Dogs are den animals and traditionally have sought safety and security in small, confined areas. Most of the time, dogs prefer to be curled and butted against a wall, preferably a corner. This is why a misplaced dog is likely to be found under the family vehicle, behind the work table out in the tool shed, or flopped down in a recently excavated hole by the garage. Cathedral ceilings and wide-open spaces are the preferences of humans. Most dogs are not so inclined.

Keeping this in mind, how much space should a house allow for a typical dog, and how much more space is needed for larger dogs? A basic area of 30" x 30", with 16" to 24" of ceiling height, will provide your dog a den area suitable for his nesting instincts and make it easier for him to maintain body warmth.

Because your dog cannot fully rise within the house, he cannot easily scratch or chew on the walls. Larger dogs may need more width or depth to accommodate their larger frames, but their need for overhead space does not incrementally increase.

A dog house should not be larger than your dog can comfortably heat. Remember, his body provides the primary heat to combat winter's cold. Peaked or domed roofs can draw heat away from your dog and may help create drafts.

Tests have also shown the Lifesaver Dog House stays cooler during summer. The double-wall construction and insulation help discourage moisture while reducing outside heat transfer.

Construction

The Lifesaver Dog House is built and designed to provide your dog with a dry environment and protection from wind. The house is constructed with 1 x 2 framing, sandwiched on both sides with 2.7 mm lauan, a veneered wood material commonly used in home building for doors and cabinets.

The lauan interior helps wick moisture away from your dog while providing a draft-resistant interior. There is no exposed plastic inside for your dog to chew on or trap moisture and condensation, and no exposed interior metal to collect moisture or freeze against your dog's coat.

Between the lauan panels is 3/4" EPS-type foam board insulation. The 1/2" plywood floor is positioned approximately 5 inches lower than the bottom of the door opening, allowing plenty of room for bedding and nesting.

The exterior of the dog house is covered with aluminum sheeting. The lid is engineered and sealed to help prevent leaks while providing full access to the interior for cleaning, bedding changes, and dog handling.

A lock-in-place support bracket holds the lid open during access. A clear vinyl weather flap provides easy entry and exit for your dog. The door opening measures 11 3/4" wide x 13" high.