wood vs. plastic dog house

[LaRe]

Okay, before anyone gets upset, my dog doesn't stay outside at all times... Sometimes when I leave for work my Golden Retriever just doesn't want to come back inside and he chooses to spend his day outside. (I have a fence up for him) Now, he's about 11 years old and his current house needs some repairs. With winter coming, I have decided to just buy a new house. However, I am confused as to whether to buy a wood house or a plastic house. I have seen both houses with insulation. I must have insulation if he is to be outside when I'm not there because I won't be able to let him in until I get home from work if he decides to stay out.

Anyway, which would be best? Also, what's the safest way to heat it? Last year I bought these little discs that you heat in the microwave and put in their house and they seemd to work ok, but were cold by the time I got home.

I just want something that will definately keep him warm until I get home becuase he's starting to get arthritis. If I can't keep him warm, he'll just have to stay inside all day and I know he'd much rather play outisde and chase the cats...

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[bubbatd]

If it's cold or rainy , at his age I'd see that he does come inside .

 

[oc_spirit]

An insulated wooden doghouse is what I use with my two outdoor dogs. It works great! Make sure you get it about the size that you would for a crate. Large enough for the dog to stand and turn around but small enough that there is no wasted heat escaping. It would also be a good idea to put a layer of cedar shavings or cedar wood chips and then a thick layer of straw in the doghouse for the dog to burrow into as that will create a very warm insulated nest. You will not find better bedding than straw. I deffinately would not recommend puting a dog bed in the doghouse.

 

[Zoom]

What OC said, and you can also get some straw bales set up on the windward side to help block the wind from both going in the door and from really reaching that side of the the house. As far as wood vs. plastic...I think plastic is a bit easier to clean, but that's about as far as I have an opinion between the two.

 

[Debi]

I think wood is a better insulator, and I'd make sure it was insulated in the walls, roof, floor. (ours has double walls with insulation between) keep it up off the ground a bit. face the door away from the wind. we put heavy strips of overlapping rubber over the door when it's cold...easy in/out, but keeps out air) I also use straw...never blankets because they will cause condensation and the dog will be freezing! all that said, my dogs are only out when they have to be. sometimes my husky mix, Addie, will not want to come in no matter what the temps. I've seen her sleep on the snow basking in the sun. but even for a few minutes, they MUST have adequate protection. I would say to anyone...put the effort into the doghouse as if you had to be in it. it's so awful to see a dog tied to a drafty shelter. (not you..just saying) you have to be careful about any heated material with straw as it is extremely flammable. I'd not put any heat into the house for safety.

 

[moxiegrl]

http://www.chazhound.com/forums/showthread.php?t=33091