whats the best way to heat a dog house for dogs that are outside year round?

Question

my dogs are winter breeds. when it gets really cold out i have a greenhouse that has an attatched furnace that they sleep in. there regular house is insulated and has a door on it. last night i went out to there house when it was about -15 celsius outside and you couldnt even see your breath in their house. is this warm enough? i have tried bringing them in the house but they just sit by the door and whine to get back outside. i spend every spare minute i have with them (usually between 2 and 4 hours a day) and we go to the offleash park at least every other day so the can socialize so they are not neglected. i just want to make sure that they are warm enough.
thanks

Answer 1

Put straw in their houses,they can make themselves a cozy bed to snuggle down in.

Answer 2

Not all situations are equal. No, I don't agree with getting a dog and tying outside and leaving it there, like a fuzzy lawn ornament, with no exercise or attention. Dogs are pack animals, plus they need exercise and mental stimulation. That being said, my youngest GSD lives outside in a kennel. The reason is he is a working dog, and among other reasons, it is important for him to stay acclimatized to his working conditions. He has a substantial shelter, and a run. He gets exercise and attention everyday and works 48 hours a week where he also gets exercise, attention and human interaction. That doesn't include training. He does occasionally come in the house and gets to spend time in the backyard with the two pet dogs. There are many happy, healthy outdoor dogs. Living outside is not cruel, leaving them out there without looking after their needs is. there is nothing that breaks my heart more than seeing one of those dogs on a tie out day in, day out, on that run down dirt patch that you know have never been past that line. Least favorite breed - I am going with real breeds, the Poodle. I dont' know why, just not my thing

Answer 3

Well, I answered your question that was posted previously. I do understand that people want you to bring your dogs inside. I do understand however that snow breeds like yours are miserable in warm weather or an overly heated house. I still recommend what I posted in my last letter. Straw is the way to go. I do agree that on overly cold nights the dogs should kennel inside the house. Good luck. I think you are doing just fine. Keep up the good work.

Answer 4

A big dog needs less heat than people think, I have a lab cross and a shepherd cross .Both are outdoor dogs but they do have a dog house and on the coldest nights I turn on a heat lamp in there, more for my peace of mind than their needs . One morning the Shepherd was outside on her spot not even in the doghouse.
Her spot is a outdoor rug draped over a half filled innertube from a truck ,she curls in there like a nest. I also put prairie hay in the dog house ,It smells so much nicer than straw..

Answer 5

There is a company that actually sells a AC/Heat unit for dog houses. Go to Cozywinters.com and that is where you can find one,I am sure there are others out there that might be different prices. It worked really well this past Summer for A/C for them in our Texas heatwave. It has worked well too for the few cold snaps we have had. They seem to like it,I have a Boxer and also have a small mixed breed and the "Girls" just love it.

Answer 6

The house cannot be to large (based on breed size). Use straw for bedding ( and make sure it stays dry ), their body heat and breath will warm the air around them enough, and they will curl into a "ball" to conserve heat loss. The biggest danger is the dogs being or getting wet.

Answer 7

How To Heat A Doghouse

Answer 8

I think you should get a thermometer, and see how cold it really is inside the doghouse. If it's a reasonable temperature, then just make sure they have some good bedding they can snuggle into, and it should be fine.

If it's very cold, you may need to add more insulation, or make sure they go to that nice warm greenhouse instead.

Answer 9

rig up a couple of light bulbs for their dog house. it works. the heat from the light gives off enough heat to keep them warm but not too hot.

Answer 10

Put in a doggy door. Plain and simple if your dog wants to be warm it knows exactly where to be if it wants to go outside then it will. I love my dogs but if they want to be outside i wont keep them from what they want. You never know, you might find doodoo in the worse places.