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