Transforming your dog’s kennel from a simple shelter to a luxurious retreat is an art. It is combining comfort with style, safety with personality, and practicality with pleasure.
This post delves into the following topics:
- Decorating Ideas for a Stylish Dog House
- How to Make Your Dog’s Kennel Feel Like Home
- Dog House Bedding: Comfortable Options for Your Pet
- Accessorize Wisely – Functional Yet Stylish
- Color Schemes for a Soothing Kennel Environment
- Signs Your Dog Is Unhappy with Their Kennel
Imagine a haven where every choice, from the plushness of the bedding to the hues that paint the walls, is made with your dog’s happiness and well-being in mind. This is not just about providing a roof over their head—it’s about enriching your dog’s life with a space that offers refuge, warmth, and joy.
1. Decorating Ideas for a Stylish Dog House
Creating a comfortable and inviting environment extends beyond the physical layout and design of your dog’s house. Decorating it can further enhance its appeal, making it truly a home for your pet. There are several ways to add a touch of charm while making sure it stays practical and safe for use.
Painting the exterior is an excellent way to add color and character to a dog kennel.
Plus, it is also functional – offering an extra layer of protection against the elements. Choose non-toxic paint in colors that won’t absorb too much heat from the sun.
Your dog might not care about whether their kennel is eggshell blue or daisy yellow, but they will appreciate having a cooler space during hot weather!
Another approach involves using signage or nameplates. These can be fun additions to any dog house, giving your pet their own distinct “address”. You might opt for something simple like “Fido’s House”, or something more creative that reflects your pet’s character.
There are many options available online – you’ll find plenty of dog kennels for sale that come with customizable signs, or you could make one yourself! Next up: lights!
Adding some small solar-powered lights around the outside of the kennel not only makes it look cozy but also provides practical illumination during nighttime bathroom breaks. This idea isn’t suitable for all dogs – some might find them intriguing enough to chew on!
Always make sure any decorations are safely out of reach of curious jaws and paws. Consider also what goes inside the kennel itself; decoration isn’t just about looking good on the outside!
Using blankets or bedding in different colors, patterns and textures can really make your pet’s space homely while providing essential comfort during rest periods. Your choices here should reflect your pet’s personality as much as possible – every detail counts when you’re working on creating a haven where your furry friend feels safe and loved.
You can even add toys or cushions with your dog’s favorite patterns or colors. It’s worth mentioning that while decorating a dog kennel can be a fun and rewarding project, always keep functionality and safety at the forefront of your decisions.
Avoid decorations that could pose a choking hazard or cause an injury, and remember to regularly check any added fixtures for wear and tear.
2. How to Make Your Dog’s Kennel Feel Like Home
Just like us humans, dogs cherish a place of comfort, security, and familiarity. Therefore, making your dog’s kennel feel like home is an important task for any dog owner. After all, this is a second home for your beloved pet where they can rest and retreat.
Consider incorporating elements from the house when designing and setting up the kennel for your dogs.
For instance, if your doggo has a favorite blanket or pillow in the house, consider getting an extra one for their outdoor space. The familiar smell and texture will help them adjust to their new environment better.
You could also add toys that they enjoy playing with in the main house to foster comfort and continuity in both living spaces.
Dogs are keen on scents; therefore use this natural ability to make them feel more at home in their new abode.
You could spend a few nights sleeping with a new blanket then place it inside the kennel so that it carries your scent. This will reassure them about their safety since they associate your scent with protection and companionship.
Do observe where they prefer napping or resting around the house before deciding on what type of accommodation would be best suited.
The key takeaway here is that when selecting among numerous options of kennels for dogs, creating a hospitable environment that mimics home would be your main goal.
Remember to introduce any new items or changes gradually to prevent causing anxiety or confusion.
Make sure that throughout this nesting process, your furry buddy feels involved and excited about their new dog house. And soon enough, their wagging tail will let you know that you’ve succeeded in making their kennel feel like home!
3. Dog House Bedding: Comfortable Options for Your Pet
Choosing the right bedding for your dog’s kennel is a crucial element that, surprisingly, many people overlook. It’s time to turn that cold floor into a comfy snooze haven for your furry friend.
The first and perhaps most obvious bedding option is a plush dog bed. These come in various shapes and sizes.
Consider the size of your dog: the bed should be large enough so they can stretch out but not so large that it takes up valuable space in their kennel.
With an array of designs on the market, finding one that suits both your style and your pet’s comfort won’t be too challenging. Next on our list are blankets or towels.
Many dogs love having something familiar smelling in their space; hence reusing old blankets or towels can work wonders and save you some extra bucks too! However, make sure these are easy to wash as cleanliness is paramount when it comes to maintaining a healthy environment inside the dog kennel.
And there’s something those living in warmer climates will particularly appreciate – cooling mats! Yes, they exist!
Consider investing in one if summers where you live get especially hot because a cool mat can provide some much-needed relief to our canine companions confined within their kennels during those sweltering months.
Comfortable bedding plays an integral part in making any dog house or kennels feel like home—after all, it is where your loyal companion will spend most of his resting hours away from prying eyes of the world.
The American Kennel Club says the following on the subject:
“There’s nothing more relaxing and rejuvenating than a good night’s sleep. This is true not just for people, but for dogs, too. Dogs sleep between 12 to 18 hours a day, depending on age. So, they need a comfy bed to snooze on just like you do…
A great dog bed provides your pup a space that’s not only comfortable but also supportive and soft. Think about how you sleep best. Don’t you feel better on a comfy bed with your head supported by a soft, cloud-like pillow? There are a variety of features that make for a good dog bed, and they should come into consideration when shopping for one for your furry friend.” (1)
Of course, it is necessary to strike a balance between durability, comfort, and cleanliness when choosing the right bedding for your dog’s kennel. We trust that these pointers have given you some inspiration!
4. Accessorize Wisely – Functional Yet Stylish
Choosing accessories that not only enhance the visual appeal of the kennel but also serve a practical purpose can significantly elevate your dog’s comfort and happiness.
Here are a few suggestions:
- Weather-resistant curtains or shades: provide privacy and protection from the elements while adding a pop of color.
- Elevated dog beds: offer comfort and support, keeping your pet off the cold ground, and can be selected in designs that complement the kennel’s aesthetic.
- Water bowls that attach to the kennel’s walls: prevent spills and maintain a tidy eating area, and they can come in chic designs that add a modern touch.
Remember, every accessory should contribute to creating a safe, comfortable, and inviting space for your furry friend, proving that practicality and style can go hand in hand in the world of dog kennel makeovers.
5. Color Schemes for a Soothing Kennel Environment
The psychology of color plays a pivotal role in creating a soothing environment for your dog’s kennel, impacting their mood and overall well-being.
Soft, muted colors like pale blue, gentle green, or warm earth tones can instill a sense of calm and security, making the kennel a peaceful retreat. Pale blue, for instance, mirrors the sky and can have a calming effect, while green, reminiscent of nature, promotes relaxation.
Here is what Ecos Paints have to say on How Different Colors Affect Different Animals:
“So, cats and dogs can both see gray, blue, and yellow, with cats picking up a little more green. They both see these colors in pastel shades. But do these pastel colors affect their behavior? If so, which colors impact which behaviors?
The answer to the first question is an easy yes. Colors affect behavior in pets just as they do in people, even though they see less than we do. Humans find warmer colors like reds, oranges, and yellows to be stimulating, while cooler colors like blues, greens, and purples are more calming.
We can answer the second question based on that information. Our pets are stimulated by yellow and calmed by blue, since those are the only warm and cool colors they can see. Cats can perceive some green, which is considered calming as a cool color. Both animals see a variety of gray shades, and although humans often associate gray with depression and loss, it has a neutral effect on animals since it’s so common to them.” (2)
Avoiding overly vibrant colors like bright red or orange is key, as these can stimulate excitement or anxiety in some dogs. By integrating these soothing colors into the kennel’s design, either through paint, bedding, or accessories, you create a tranquil sanctuary that supports your dog’s emotional health. This thoughtful consideration of color schemes can transform a standard kennel into a comforting haven where your dog feels relaxed and safe.
6. Signs Your Dog Is Unhappy with Their Kennel
While dog kennels can provide a safe and secure environment for your furry companion, it’s important to recognize that not all are created equal. And sometimes, even with the best intentions, you might find that your pet is less than thrilled with their living quarters.
Spotting signs of discomfort or unhappiness can be crucial in maintaining their mental and physical health!!
The first sign may be a noticeable change in behavior when it comes time to use the kennel. Previously well-behaved dogs might suddenly become stubborn or anxious, refusing to enter the kennel dog house or becoming visibly distressed when inside.
Some even resort to destructive behaviors like chewing on the structure or excessive barking and howling. Body language also plays a crucial role in understanding how your pet feels about their dog kennel.
Dogs who are uncomfortable may exhibit signs of stress such as excessive panting, drooling, pacing back and forth, or even attempting to escape.
If you notice any of these symptoms regularly occurring when they’re in their kennels for dogs, it’s likely that something isn’t right.
Pay close attention to how much time your dog spends in their kennel voluntarily. A happy dog would treat their kennel for dogs as a sanctuary – somewhere they feel secure enough to sleep or relax without prompting or command.
If instead you see them constantly trying to get out once placed inside; if they avoid it unless absolutely necessary; then this is a strong sign of dissatisfaction.
So what can you do if you suspect that your canine friend isn’t happy with his accommodation? Start by evaluating its size and comfort levels – make sure there’s plenty room for him to move and stretch freely; check whether bedding is clean and comfy; ensure protection from harsh weather conditions; perhaps introduce some toys for distraction.
Before replacing the kennel, remember that introducing changes should be done gradually. This way, your dog has the chance to adapt and develop positive associations with their new kennel, making it a place they’ll love rather than loathe.
An unhappy pet might mean we need to reassess our choices regarding the current structure or setup. And sometimes, all that’s needed for them to enjoy their kennel again is just a bit of tweaking here and there!
Conclusion
In the journey of making a kennel a true home for our four-legged friends, every choice we make—from the softness of their bedding to the colors that grace their walls—matters.
It’s a process that extends beyond mere style, touching upon the needs for comfort, security, and a sense of belonging. We need to ease our pup into it so they don’t feel abandoned or rejected, and realize we’re building them their own home!!
We hope this post inspires but also to reminds us of the profound impact our choices have on our pets’ lives. Let’s keep ensuring their world is as rich and fulfilling as the love they shower upon us.
If you’d like more tips on choosing a kennel your dog will love, this post will help:
https://puppydoghub.com/make-your-dogs-day-choose-a-dog-kennel-theyll-love/
Or if you’d like other suggestions on designing a better dog house, read this:
https://puppydoghub.com/top-5-surprising-tips-for-better-outdoor-dog-kennels/
References:
(1) is an excerpt from the following article: https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/the-importance-of-a-good-dog-bed/
(2) is an excerpt from the following article: https://ecospaints.net/how-different-colors-affect-different-animals
