturdy construction allow your dog to monitor the gate so he's ready to greet you at a run.
Pet Squeak Bird Dog House - Best Wood Dog House
Your dog will be dreaming of flying with the Blue Jays when he's snoozing in his Pet Squeak Bird Dog House. Made with fir, the raised floor keeps your dog high and dry while the wood is naturally insect-resistant. These dog houses are easy to assemble and will add some style to your yard. While the natural wood is nice to look at, you can paint it to fit your dog's personal style. This dog house is not insulated so it's better suited for milder climates.
Comfy Dog Cottage - Best Wood Dog House
Your dog will enjoy watching you do yard work from his Comfy Dog Cottage made by Backyard Products. All cedar construction keeps bugs and decay at a distance and the plastic feet ensure that the floor is off wet or cold ground. The front door panel keeps dog bedding inside where it belongs and the hinged roof allows for easy cleaning. Although cedar provides natural insulating qualities, this handsome dog house may be best suited for climates without temperature extremes.
Petmate Aspen Pet Petbarn Dog House - Best Wood Dog House
For dogs who like to be on top of the neighborhood gossip the Precision Extreme Outback Log Cabin is the dog house for them. Now offered in different colors, the slightly sloped roof allows your dog to enjoy the view from the top while also catching a few rays. The sloped roof has the added advantage of letting rain run off. The offset doorway provides a quiet and private place for your best girl to settle in for a nap out of the way of wind or rain. The raised floor and water-resistant plastic feet keep your dog off the wet and cold ground and an optional insulation kit will make this log cabin even cozier. And easy assembly means you'll have more time to play tug or go for a stroll around the neighborhood.
DenHaus TownHaus Hideaway Dog House with Nightstand End Table - Best Indoor Dog House
Your large dog will enjoy the coziness of the TownHaus wood dog house from DenHaus and you will enjoy its beautiful, sleek design and brass hardware. This dog house will easily fit into your living room or bedroom as an end table and not scream "dog house!" It's easy to assemble without tools and easy to clean with mild soap and water. The removable gate will enhance your dog's sense of security, or maybe just keep him from wandering over to the chip bowl while you're paying for the pizza delivery.
Pei Pod Dog House - Best Indoor Dog House
Small dogs with a modern outlook will be right at home in the Pei Pod dog house. Both the egg-shaped pod and the bedding are made with recyclable materials. The pod is durable and will withstand some chewing. It cleans up with soap and water and you can just toss the bedding into the washing machine. This egg-shaped dog house will brighten up any room, and the bright look in your dog's eyes will be the best reward of all.
Pet Haven Indoor Folding Pet House - Best Indoor Dog House
For little dogs (and people) on the go, the Pet Haven Indoor Folding Pet House is a must-have. This dog house is packed with great features: easy to assemble, it also folds up into its own carrying case for a quick getaway to the beach or lake. It comes complete with a memory foam bed and comfy terry cover. If you're planning on staying in one place for a while, you can also store toys or other odd-and-ends in the attic! The faux leather surface is easy to clean and you can toss the terry cover into the wash.
Room With A View Dog House - Best Indoor Dog House
What dog wouldn't like this nifty duplex? The "Room with a View" dog house is made with Chinese cedar which is naturally resistant to rot and repels insects and can be used indoors or outside. This dog house assembles in about 20 minutes, leaving you plenty of time to head out to the dog park. Your best girl will come home to a comfy retreat "downstairs," and if you set the dog house by a window and she can head up to the deck for some sun or to keep watch on interloping squirrels.
Best Friends by Sheri 2-in-1 House and Sofa Bed - Best Indoor Dog House
Dogs who are looking for a warm and quiet spot after a busy day will be snugged in tight with this charming and affordable 2-in-1 House and Sofa Bed. This fun dog house converts from a cozy den to a sofa simply by pressing on the roof, letting your dog enjoy some fresh air while lounging the afternoon away. It's completely machine washable, including the removable cushion. And what dog wouldn't feel special in a zebra or leopard print dog house?
Buyer's Guide
Does your dog spend most of his time outdoors? A dog house may just be the right answer for your dog as it provides a safe and quiet place for naps, an escape from the external elements and a personal space for your dog to call home.
For people who already own one, buying a dog house or upgrading to a better option can be a piece of cake. But for the newbies who have no clue about what to look for in a dog house, this could be a tedious task. Fortunately, this guide provides you all the relevant information you’ll need to do your homework before you go buying your pet a place it can call ‘home’.
Things To Consider When Buying A Dog House
Size
There are few things one should consider before deciding to buy a dog house. The most significant one would be finding the perfect size. This of course depends on the size and breed of your dog; you want your dog to be able to fit in easily, move around, stand up straight and have enough room to lie down and stretch, hence size is an important factor in deciding the perfect dog house for your pup.
Material
Once you’ve decided on the size, you may want to check all your options regarding what material will fit your needs and lifestyle best. If you're someone who is always on the move with their dog, a portable tent would be a considerably good option to keep in mind as it allows you to pack and move on the go easily with your pet. The other options are wooden and plastic dog houses.
This decision relies on your budget, weather conditions and how long your pet will stay with you. Wooden ones are usually more realistic and give the feel of a real house, providing better protection against external elements like rain and storms and offer great insulation, however, they are a tad bit expensive as compared to plastic which is cheaper, has a lot of designs available and is pretty lightweight to easily carry around and change its location.
Heating And Cooling System
Another important factor to check for is the heating and cooling system. This can be a major concern if you live in extreme climates which are either too cold or too hot. Hot weather conditions affect the inside of the house, making it sticky and wet and becoming a breeding ground for bacteria and fungus that tends to grow in such places. Providing insulated walls with air space between inner and other layers will limit the buildup of bacteria and moisture in the dog house. It is crucial that you keep a check on the insulation in case your pup is a chewer and chips it off the wall. Contact the ER immediately if such a situation arises.
In case of low temperature, you need to be sure you can provide supplementary heating for your dog house. It should be noted that the bigger the dog house is, the colder it’ll get as dogs can only provide a certain amount of heat to keep themselves warm, anything below that would be a risk to the dog’s health. It's a good thing that the pet market is brimming with additional solutions to provide heating and cooling resources for your pet’s well-being. Heated dog beds and kennel mats are some resources available in the market to keep your dog’s temperature in place during cold weather conditions. You can also check out some innovative options and get creative!
Will Your Pet Approve?
One key element that most pet owners completely ignore is how your pet may feel in a dog house. Whether it would be happy to be shifted from home to a tiny space outdoors? For most pets, home is a safe and comfortable zone for them and allows them to be part of the family. Having to stay outside for longer hours may also lead to anxiety for being separated from its family and build up confusion. It may also create a feeling of unease and discomfort as it might think of this as some sort of punishment to have been stripped off its title as a family member and pushed out to be living alone.
For most pets who are accustomed to living inside the house, this could be disruptive and you will have a hard time training them to stay in the dog house. Their faces will mostly be gloomy and teary-eyed. However, to make the dogs feel more at home in their new space, you can load it up with their favourite toys, water bowls, kennel mats, their food and maybe a clothing item of yours so it can smell you around and feel connected. This helps create a motherly environment for the pups to feel safe. In case of small puppies, make sure the opening is slightly higher so they are less likely to jump out.
To sum it up, the best dog house is one that provides comfort and safety to your pet when you are not around. It should not strip the pup of their bond with its owner and should in no way be the only option for it. Dogs are very social, therefore they should be kept away and outside only when the family is not available to take care of them. They can enjoy certain hours outside but they should not be made too accustomed to living outdoors on their own or they’ll build a layer of loneliness around them and would have trouble socializing again.
FAQs
Which dog breeds make better dog house residents?
Regardless of their breed, age or gender, dogs should not be left to spend long hours outdoors and should be able to enjoy their time inside with family. Most dogs such as the labradors, golden retrievers etc are more active, playful and strong, hence they can survive outside easily, however older dogs and puppies require more attention and care as they are prone to get sick if left unattended for longer hours outside.
Can we purchase a dog house online?
The basic rule of online shopping is to check your merchant’s reviews and positivity rate. You might even come across some great bargains online. Remember to make sure they have an exchange and refund policy in case you might want to change it later due to size issues or your dog decides not to live in it. Assess your options thoroughly before making a purchase.
Should I get a warranty with my dog house?
Yes. It's advised to have a warranty if you’re directly purchasing it from a vendor or an online merchant in case there is any defect or repair needed, the warranty can cover it for you.
