How To Build A Dog House

Most of the population allow their dogs to live indoors and relax on the couch and sleep in their owners bed. If you are interested in building a dog house for your dog then follow these simple tips when starting this project.

1. Start building your dog house by finding out how big you need to make the house so when your animal reach their full adult size they will still fit in it. We like having a couple of feet of air above us so we dont feel claustrophobic. Your dog will appreciate having that much room, as well. 1/3 of our standing height is where our comfort zone is. Take out a tape measure and measure your dog to find out how much room your dog will need. To figure this out measure your dog while standing up, sitting on his haunches and in his most relaxed position of lying completely stretched out. Whether your pet is standing up or sitting he should be able to see out the front entrance. The dog should not have to bend down and let his stomach touch the ground to see out. Measure the width of the widest point of your dogs shoulders while standing above him.

2. The dog house should be raised a few inches off the ground to let air and water go underneath it. Ventilation is important because it discourages pets to bother you dog in its house and keeps your pet healthier. Under the eaves you should have several small holes in the walls. Inside the house put in a wind block so your dog can warm up the house using its own body heat. Adding a partial wall to the dog house will allow him to get away from the cold and windy weather. This allows the dog to choose whether he wants to sleep in the entryway or in the other section of the house. Providing a pillow or bed would probably make your animal very happy and a lot more comfortable.

3. Build the floor so it is a bit slanted so it stops rain from coming inside the dog house. Also, build the roof at a bit of a slant for the same reason. If you want your dog house to be insulated well then do not paint on the inside.

4. Storms typically come from the south and west in the U.S. so making sure your dog house faces a different direction would make the most sense. Having the door of the dog house face to the east is highly suggested so the cold air cannot come through the door so easily.

5. By putting hinges on the top of the dog house it makes it easier for you to clean your dogs living space. Every time you give your pet a bath it is suggested that you clean the dog house at the same time.

Every dog really should have a warm, safe and comfortable living space where they are safe from severe weather. Follow these tips to help you build a great house for your dog.

Robert Michael is a writer for De Pets which is an excellent place to find pets links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.depets.com

Borzoi Puppy And Dog Information

The Borzoi can survive in an apartment as long as she gets frequent exercise. A properly fenced yard could be better for her but keep in mind that she can easily jump a six foot fence. Once she gets on the run, she may catch a scent and be gone. She can not be trusted around small animals including the neighbors cat. She can kill an animal before you can stop her. She is ok with children but this is iffy. She dislikes roughhousing, arguing and likes her rest. She seems to be a one person dog that can be difficult to train. She is royal looking and beautiful.

*Approximate Adult Size. The approximate adult size (two years old or older) of the male Borzoi is at least 28 inches to the withers (highest point of the shoulder) and 75 to 105 pounds and the female is at least 26 inches to the withers and 60 to 90 pounds.

*Special Health Considerations. Most dog breeds have certain inherited health problems associated with that specific breed and the Borzoi is no exception. Keep on the look out for gastric torsion (life-endangering distension of the stomach with gas), retinal atrophy (inherited disease of the retina that can cause vision loss and blindness), heart disease, and Osteosarcoma (bone cancer). They are also possible sensitive to certain drugs especially anesthetics and topical insecticides. This disease list is an informative guideline only. Other diseases may also be significant threats, please contact your veterinarian for a complete list.

She should visit the veterinarian several times in the first year for shots, boosters and check up. Then, as an adult, she should visit the veterinarian yearly for shots and check up. As she gets older, six years and on, she should visit the veterinarian twice a year for check ups and shots. Remember; avoid feeding your dog sweets.

*Grooming. The Borzoi has a long, silky coat with waves or curls. She should be brushed regularly. She is a seasonally heavy shedder. Brushing will help her maintain a clean and healthy coat and also help you keep a closer eye on her health and strengthen your emotional bond with your pet. Her hair between her toes also needs to be maintained.

Her teeth should be brushed at least twice a week with toothpaste and toothbrush designed for dogs. Brushing removes the accumulation of plaque and tartar which can cause cavities (rarely) and periodontal disease. Dog periodontal disease can lead to pain, loss of teeth, bad breath and other serious disease.

Her toenails may need to be examined for growth and clipped regularly. The toenails of the rear feet grow slower than the toenails of the front feet. Generally a guillotine type trimmer is the best for this chore and competent instructions to accomplish this can be found on the net.

*Life Span. The Borzoi can live between 10 and 12 years with proper nutrition, medical care and excellent living conditions.

*History. The Borzoi is thought to hail back to the thirteenth century nobleman who used them to hunt. They were first registered with the American Kennel Association in 1891.

Some Registries:
Borzoi Club of America
UKC United Kennel Club
NKC National Kennel Club
CKC Continental Kennel Club
APRI Americas Pet Registry Inc.
AKC American Kennel Club
FCI Federation Cynologique Internationale
NZKC New Zealand Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel Club of Great Britain
ANKC = Australian National Kennel Club
ACR = American Canine Registry

Litter Size: 6 to 7 Borzoi puppies

Category: Hound. Member of the Greyhound family.

Terms To Describe. Well mannered, gentle, intelligent, graceful, loyal, sweet, sensitive, aloof, royal, swift

*SPECIAL GOOD POINTS
Medium watch dog.
They rarely bark.
Good with dogs.
More of a one person dog.

*SPECIAL BAD POINTS
Poor guard dog.
May kill small animals.
Can easily jump a six foot fence.
They keep themselves clean.
Keep them on a leash as they will run.
Can be a picky eater.
Does not like to play rough with children.
Stubborn and difficult to train.
Not good with children.

*Other Names Known By: Russian Wolfhound, Russian Sighthound

*Every dog is an individual so not everything in this information may be correct for your dog. This information is meant as a good faith guideline only. Additional information on the Borzoi can be found at http://www.petpages.com

Mitch Endick is a short article writer for the popular pet site: http://www.petpages.com. He provides informative advice on all pets including dogs, puppies, cats, fish, reptiles, birds, ferrets, rabbits, mice and even pet bugs. Petpages.com also has an extensive pet classified ads section.