I have two labradors who we'd like for them to have a house outside for shelter if they are out.
They do live inside but we'd like for them to be outside and feel secure and have somewhere to sleep.
Does anyone have a house big enough to accomodate my Hundes or know of anywhere to buy them?
I have see some on the Qualipet website but find them quite small for two dogs.
On another note, not sure if you are renting or owning, but likely need the necessary permissions before installing one.
The idea with a dog house is that the dog is up off the ground so he/she remains dry. Ideally there is some sort of insulation/vapor barrier on the ground. The second aspect is that the size should be just big enough but not too big. The idea there is the dogs will curl up more or less together so the can warm each other. You are not looking for something where the can be all stretched out (and loosing lots of heat).
After you read this you might change your mind.
You might need a permit. If you don't ask in advance, someone may complain and you will have to remove it.
To give you an idea, in my area anything that stands over 60cm needs either a building permit or written agreement from all neighbors bordering the property (or all living in a Quartier.) Non-permanent structures under 2 (or is it 4?) m2 and 2(ish)m high can usually be erected with signed agreement from neighbors, larger non-permanent structures and all permanent structures need a building permit. Be aware that one neighbor refusing permission nixes the project, unless you then go through formal chanels to apply for a permit. But that's here - your Gemeinde/neighborhood might be far more lax.
If you can get away with a simple neighbor's agreement, be aware that the usual objection to a dog house is noise - so when you put together your petition, make sure you are ready to discuss barking, as well as how long the doggies will be in the house, and whether the dogs will ever be there when you are away from the property. And do mention that this is only for the dogs' comfort, that they are indeed house dogs, will be kept warm and snuggly in the house at night, etc. (Tierschutz concerns might arise.) It might help to pop round to ask the neighbors to sign with the doggies in tow - when people see how lovely they are, they will be less likely to refuse.
But then you might get lucky, and find that you don't need any kind of permit. First step would be to speak to your landlord.
As for where to find a house - as mentioned Landi, as well as Hornbach and B/H have kits to make a wooden ones that looked pretty easy to assemble. If you need something bigger than a standard dog house, look into children's playhouses or small garden sheds - with some minor tweaking these might work.
You can also get dog houses from any of the big pet stores, such as these from Meiko:
http://www.meiko.ch/index.cfm?shopca...0354803FC0F4D3
But the best option might be to speak to Papa Goose, EF's own skilled handyman and problem solver - who is himself the proud owner of a small herd of labradors.
Good luck with your project.
Ventilation, insulation, ground clearance to stop damp, and the correct size must be factored in. If you can find one that ticks all the boxes off the shelf great, but unlikely to be cheap. Having one made is good, but material/labour cost here mean that is more expensive, but you'll get what you want.
Good luck with what you decide
Every dog is unique of course, but Labs are known for being very pack oriented, and like to be with their owners all the time. In my experience, leaving them outside on their own may lead to all sorts of behavioural and psychological issues: they may start digging in the garden, bark and be distressed, and your bond with your dogs will suffer.
Our lab will only go out to the garden for a couple of minutes on his own. If we don't go with him, he'll quickly come back inside. He wants to be with us all the time, although he's fine if left at home alone on his own for a few hours (max we've ever done is six, he just goes to sleep the lazy sod), but is obviously very happy when we return, no matter if we've been away for 10 minutes or a few hours.
Again, every dog is unique. Consider looking this up with some Google based research, specially pertaining to Labs, and make an informed decision
We have not gone ahead with the dog house as we moved apartment and have a balcony over head to protect them from weather.
We don't want our dogs outside for hours. Firstly, our youngest would bark and secondly in harsh weather conditions I don't think it's right.
It's purely for comfort as we love our large critters.