Many dog owners prefer to have their dogs live outside the house.
If you own a larger breed, you have a large lot with a garden and a front yard, and most especially if you keep a dog around for security, the chances are your dog will spend most nights outdoors if not all.
As a responsible dog owner, you need to provide adequate shelter for your dog if you plan to have him or her stay outdoors, the best way to do so is with a well built dog house.
The Dog house should be big enough for your dog to stand up and turn around in.
It should be sturdy and waterproof.
Most people make the mistake of getting or making a doghouse that is simply "cute".
A doghouse should be much more than that.
A dog house should provide adequate protection from the elements, especially if you live in one of the more northern states where it can get really cold.
Some more conscientious owners go to the extent of installing shingles on the roof of the dog house.
The floor of the dog house should be lined with a bed of straw, and then covered with a thick blanket for your dog to sleep on.
This will help to keep the inside warm for when it needs to be.
Just be sure to replace the straw and the blanket once a month, or more often if you can manage it.
If you plan on keeping your dog outdoors, make sure he is within a fully fenced in area, if not, then keep him on a long chain and make sure it is properly secured.
You want to make sure your dog doesn't scare, chase or worse, bite any passers by.
If you are building or buying a house for a puppy, make sure you allow ample room for growth.
It would be a shame to have to toss out a perfectly good dog house when your puppy outgrows it in a matter of months.
Finally, if you plan on keeping your dog outdoors even in winter, you should check his or her food and water dish frequently to make sure the contents haven't frozen.
Whether you plan to build or buy a doghouse, it is not something that should be done lightly and with little thought.
Your dog's life outdoors should also be carefully planned to ensure your pet's safety, and good health.