Caissie Canine Instruction: The Ideal Outdoor Doghouse

We begin this week’s “RUFF TAILS” featuring a beautiful 4-year-old Aussiedoodle named Ripley.

 Ripley has been a great addition to our family---empty nesters---and our other fur baby Zeus, a 13-year-old Silver Lab.

Ripley is full of energy, loves to run hard, swim at the lake, greet our visitors with her sounding barking, eat my shoes and counter surf!!!

She is settling down now since meeting Paul Caissie and we are thankful for that!!!

Welcome to Doggie Dialogue

K9’s that live primarily outdoor must be provided appropriate shelter and have a regular supply of fresh water in accordance with the Ontario SPCA act.

There are things to consider before having your K9 outdoors on a regular basis. Dogs should be acclimatized to outdoor living when they are young and when the weather is warm.

During severe weather, dogs should be brought into the family home. Puppies or senior dogs should not be left outdoors, especially during cold weather. K9’s with short coats is prone to frostbite and cannot endure the cold temperatures.

It is critical that all your pets stay warm during the winter months. Any dog being kept outside at any time of the year needs to have a proper and suitable dog home.

Things to consider when building your ideal doghouse. The exterior of your doghouse should be finished with a weatherproof material and non-leaded paint.

Bedding materials should be put in the sleeping area, straw is recommended over blankets. Bedding should be changed every 2 weeks.

We recommend an outside flap, either burlap or canvas, on the door of your doghouse. It is recommended that your doghouse should be elevated on cinder blocks or bricks to keep the floor dry.

Should you have any questions about your outdoor doghouse, please speak to Paul directly.