Five Outdoor Dog House Space Management Considerations
If you are in the market for an outdoor dog house, you might think that this choice would be quite easy. Well, it’s easy to think that because it’s very tempting to believe that once you’ve seen one outdoor dog house you have pretty much seen them all. Unfortunately, if that’s your attitude chances are quite good that you would end up with the wrong choice. You have to remember that your pet is a member of your family and yo need to make the right choice. Sadly, your pet can’t just speak up and tell you that you screwed up.
Unless you’re Dr. DoLittle you can’t just interview your dog. This is why it’s a good idea to be as systematic and methodical as possible in selecting an outdoor dog house. It’s the only way to ensure you would make a truly informed decision, and to finally get off the fence and make the right call.
Space Is Crucial For Your Pets Comfort
The first consideration you need to keep in mind is space. It’s easy to think that if your pet comes from a small breed that your pet’s dog house should necessarily be small. You also have to factor in your pet’s specific temperament.
Now, it’s important to pay attention to the word “specific”. You see, different dog breeds have general temperaments. By definition, a Pomeranian has a different temperament from a Boston Terrier, which has a different temperament from a Chow Chow. With that said, members of those specific breeds have their own specific personalities. I’m sure you know this firsthand.
For example, I own a Chihuahua and it behaves differently from the stereotypical Chihuahua. Your pet might be that same way. So, it’s really important to look at space considerations from the perspective of your pet’s specific set of circumstances, not from some sort of stereotype. Pet temperament are, by definition, stereotypes. You have to actually pay attention to how your pet behaves specifically.
Balance Inner And Outer Space
When looking at outdoor dog house models, it’s easy to get all caught up in the inner space of the housing unit. I really can’t say, I blame you. I mean, when you look at different houses both for dogs and human beings, your primary consideration is the living space.
You bring this mindset to the selection process of your pet’s housing. The problem here is that your pet’s space is actually part of a larger space. It’s part of your backyard. If there isn’t a proper balance, all sorts of problems can develop later on. A little bit of foresight can go a long way here.
There has to be the right balance between the inner space of the dog house and the outer space. Keep in mind that your pet can not stay completely inside the dog house. From time to time in fact, depending on your dogs’ breed. For most of the time it may be spending time outside. You need to ensure a proper balance.
This impacts the amount of exercise your pet will have, its overall mental well-being, and other considerations. You have to look at your choice as much as possible from your pet’s point of view. After all, it’s going to be your pet that will be spending most of his or her time in the outdoor dog house, not you.
Your Dog’s Housing Material Impacts Space Management
Space management often includes clean-up. It also includes portability, like moving the housing unit from spot to spot, and other considerations. This is why you need to also pay close attention to the housing material of the dog house. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that steel, hard rubber and other heavier composite materials are harder to manage, as far as space management goes.
On the other hand, just because you’re considering plastic, that, in of itself, doesn’t make space management a slam dunk either. You have to look at the specific material you are considering because certain composite materials may make a lot more sense as far as your dog’s temperament and specific personality go.
Focus On Your Pet’s Temperament
I know I’ve touched on this issue above but this factor requires its own section. You see, your pet’s temperament is not monolithic. It’s not like your pet is always angry or restless. Your pet, just like any other, goes through certain mood ranges. You have your moods. You should also allow your pet a mood range as well.
Based on everything you know about your pet’s temperament, it’s a good idea to let that information color and inform your choice of outdoor dog house. You see, you’re going to be spending your hard earned dollars on this housing unit. You want to squeeze as much value out of your choice. You don’t want to put yourself in a situation where you’re buying one outdoor dog house after another in a short period of time.
Unless you’re Donald Trump, or made out of money, you simply don’t have that option. This is why paying close attention to your pet’s size paired with its temperament and actual personality, could go a long way in ensuring that you make the right choice.
Focus On Maximizing Clean Hygiene
I hope you don’t need me to remind you how important pet hygiene is. If you want your pet to remain alive for a much longer period of time, hygiene is crucial. At the very least, you don’t want your outdoor dog house to attract fleas, ticks, and mites. These bring all sorts of diseases. Also, you don’t want a housing unit that tends to attract dirt and allergens.
To maximize clean hygiene you need an outdoor dog house that is very easy to tear apart. This really is the answer. Why? If you are able to pull apart the unit, you will be able to access otherwise hard to reach areas. This increases the likelihood that you would clean the unit more frequently.
You have to remember that you’re your pet’s primary care provider and if you are more motivated in cleaning up after your pet, this increases the likelihood that your pet’s living quarters will remain hygienic for longer periods of time.