Winter - Dog House

[MN_Pilot]

Well I finally got the ok from the wife to keep the dog (60lb lab) out in her kennel during the daytime when we're at work this winter. I need to build a new dog house because the one I have is a little small. Insulated, but small. I want to build one with a partition in it where she can get away from draft from the door. I have a 5x15 kennel. I will probably build the new house 5' wide, but not sure how deep, or tall. I wanted some thoughts on my project before I start. I'm a little hesitant to put in a bulb for some heat. The Hound Heater looks great, but the price is a little steep and I think it might be overkill in a smaller house (even though it's thermostat controlled). Do you think I need any add'l heat? Any ideas?

[Jack Peterson]

If you have an insulated dog house, with cedar wood chips (straw attracts lice), your dog will stay plenty warm. Although, our Golden Retriever has a lot more hair than labs. =P...I would think that a heat source wouldn't be necessary.

Jack.

[pureinsanity]

My lab sleeps outside year round. We have a shed with an insulated dog house inside of it. I can get you the dimensions if you would like. I know its about 5 inches thick and fully insulated. One time is was -10 outside and I snuck down in the middle of the night with a thermometer and stuck it through the door. Internally the dog house was still 55 degree's. Now on the really cold nights we do let the dog sleep inside. Keep in mind where you face the door. You want to figure out what the wind does in winter and where you are putting the dog kennel. Door out of the wind!

[LightningBG]

Couple things.

You dont want it too big or the dog will not be able to keep it warm inside.

If you put a bulb in, make sure to protect it so the dog cant hit it and break it.

Make sure you have a heated water bowl or some way to keep the dogs water from freezing.

[MinnesotaMongo]

Order the Hound Heater. I have one for my springer - it's awesome. Don't build it too big - and insulate it.