Whats your dogs sleep number?

[Finfinder]

I'm getting a new lab pup this spring, cant wait. My dad built a nice insulated house,kind of Christmas present, now we wont have to draw straws to see who retreives ducks. I was wondering what everyone uses on the floor of the dog house. Its going to be outside next winter. Thanks for the replies.

[duckbuster]

Go and buy a bale of hay. That's all we ever used and seems to work.

[Mr. Nailz]

Buy Straw instead of hay. I'm guessing that's what he meant. That way the dog will be able to build his own little nest in it and stay warm and cozy.

[Redlantern]

Buy the straw and don't forget to change it frequently. It doesn't take long to get wet, then it's of very little use, except to grow mold. Also, on colder than normal nights, don't be afraid to up their feed. A tablespoon of corn oil works wonders. Nothing but fat. Helps keep them warm.

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Erik

[Finfinder]

Yeah, when 15-20 below comes she will get the comforts of the heated garage. I'll give the straw a try. Thanx

[FISHER ED]

My Lab has one of those electric heat mats you can get at a pet store on his house floor then straw over that. Sometimes he's so comfy in there I almost have to drag him out to play. It must be nice as his belly is always nice and warm when he comes out of his house. I was always told to try and bring them in when the temps get much below -10 as their body can insulate them from the cold but they are still breathing in the sub-zero air into their lungs. Have fun with your dog.

[Esoxmn]

you can also find heated mats at DrsFosterSmith.com

[Esoxmn]

Try adding cedar chips. It helps with the smell.

[Ruttin' Buck]

I've heard the mats work good, but I also heard young pups like to chew on them. I use straw and/or old rugs and blankets. My lab doesn't like any form of a door on the house, transparent or otherwise so for those cold days I use a heat lamp.

I just buy the red heat bulbs and screw them into a porcelain light fixture wired up with a cheap extension cord I cut off. They bulb doesn't get real hot but rather emits heat. I put some tin around the side and top of the inside of the house to make sure it doesn't go up in flames anyway.

Finfinder...if you're looking to buy a lab earlier than this spring, check out my post for labs for sale.

[J Rookie K]

The best possible mat would be the carpet in your bedroom. My hunting buddies dont have to sleep in the cold, so why should my dog. Keeping the dog in the house has other benefits also. All my dogs will be in the house, they should be part of the family. At least in my house they are! Just a thought.

[Ruttin' Buck]

I agree JRK. My dog is and always will be a house dog...makes for a better hunting partner in my mind. However, unfortunately I need to go to this place called work every day to help finance my hunting/fishing habits. So my girl has to go outside so she doesn't have to hold it for 10-12 hours.

I guess even more a reason to have a heated house. If you dog is used to being in a warm house, and you need to put them out, it should be a cozy house.

[Bryce]

There's a place out east that sells shredded cedar. www.redcedarbedding.com Holds up a lot better than chips and fido can make more of a nest in it. We use this in an insulated, manufactured house inside the garage and dogs do well in all temps.

[Redlantern]

The oil in cedar chips has been known to cause some allergies in dogs and people. Keep an eye out for any problems with your dog when you first start using it.

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Erik

[saddie]

Sorry I also feel the bedroom floor is the best place we have a golden and choc lab in the house along with 2 kids. We just bought them a vest to keep them warm in the cold weather. Dogs deseve lots of love. Sorry just my thought.

[First Ice-Mike]

Most dogs - especially Labs are very well equiped to withstand cold weather. Give them some straw and a place to get out of the wind and they will be in good shape. I don't think I've ever seen a lab look cold unless it was wet. The key is a little more food and lots of water. The more water your dog drinks the better it can process the food. My Lab snores too loud to sleep in my bedroom

FI