Are Doghouses a Good Idea?

[SuziHeaton]

I never used one because I've always thought they were kind of cruel, but, my husband wants to build one for Sadie (our 10 month old rottie).

What exactly is the purpose of a doghouse? The only people I've ever known to have them kept their dogs tied up in the back yard all day long--is that what they're for, or is it just to give the dog a place to hang out and call his own for a little while each day?

Any opinions are welcome!

PS: Please note, no matter what, I would never keep Sadie outside and alone for extended periods of time--I just don't understand the concept of a doghouse (crazy, I know, but like I constantly remind everyone, I'm a rookie and just want a happy rottie who loves her home). Thanks!

[myst]

why does your husband want to build a doghouse? if it for the dog to hang out in as their own wouldn't a crate be better? and inside:)
my dogs don't stay outside by themselves. I watch from a window in the winter time:)
I am afraid of someone coming by and stealing my rottie. and I live in a county area not a city. but you never ever know

[Brooke&Ryan]

Actually we have a dog house for Julius outside in his fenced in area. He is never outside unless we are home & supervising him....but he does like to hang out outside for longer periods of time on the weekends when we're home more.

Ryan just wanted to build Julius a dog house. Julius didn't have a need for one, it was just something that Ryan wanted to do. Julius adores it. He goes inside it to just relax for a bit & we put some indoor/outdoor carpeting inside of it as well. So he'll relax in his dog house, get some fresh air, romp around the yard....all while safely confined in his locked, 6' high fenced in area.

I see no problem with a dog house. Now, if there is a dog attached to the dog house with a three foot chain.....then there is a problem. But if used in the proper way, a dog house is not a negative thing.

[C Ross]

Depending on what else is going on that day, my dogs could be outdoors for hours. The dog houses give them their own space to hang out in and a place to get out of bad weather if plans go awry.

[Sargeant_C]

I have doghouses due to the fact when I am working out in the yard and they are in the kennel they can go lie down in it or what have ya.

Also I will run some short errands to the store which is 2 blocks away and they can go in the houses if they spot rain.

I like to have them just in case, ya never know. It does not mean you have to keep them out there. Just a crate outside.

[rottix2]

We have dog houses in both of our kennels. Granted the dogs aren't in the kennels that often, but if we are working around the yard and can't keep a close enough eye on them, we put them in the kennel.

Our dog houses, which are lined with cedar chips and fresh hay, offer shelter from the weather and a comfy place for the dogs to lay down. The dogs are not physically attached to the dog houses in any way and can use them or not as they desire.

[mferg]

Something else to keep in mind is that a large dog house that is visible from the street can be a deterrant to a potential trespasser. Large dog house typically = large dog on premisis.

[BabyBrownz]

Halen loved his dog house and it was his hang out for hide and seek with the cat when he was outside. It also provided him shelter from the weather if we weren't home and he was outside. Cleo uses it now but she's more of couch potato dog and only wants outside if she's got human company. I don't think that having a dog house means you neglect or abuse your dog at all.

[derektjeep]

That gives me an interesting idea. Yestersday, I sold my 7.5' Western plow blade. Now I've a room in the backyard for a dog house. Maybe I should put one because someone stole battery and right front tire from my car the other day. That is certainly an idea I would entertain so that no one steal tire or battery from vehicle.

I'm a large advocate of indoor dogs, but dog house would certainly help keep trepassers away.

[SABELLESMOM]

Indoor dogs here too! Unless they're with us, generally speaking. We do however have an outdoor exercise kennel, and there are dog houses inside. And someone is always watching if we're not outside as well.

The dog houses are the resin type, and are apparently cool enough to lie in summer. And in winter protect from cold blowing snow/ice, etc. Usually, weather doesn't sneak up on you too badly. But some days it just rains all day. And they do have to poop sometime! Houses means they can stay dry before and after until all three are done.

[denverday]

Originally Posted by derektjeep

I'm a large advocate of indoor dogs, but dog house would certainly help keep trepassers away.

Are you saying the dog house would be the deterent, or the dog and the dog house? I thought your Rottweiler on patrol sign kept people out of your yard.

I think a dog house might be a good idea for a dog while you are working outside, for the dog to get shade if needed, however not as a substitute for ourdoor supervision especially if you don't have a fenced yard.

[NDDogLvr]

In one of the last few issues of This Old House they were building doghouses that looked like the owners houses! That kind of doghouse is cool. My dogs are only outside when I'm outside, but I have thought about building one to give the dogs a place to hang out when I am putzing in the yard. We're outside all summer because it's such a SHORT season here!

[moondog]

Originally Posted by SuziHeaton

I never used one because I've always thought they were kind of cruel, but, my husband wants to build one for Sadie (our 10 month old rottie).

I can't imagine how providing a shelter from sun, wind, rain, sleet, and snow could be considered cruel.

My dogs have all lived indoors, and while I did have a very cute doghouse at one time, not a single dog ever used it...but this is sunny California!

[derektjeep]

Originally Posted by denverday

Are you saying the dog house would be the deterent, or the dog and the dog house? I thought your Rottweiler on patrol sign kept people out of your yard.

I think a dog house might be a good idea for a dog while you are working outside, for the dog to get shade if needed, however not as a substitute for ourdoor supervision especially if you don't have a fenced yard.

The dogs will be indoor pets. The dog house would simply be a decoy.

[Tank's Grandma]

Our dogs have doghouses, and love to lie in them to chew their bones. Maybe they think the other one can't see them? I don't know....
They also provide a source of great fun for Tank, but that's another thread....