While watching your dog sprawled across your bed or couch, you may find it difficult to accept that this is not his natural environment. In the process of domesticating the dog and bringing him indoors, we have removed him from his natural habitat. Therefore, it's important to provide your dog with "indoor" versions of housing facilities that imitate some of the elements he would have if he were still in the wild.

If you have decided to share your living quarters with your dog, there are some basic guidelines you must consider. Above all, make sure that "off-limits" areas are indeed off-limits. Keep doors leading to forbidden areas closed, or use a "baby gate" or partition to section off areas where he shouldn't go.

Indoor Amenities

Because your dog will spend most of his time indoors, you must provide him with all the amenities he needs. These include:

• Dog Bed. Your dog will need the comfort and warmth a dog bed or dog pad can provide. So, when the urge hits him to take a quick nap, he'll use his own bed rather than yours - or one of the expensive sofas.
  
• Dog Crate. A wire or plastic cage or pen helps provide a safe, secure environment for your dog in the home - especially when you're away for lengthy periods of time. Some may consider this cruel but the truth is your dog is a lair animal and will feel safer curled up in a cage or pen than out in the open. The crate length should be 1 1/2 times the length of your dog when full grown.
  
• Toys. Chew toys, rubber balls, Frisbees, cloth toys and rubber squeak toys are playtime treats that your indoor dog can appreciate having around. Make sure, however, that the toys you provide are safe.

If your dog lives mostly indoors but is also allowed outdoors, he will tend to select his own housing. When the weather is pleasant, your pet will be outside, stretched out just about anywhere - in a favorite spot where he can watch the neighborhood comings and goings or under the shade of a tree. However, when weather turns inclement, he will probably let you know that he would rather be indoors with the rest of the "pack." This is why pet doors and/or outside enclosures are important.

Pet Doors

A good pet door will allow your dog freedom to come and go as he pleases when you're not around. Pet doors come in many different styles and sizes. Be sure to get one that will be large enough for your dog as he grows to adult size.

Pet doors come in different shapes and styles, including:

• Hinged at the Top and Swinging Both Ways. This type allows your dog to come and go, but has the drawback of allowing the same freedom to other animals his size or smaller. Some of these doors include a method for locking, to prevent them from being used when you need to keep your pet in or out.
  
• Hinged at the Top but Swinging Only Outward. These doors will allow your dog out, but you'll have to let him back inside yourself. This type of pet door may help keep other animals out.
  
• Doors with Vinyl Flaps. These can make exit and entrance convenient for your dog while the heavy vinyl flaps will discourage other smaller animals from making your kitchen their home.
  
• Magnetically Locked Doors. These are the ultimate dog doors. Similar in construction to the top-hinged type, they have an additional feature - a magnetic switch that keeps the door closed until your dog, wearing a small magnet on his collar, triggers the switch to open.

Here's a good rule of thumb to measure what size pet door is appropriate.

The opening width of the door should be just slightly wider than the widest part of your dog.

Measuring from the top of your dog's shoulders to the chest just behind the front legs will give you the opening height dimensions. If you find that your dog's dimensions do not fit any of the standard doors, don't hesitate to call the manufacturer - most will make a custom door.

Finally, always make sure that you install the door in an area where a human intruder can't crawl through or get to any window latches or door locks that could be opened.

Outdoor Enclosures

You may want to provide your pet with an outdoor enclosure made of a sturdy wooden frame, covered on the sides and top with strong mesh or wire. There are also houses made especially for dogs that come in a variety of sizes. Here are some hints and tips for outdoor enclosures:

• Find a doghouse that has an elevated floor with high quality construction.
• Make sure to place the house somewhere in the yard that will be cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
• Make sure that your dog can comfortably lie down and that the house is well ventilated.

No matter which type of housing you choose for your dog's outside protection and comfort, make it home sweet home by adding a few of his personal items. You can put a bed or some type of bedding on the floor, add toys for his entertainment, and provide food and water dishes. There are even fancy kennel homes equipped with resting benches, attached food and water dishes and doggie curtains!

To take care of all your dog's outdoor needs, the best arrangement is to have a fenced in yard, a doghouse and a pet door. Remember though, even if your dog has the most comfortable outdoor home available, when he decides to come inside, you must provide for his needs as if he were an exclusively indoor dog. We don't recommend that any dog be a strictly "outside" dog, as dogs are social animals and not only need company - they need to be part of the family. We also suggest that if your dog is going to spend time outside, it only be for short periods while under your supervision.

Housing For Outdoor Dogs

Outdoor dogs need little in terms of housing. However, during periods of inclement weather, extreme heat or extreme cold, your outdoor dog will seek out shelter of some kind and you will definitely need to provide some kind of retreat for him.

You can give him adequate shelter by providing a doghouse or kennel. If the weather is not too extreme, a porch, covered patio or garage will do. Before you allow your dog the shelter of one of these areas, make sure that you have dog-proofed these areas and that they're comfortable and safe. If there's no fence, your dog should be tethered in some way. Make sure he doesn't get tangled in the tether and can reach his water and food bowls as well as safety and shelter.