The Dog Bible Q&A
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
Dog House Rejection
Hi, Tracie. We have an outdoor dog. At the beginning of the summer, I took apart his dog house and cleaned it all out. Because the nights were warm, I didn’t put the dog house together again for a couple months, at which point I bought new padding, and really made it nice. He refuses to go in it. I thought when it rained he’d use it, especially because he hates water on him, but he’s refusing. We even stopped feeding him for a day, and then I put some dog food in the house -- he sticks his head in, but that’s it. I’m worried because it will be getting very cold pretty soon. What can I do?
From: Estee in Citrus Heights, California
Hi, Estee. There are two possibilities. One is that you cleaned the house with some strong chemical compound that smells really terrible to your dog. Is the dog house made of synthetic material, or wood? Can you take it apart again, rinse it down and sun-dry it? If so, always use the “green” cleaners, organic and safe for your pooch and the environment.
The second possibility is that he doesn’t like the feeling of that bedding. It may be too thick, or squishy, or lumpy; whatever… I’d suggest removing the bedding, sitting with him and the bedding outside the house, urging him onto it with treats, sitting on it with him… see if you can get him comfortable with it.
You’ll see soon enough whether either of the above is the problem. (If he really hates it, give it as a gift to a friend, or, better yet, your local shelter.) Buy a thick foam pad with a zip-off cover -- they make them in all sizes. Go to KV Vet Supply at www.kvvet.com for affordable equipment in every size -- all dogs like these!
And please, let me know what happens! Good luck!
Tracie Hotchner
Tracie welcomes any and all questions about cats AND dogs on both her live radio shows. Call in to DOG TALK on Saturdays from 11-Noon (EST) to 800-394-8830 or Wednesdays 8-9 PM (EST) to CAT CHAT 866-675-6675. (You don't need to have Sirius to call in!)
DISCLAIMER: Please be aware that the advice I give on the air or in emails – or those you see posted here – are not intended to take the place of a veterinarian's advice or expertise. I say this to protect myself from being misunderstood or from your over-reliance on my advice in situations where your pet may be seriously ill and you would mistakenly delay seeking medical intervention. While I am confident in the research-based facts and common-sense advice I can offer, it is never meant to be used at the exclusion of trained, accredited and board certified professionals. But I also have this disclaimer to protect your dog – because what you learn from me is not intended to take the place of medical care or professional evaluation – on the contrary, my desire is to equip you with information that will allow you to enjoy your pets to the fullest, and also to encourage you to seek professional medical attention whenever there are physical symptoms or an overall change in your pet's attitude.
The information contained in the answers posted on this board comes from THE DOG BIBLE: Everything Your Dog Wants You To Know, and from DOG TALK® The Radio Show, broadcast live, Saturdays, from 11-12 noon EST, on your local NPR affiliate. All emails are answered personally and then posted, sometimes in abbreviated form.
