What would be the ideal housing arrangement for dogs?
Sure, they want to live on our beds— but they also like to roam the yard/property. They seem to like cozy, enclosed dens and kennels, yet again, they want to be free-range. They like a family or pack and hate to be alone, yet are often bullied to their place in the pack or live bottom in the pecking order when with humans.
They like the warmth and security of being indoors—but a part of them likes the cold and they are always very concerned with the goings on outside.
What, therefore, would be the ideal kennel/barn/garage or household room(s) arrangement for medium-sized dogs, if you were planning a house and property, or retrofitting, for 3–5 dogs?
I want them to enjoy themselves and meet their needs but don’rt want them taking over the house, begging for things they can’t or shouldn’t have… etc
Observing members:
0
Composing members:
0
6 Answers
- A good place to rest and sleep. Every dog needs a space of its own to get away from everyone and have quiet time. I bought Sadie an L.L.Bean dog couch instead of a traditional dog bed. It has large bolsters on the back and sides, for Sadie to lean against and get cozy. The bed should be a size too large, so that a dog can curl-up in a corner.
- A warm spot. Don’t put the bed on a cold, cement slab. If the floor’s cold to your touch, it’ll be uncomfortable for the dog. In the summer time, move the bed away from direct A/C currents.
- Access. A secure, fenced-in yard and a doggie-door would be ideal. A dog can go outside when it wants/needs but come back inside. (This works only for well-behaved dogs that don’t bark nonstop at neighbors and traffic.)
Going by my own, a house containing:
- a room filled with sand
- a muddy indoor pool
- a comfy bed big enough for the entire family to sleep in
- a dark, quiet and warm room filled with Kongs and dog beds for alone time
- a sunny balcony, preferably with a patch of grass
I have two Labradors. They love being with people, and are not very independent. They would appreciate access to a yard only in very small doses.
To answer your question more helpfully:
It very much depends on the dogs. Most will need quiet spaces, and many will appreciate being able to go outside. However, dogs who are fearful, nervous, or easily excitable are better off without the added input of people walking by. For those, even access to windows can be stressful.
A fenced in yard is ideal for outdoor time but only when the owners are home. I’ve never had a doggie door but my two were trained to go to the kitchen slider when they wanted – or needed – to be outside.
Inside, as others have said, a cozy place to call their own when they want to rest. I never wanted to have dogs sleeping in my bed and would gate them in the kitchen at night. One just had a bed and the other was crated at night – and at times during the day.
Mmmmm. Five wooded acres with access to a warm barn with hay, and access to the house and your bed and company.
@Yellowdog Any chance that you’re a Yellow Dog Democrat? :-) Just wondering…
Maybe on an out island and their people could go visit them from time to time. :)
Answer this question 
Composing members:
0
