Buying Guide

WHAT TO DO AND NOT TO DO FOR YOUR DOGHOUSE:

• Buy the right size house for your dog. Too small and he’ll outgrow it… too big and he’ll never go inside.



• Choose a wood dog house above any other kind such as metal or plastic.  Wood provides the ultimate in long lasting environmentally-friendly qualities. 



• We suggest using an awning or porch cover just above the door for extra shade and protection from harsh weather.



• If you can, put the doghouse underneath shelter.



• Raise the doghouse up off the ground for better protection against moisture, earth’s temperature changes and for drainage.  If you’re not putting a deck under the house, use bricks or rocks to prevent decay from insects such as ants or hatching eggs underneath the soil. ‘



• Make sure the doghouse you choose has a front door that is off-center to eliminate direct exposure to bright sunshine, wind or snow.



• A wood roof also greatly reduces extreme heat from the sun to maintain adequate room temperature within the doghouse interior.



• Keep the dog house door on most of the time, especially during frigid seasons.



• You may want to lay a layer of bedding, like wood shavings or a dense, moisture-proof foam pad.  Cedar bed shavings may keep the dog from chewing if they are scattered over the mat.



• Don't use carpet, fabric, straw, towels or blankets for dog house bedding. Body heat, moisture, and darkness will attract fleas, ticks and fungus.



• Try to avoid asphalt shingles.



• Tie or remove doors during hot weather to increase interior ventilation.



• Only apply stain to the exterior, not the interior of a Cedar Dog House.  Don't apply stain or water sealer to the "interior" of a cedar house. (For ultimate exterior protection against damage from water and sun while still maintaining the wood's "natural" color, try Thompson's® Water Seal® Clear Wood Protector.)