We always had a dog when I was growing up, but my stepfather insisted that they were outdoor dogs, and that they would sleep in a dog house each night. I never really liked that, but that was the way things were, and I was in no position to change his mind. I always felt bad for the dogs, and would sit outside with them for hours to be sure they had some company. Sometimes, I would be the only person paying attention to them for weeks on end.
There is nothing wrong with a good dog house. That's for certain. However, a dog should never be chained outdoors with no interaction from their owners. It's not a good life for them, and they long for the company of humans and even other dogs. Instead, the dog house should be somewhere they can go for part of the day, but they should be a part of the family for the rest of the time. Many have a house their pet can use while in a fenced in yard, but they are not forced to remain there all of the time.
When considering a dog house, make sure you are getting on that is large enough for the dog to turn around in with room to spare. They should be used for outdoor naps, and even some time in the shade on a hot day. If you get an adequate dog house, they will love to be in there when not in your company. If you live in colder climates, and your dog will spend time outside in the house, make sure it is warm. Dogs have fur, but they also get cold. Some even line the house with fresh hay when a dog must be outside so they have some sort of softness to lie on, and some insulation as well.
When you look at a dog house for your dog, you have a few considerations. Some like to have the classic wood house, but there are newer ones that are made from plastic. If you can find one that has a built in water source, that is probably a good idea to buy. A plastic dog house will have some durability beyond the wood type, but some want to go with the traditional. Whatever you choose, just make sure your dog is comfortable and happy. Everything else is optional.
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