Over fifty percent of the population permit their Portuguese Water Dogs to live inside and sleep on their couch or in the owner’s bed. For those of you who are interested in how to build a dog house for your Portuguese Water Dog, here are our simple rules to follow when determining the type of shelter you want to provide for your Portuguese Water Dog.
Building a House for Your Portuguese Water Dog: Size
1. You should begin your dog house building process by making sure the house is large enough to accommodate your Portuguese Water Dog’s potential mature size. People enjoy having approximately 2 feet of air overhead in a room to live without feeling boxed in. The Portuguese Water Dog will probably also appreciate having that much space. The target zone for both humans and Portuguese Water Dogs is around 1/3 of their standing height. To figure out how much room the Portuguese Water Dog will need go get a tape measure and measure your Portuguese Water Dog. Measure him standing straight up, resting on his haunches and most importantly measure the full dimension of the Portuguese Water Dog when he is in the most stretched out, comfortable, and relaxed position he can get into. Your Portuguese Water Dog should be able to look out the front door while both standing up and sitting. So the Portuguese Water Dog won’t have to significantly lower his front shoulders or scrape his stomach, make sure that entrance is tall enough. Stand above the Portuguese Water Dog and measure the breadth of the broadest point of the animal’s shoulders.
How to Build a House for Your Portuguese Water Dog: Elevation
2. Remember to elevate the dog house several inches from the ground to permit air and water to flow underneath. To dissuade pests from invading the house, and taking your Portuguese Water Dog’s health into consideration, remember how vital fresh air is. Install a few nickel-sized openings in the walls underneath the eaves. Install a wind block inside the dog house so the Portuguese Water Dog can use the warmth of its body to heat up the space if it is very cold or windy outside. Consider adding a partial wall which will help your Portuguese Water Dog to escape the nasty weather. Your animal can choose to just snooze in the entry room or go around the inner archway maze wall into the inner sanctum. Your beloved Portuguese Water Dog would probably love having a pillow or some sort of bedding to snooze on.
Building a House for Your Portuguese Water Dog: Weather Resistant
3. To prevent rain entering the house make the floor just a bit slanted toward the doorway and construct the roof a bit slanted, as well. Ensure the house is well insulated but you shouldn’t paint the inside.
4. In the US most storms come from the south and west so make sure the house faces a different direction. Most dog house plans suggest that the house entryway faces east. The cold air won’t be able to rush through the entryway then.
Add Hinges to the Roof of Your Portuguese Water Dog’s House
5. It’s recommended that you place hinges on the roof when you build your Portuguese Water Dog a dog house. This makes it easier for you to clean your Portuguese Water Dog’s house. You should clean the Portuguese Water Dog’s house as frequently as you give your Portuguese Water Dog a bath.
Portuguese Water Dog Dog House: Conclusion
If your Portuguese Water Dog lives outdoors then he needs to have a pleasant place to sleep and get away from harsh weather. Hopefully these straightforward tips on building a dog house for your Portuguese Water Dog will help you start.
Don’t forget to check out these other articles about Portuguese Water Dogs.
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