Owning a pet dog comes with a fair share of responsibilities, and one obligation every owner must commit to for their pet is their primary shelter.
Dogs of all ages need to have a space where they can relax and play. A dog house, or kennel, is just the place to make it happen.
Dog kennels offer shade, comfort, and protection for your dog. It also helps facilitate training and safety.
That said, there are many types of dog houses flooding the market. It can be difficult picking one from the masses, especially if you’re a first-time dog owner.
If you’re in this exact dilemma, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll show you the pros and cons of choosing one of the two most popular dog house types—plastic and wooden. Following that, we’ll give a final recommendation based on our findings.
Let’s jump right into it!
General Purpose of a Dog House
A dog house has several uses that make it something every dog owner should consider having in their household. The primary purpose of a dog house, regardless of its underlying material, is its ability to shelter dogs.
Dog houses are compact structures that typically only dogs can enter. These structures provide a feeling of cosiness due to their compact space.
When placed outdoors, it also serves as a place to shield dogs against the scorching heat, other animals, and rainy or snowy conditions. When placed indoors, the dog can seek refuge from overly clingy furparents and overstimulation around the household, like guests.
Furthermore, dog houses can also be good for training. It’s the main structure that facilitates crate training, enabling puppies and adult dogs to learn habits like knowing when to go potty through consistent training and positive reinforcement.
In essence, dog houses help provide a practical, habitual, and comfortable structure where they can relax and enjoy quiet time. These dog houses can be placed indoors or outdoors, making them a versatile structure that can benefit both the dog and its owner.
Wooden or Plastic Dog House: Which is Better?
Now that you’re aware of the perks of a dog house, you’ll likely find yourself following this new line of questioning: What type of dog house should I get for my pup?
Generally, there are two primary dog houses available in the market: wooden dog houses and plastic dog houses. Plastic dog houses tend to be lightweight and easy to maintain, whereas wooden dog houses provide a classic and durable feel.
Naturally, each dog house type has its own respective pros and cons, and there are many high-quality dog kennels on the market. Let’s explore these pros and cons and weigh them in greater detail.
Pros of a Plastic Dog House
- Lightweight and Portable
A plastic dog house is generally easy to reposition and carry.
This makes it great for owners who frequently have to rearrange their home or outdoor layout for decorative purposes. It also allows greater flexibility to bring the kennel to places outside the house, like the beach or a friend’s house.
- Low Maintenance
It’s also relatively easy to clean a plastic dog house. This kennel type can easily be hosed down with a water and soap solution, leaving it fresh and sanitary with a good scrubbing.
Furthermore, unlike wood or metal, there’s virtually no need for the material to undergo treatment like shining or rust removal. As it’s a synthetic material, it doesn’t rot, rust, or develop mould. This makes it a great solution for pet owners who want a simple kennel without requiring extra work afterwards.
- Affordable
Compared to wooden models, plastic dog houses are typically budget-friendly. They can cost as much as 60 to 70% less than wooden dog houses, in fact.
Considering the more affordable price tag, this dog kennel offers a practical solution for pet owners who don’t have a lot to spend on their dog shelter but still want basic comfort and protection for their canine pals.
