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Author
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Topic: Looking for info about outside only dogs
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flgator77
Junior Member
Member # 968
Rate Member
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posted May 10, 2004 03:45 PM
Hi,
I was looking for a medium-large outside dog, and what i need to do to make him/her comfortable. As the name suggests, im in Florida and it gets quite hot.
I realize I need a kennel, especially as my yard is not fenced. Many acres here, just not fenced. I was looking @ a 10'x10' kennel w/ sun deflecting top from tractor supply and a doghouse to put in it, and i cleared out a shady spot to put it. I work from home so ill have lots of time for frequent walks,playtime etc. I was concerned with the flooring ... is there a cheaper alternative then pouring a slab? would it be a good idea? any advice/links would be great!
Please feel free to correct me where im wrong as this will be my 1st dog and i dont know jack. all i want is a loving, protecting, happy companion/watchdog that can live outside happily (after appropriate age of course) PLZ throw all ur advice @ me!! Thanx in advance.
Posts: 1 | Registered: May 2004
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lou3
Member
Member # 343
Member Rated:
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posted May 10, 2004 04:43 PM
i would suggest some sort of gun-dog, most adapt well to kennels. Labs can be good watch dogs as they love to bark! They also adapt beautifully to kennels. I have two english pointers who also live in kennels and that works fine too.
Rotweilers also live happily in kennels and make excellent watch dogs while also being happy even-tempered family pets.
For keeping the dog cool i would suggest a concrete floor for the dog house so the dog has a cool surface to lie on. I would not suggest concrete for outside the dog house as this may heat up to extremes when not shielded from the sun. However grass is not really suitable for a small space either, i would suggest woodchip as an optimum.
Make sure there is always ample water and put it in a shaded part of the doghouse so it doesnt heat up. If you get a long haired breed keep it clipped out, and i would suggest a golden lab (if you get a lab) as their coats absorb less heat than blacks.
Actually splashing cold water on the dog at regular intervals on really hot days would also help keep them cool.
Lou
Posts: 461 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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DaxAriel's toy
Member
Member # 740
Member Rated:
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posted May 10, 2004 06:09 PM
I like concrete too as it is easy to keep clean and retains some day heat for the evening and remains cooler in the day.
You can use paving blocks (2x2 sqs) as an alternative to concrete. Concrete is relatively cheap if you do it yourself. All you need is ready to mix - bought at any hardware store and water. It won't matter to the dog if there are cracks or imperfections so you can simply dig down a couple of inches and fill with cement. NO REBAR OR FRAMING required. It will also help keep the bugs out of the kennel area vs long grass or carpeting.
Posts: 748 | From: Edmonton AB Canada | Registered: Mar 2004
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ayl715
Member
Member # 417
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posted May 10, 2004 06:47 PM
I would suggest tile floor. I live in Asia, during the day, when no one at home , he stays in the garden, my garden is tile floor, that's what most people do here, it really keep them cool. His dog house is under the shade. But he never use it ![[Confused]](confused.gif)
Posts: 34 | Registered: Dec 2003
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ellierat
Member
Member # 612
Member Rated:
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posted May 12, 2004 03:00 PM
If you get a Lab, they love water, I provide mine with a huge tub, that they can freely splash and roll around in, also I put frozen blocks of ice in their drinking water in the day.
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I love my labs.
Posts: 880 | From: australia | Registered: Feb 2004
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