Another Little Dog Question

[lavender01]

Well I still have the dog - some of you have seen the previous posts by me. I hate for herto stay outside but it is the only choice I have - I can't take her to the shelter. I have a doghouse and have put it on my porch. What should be in the doghouse? Right now I have hay in it. I heard somewhere that you shouldn't put cedar shavings in it. I need to know what to put. Also I have a little cage on my porch about 3 feet wide 4 foot high. I am just wondering if I could put the doghouse inside that and then put a tarp over the cage itself to keep out the cold air. I do have a 10x10 pen also - but I use that one for cats.(just taking them out to get fresh air). I am at a loss here.

[BellFounder]

I dont see anything wrong with hay, its what my border collies sleep on, keeps them all toasty and warm. Why not just fix the tarp to the dog house? I would also invest in a dog-jacket for her if she is very small or short haired (havent seen your other posts)

[Pugdawg1]

I'm sure the dog would appreciate an old blanket or towels to curl up in. That on hay would be rather toasty I'd think. I've never housed a dog outside, so not totally sure.

[Cassiepeia]

I agree...tarp, blankets (as well as the hay) and a jacket if it's a short haired dog or particularly small.

Cass.

[linnie]

A nice old bunny rug or blanket for your dog to snuggle up in as well would be a good idea.

[2ndchance]

I have to say I disagree with putting a blanket in the dog house in cold weather. If the blanket gets wet it tends to freeze and become stiff and it would hold cold air in the dog house. I would stick to lots of hay so the dog can borrow down in it, especially if we're talking about a small dog. The dog house should not be very big as small dogs do not give off a lot of body heat.
If she's not a chewer I would also put a "dog" warming blanket/bed in with her under the hay. I use cedar shavings with the hay as it keeps away pests. (And the dog will smell good also) However some dogs are intolerant to the cedar odor so try only a little t first. How big is the pen? you said four feet high but what is the width? It wouldn't hurt to surround the pen in tarp to keep out drafts on those cold windy days.

[Mysticwind]

Have you tried to find her a home yet or contacted any rescue groups in your area to take her? Seriously, if you can't keep her inside and don't have much experience raising a puppy she needs a home. If she doesn't get socialized she most likely will develop temperament and behavioral problems as she gets older. Have you taken her to the vet yet? Have her spayed yet? These are all things you will have to do if you keep her. I think finding her another home now is the best option for her to have a happy life.

[Ritz459]

I would also do the straw. Both of my dogs are outside and they are both stuffed with straw right now. It is also important to make sure that no wind, rain, or snow can get into the dog house.
Along with what everybody else has said, I'd also invest in a water repelant dog coat for your pup for when it gets cold if it doesn't have thick fur. We have one for Rose since she has thinner fur, and she loves it. lol
Also make sure that it has a heated water dish so when it gets really cold, the water won't freeze over.
And remember, if your dog is ever shivering, or it gets below zero or even in the low teens, bring that dog inside and get it warm! Our dogs can tolorate cold fairly well so they can stand the weather in the low teens, but if it gets below 10 degrees, or around there anyway, we bring them inside, or at least into the garage where they have a heater, blankets, and a squishy foamy mat thing to sleep on.
I would also advise to sticking a thermomater into the doghouse so you know just how warm it is in there when the dog is inside it. Because if the dog house is too cold, the dog will be too cold. I know that when both of our dogs are in their doghouse, it is about 70-75F inside it.

Have you tried to find her a home yet or contacted any rescue groups in your area to take her? Seriously, if you can't keep her inside and don't have much experience raising a puppy she needs a home. If she doesn't get socialized she most likely will develop temperament and behavioral problems as she gets older. Have you taken her to the vet yet? Have her spayed yet? These are all things you will have to do if you keep her. I think finding her another home now is the best option for her to have a happy life.

I also agree with Mysticwind though. I think that keeping her outside may work (it depends on the dog...I know that Blackie loves it outside but if we didn't have Blackie, Rose would hate it and as soon as Blackie goes, Rose is coming inside) but if you can't provide her the proper care, then you should try to find a home for her.

[mrsgrubby]

No blankets please. Not a good idea. Straw or hay is great!!!