Duplex Dog Houses

If you have 2 dogs, then you have one major decision to make: Do you build one dog house for the two of them or let them each have their own home? There are many reasons why folk choose either, and you will have to work out for yourself which direction is the best for you and both of your dogs. Here are a few things to keep in mind when deciding among duplex dog homes vs single houses for multiple dogs.

A. The 1st priority must be the safety of your dogs. If they do not get along and fight all of the time, then having them sleep in the same dog house isn't a bright concept. It is well worth the extra expense of purchasing 2 dog homes if keeping them apart will keep them happy.

B. If you are short on space, then it could be worth building just one dog house for your two dogs. You can either build a big one with one room or a duplex, which is a dog house with 2 separate rooms and entrances. You could find that each dog decides on their lonesome which is their room,? Or they may change forwards and backwards dependent on who gets to the dog house first.

C. If you are attempting to buy a duplex dog house in a store, you may potentially have a heavy time since there just are not a lot of them around. But if you are planning on building a dog house anyhow, then you will find that there are a lot of plans available. Whether you choose to build it yourself or have someone who is more talented follow the plans, it is entertaining to customize dog houses after they're built.

When you have one large dog house, whether it is a duplex or not, they can be hard to move, so you have to ensure you have it in the right spot when you first get it. If you're building it, you could essentially wish to build it ready much like you would a real house. This may aid you in making sure that you have it in the right position (i.e. Out of the sun and on a flat surface) and that you will not have to move it again.

It can be a lot of fun for both you and your dog selecting the appropriate dog house for your four legged friend. With many different styles, and so many little extras the combinations are limitless and it becomes a custom home that your dog will enjoy. Even if you have two dogs, you have options. You could buy two separate dog houses. This can prove to be more costly and finding space for them could be an issue if your yard is small. A good option when there are multiple pets would be considering a duplex wooden dog house.
There are clearly many benefits of buying a duplex wooden dog house. The duplex would solve the issue of not quite having enough room for two dog houses. This gives your dogs a house big enough that will accommodate both of them. The duplex dog houses are two dog houses that are connected to form one large dog house, complete with a door for each dog on either side. Not only does that eliminate your space problem, but offers a cleaner and tidier appearance to your yard. Even if you have dogs that enjoy being close you have the option of removing the partition that separates the inside of the dog house creating one large house and making it possible for them to still feel connected.
These sturdy duplex wooden dog houses offer great shelter for your dogs. Your dog will be comfortably snuggled in their homes no matter what the weather is outside. You can choose from duplex dog houses that are already built and ready to go, or you can choose to put your creative side to work and help in the designing of your dog house. Selecting the correct size is important. The dog needs to have room to stand up, turn around and maneuver itself to lie down comfortably. Another feature to consider is determining what types of materials the dog house will be built from. One of the key factors in choosing this type of dog house for your dogs is the matter of the cost. Buying two dog houses can be significantly more expensive than choosing to go with one of these duplex wooden dog houses.
There are many benefits for both you and your dogs by choosing to go with a duplex dog house. No better way exists to keep your dogs safe and sound, protected from the elements yet connected as the friends they have become. Your pets will live comfortably in their new dog house while maintaining their closeness and friendship.

We recently were 'chosen' to parent a street dog here where we live in Costa Rica. She would arrive at our door because we'd leave out fresh water for any animals. Her frame was painfully thin, her eyes cloudy, her tail limp and very nervous. When you could get close enough to touch her or pet her she would moan with pleasure. She had never been shown affection let alone have her basic needs attended too. Over time, gradually increasing her food intake, teaching her to walk on a leash, numerous trips to the Vets for vitamins and shots... we have a pet that is easily one of the BEST dogs we could ever have for part of our family. Only one small characteristic exists that she bears as a scar from her past - separation anxiety.
I know several people with pets that have issues with being left alone. While I am not an 'expert' I have done some extensive reading and thought I would share some of my findings. Dogs are very social animals, we know that. They want to be near people and when left alone they fear they are being abandoned. In our case this is clearly a result of her past experiences and others with 'adopted' dogs that have been with other families or a shelter may come across this as well - are they going to be left behind again. This fear can also develop if there is a radical change in routine. Were you previously at home all the time and now you are gone all day? New house? New baby or other pets? .... they are no longer the sole focus of your attention then.
Before you assign them the label of having 'separation anxiety' it is wise to check first that your dog is in good health. There could be a physical problem that is causing the stress. A poor diet can affect behaviour as well. Anytime their behaviour changes it would be wise to consult a Vet to make sure it is not a result of a physical issue. Check their environment. Is there something in their 'space' that is making them anxious? .. too hot, too cold, a smell, a noise... perhaps another dog whimpering, growling, barking is setting them off.
Symptoms of Separation Anxiety will differ from dog to dog. Destructive behaviour tops the list of what you may see. Keep in mind this is not your dog seeking revenge or attempting to be 'bad' it is there reaction to anxiety. They may chew things, they may chew at themselves. They may bark, whimper or howl for hours on end. They may piddle or relieve themselves in the house - not because they are not housebroken but because of the stress of being left alone.
If you get a dog as a puppy you can teach them to accept being alone, and again a lot of articles do recommend crate training. I have not tried this with a puppy as I tend to get older dogs so I can't comment on it except that experts seem to be all in favour of it. By getting them accustomed to some down time alone when they are young you can avoid the anxiety issues. However if you routine changes this anxiety can develop in any breed of dog at any age.
The first suggestion to help deal with this seems obvious, extremely critical and often the one overlooked - Exercise. Spending time with your dog on a long walk, especially before you need to leave them eliminates the built up energy (physical and mental) and could help your pet rest more comfortable while you need to be gone. With people balancing kids, jobs, activities etc, the family dog seems to be getting fatter and fatter. You've accepted the role of being responsible for this loving creature - some time together for them will make them happy. Opening up the back door to let them piddle and run back in is NOT exercise - for 'either' of you!
Trial runs for a short time before a 'drastic' change may lesson their anxiety as well. Leave them for a few minutes and return. Gradually extend the period you are gone. Mix up your routine so they do not panic when you go to one specific door or reach for your coat in the closet. Move things around, leave from another door. In almost every article they continually emphasize that you need to reward the good behaviour and ignore the bad. If you come home and they are frantic with excitement just calmly hang up your coat, put away your groceries, take a minute or two before you address the dog. When you do, keep things calm and relaxed. A quiet low voice, lessen eye contact for a few minutes.... So I was gone for a while? No big deal! ... in time the dog may adapt to that way of thinking as well.
You are working to eliminate the things that can cause them stress. After the trial runs of leaving - they know you are coming back. The goal is that in time they won't know if you've been gone for a 2 minutes or 2 hours in time. Getting rid of excess energy ahead of time was addressed early as well as making sure they are in good physical condition. Checking their environment for 'stressors' - sounds, smells, temperature - are they comfortable? Do they have a full stomach? Make sure they are fed or being hungry becomes a stressor. A familiar toy left for them a treat hidden inside of it , the radio or TV on so they hear 'voices'.
Taking the fear out of being alone can be quite challenging and needs time and patience. It's usually achievable with time in many cases - in other extreme cases there are some medications that Vets may suggest or you may need to visit a professional trainer to assist in behaviour modification. Consult a professional if necessary - the key to the dogs happiness and yours may be just a phone call away . Remember, they are not lashing out, they are uncomfortable, afraid and anxious.

One trend that seems to be very popular in the realm of 'pet ownership' is to have multiple pets. With people having such busy schedules the mentality is that the pets would have company and not be alone so much. It's a great idea but certainly changes the need for knowledge in the house with how to train, discipline and care for the pets. It's no different than having a couple of kids. Their personalities are likely going to be quite different in most cases.

You can see this clearly in how products are being marketed in stores or online. The leash is now with multiple leads for two or three dogs. Feeding stations for more than one dog and food clearly being sold in bulk is a benefit for those with several pets. There are areas that the group or pair are going to have to share. You don't want dogs eating in 3 different places in the house but you need to make sure the pets won't antagonize each other or one challenge the other to attempt to take away their food. I have a cat that will bully the dog away from her dish! They will complete for your attention, praise and will compete for food and rewards.

It's pretty obvious that with work, school, activities, errands, cooking, cleaning and what smidgen of time is left for a bit of a social life, you don't have the time to take each one for a nice long 20-30 minute walk a day. The walks could be great exercise but really, who has the time? We have learned about the pack mentality and there will be a trend for one to take the lead and dominate the walk. They will decide on speed, direction and when the others can stop and take care of business.

One thing that dogs can and may benefit from is their own personal space. We know that Dogs like their 'dens'. Some place they feel protected and safe. Some place that is their own and not shared. Each having their own bed or a mat can be their retreat. Dog houses for multiple pets would be beneficial. They can have space indoors and outdoors to consider their own. Solid construction dog houses with a divider in the middle and separate entrances on each side. If you happen to have pets that want to share a space then the middle divider can be pulled out to make one large protected space for outdoors.

Your pets give you all the love you need. They comfort you when you're down. In return some food, water, exercise, comfortable surroundings and our love is all they want. Pet ownership for one dog is a responsibility however pet ownership for multiple pets can be a 'talent' in some cases. This all depends on the dogs you have adopted. Some will be more work than others. Allowing them their personal space; like a dog house for multiple pets, will give them some place to call their own and feel protected in, particularly when you are busy.

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