How to keep my labs warm

[hyperlitejb]

My labs have been bedding down in my backyard rather than the doghouse. I'm guessing the wood is colder than the ground, so i was thinking of putting some hay in their doghouse. Any other suggestions of what to put in the house to keep them a little warmer?

[BrandonH]

I've used hay before with good success, but have learned that they actually love this weather and really don't care. I usually don't worry about mine until we get sub-freezing temps for an extended period of time.

[MountainMan]

I admit, I went a little overboard on my dog house for my lab, but I put R5 sheet insulation in the bottom. That keeps him pretty warm, but the hay is a good quick fix

[KJones]

I don't think Labs get cold down here. They were bred to jump in freezing cold water and retrieve waterfowl.

[Txngent]

I use cedar shavings in my lab's dog house. He will get in the house only if it is real windy or raining. Other than that, he digs him out a hole (usually in my wife's flower bed).

[Codie]

my dad used to use hay in all his birdogs houses. Seemed to work pretty well.

[Joey~AP]

Cedar shavings also cut down on fleas. They have some sort of oil in it.

[hyperlitejb]

Thanks guys, they seem fine but i just wanted to make sure.

[raiderelkhunter]

any kind of grass hay will be excellent for them. Just watch out some dogs are allergic to certain grasses. As far as cedar goes, stay away from it, I have heard that it is bad for a bird dog's nose......anyways, grass is warmer than that stuff.

[jerp]

When I was a kid our quail dogs stayed outside all the time, no matter the weather. (this was in N.E. Okla) On cold nights we always had fresh straw in the dog houses and my dad used to clip a drop light to the ceiling. If it's well insulated the bulb provides enough heat to help some. (I always worried about that being a fire hazard but it never was a problem)

[KRB]

I use cedar shavings and it makes her smell like a big ole hamster

[Chad C]

My labs like to act cold until its time to hunt in sub 30 degree weather and the water temp is in the 20's, heck everything seems to be just fine under those conditions! They have you fooled!

[Artos]

X2...

My labs like to act cold until its time to hunt in sub 30 degree weather and the water temp is in the 20's, heck everything seems to be just fine under those conditions! They have you fooled!

...but mine are spoiled. I put a little warmer and point it to the mouth of their big igloo house. They both curl up inside & they will sleep in till they get hot. Do this at home and the ranch.

They are both sleeping in the sun right now:-)

[Chad C]

...but mine are spoiled. I put a little warmer and point it to the mouth of their big igloo house. They both curl up inside & they will sleep in till they get hot. Do this at home and the ranch.

They are both sleeping in the sun right now:-)

Ours have the same thing! They work great!!!!

[CastAndBlast]

Mine sleeps inside with me I vowed to her that since she does so much for me, I will spoil her and she loves it. Sometimes it is hard to get her out the bed in the morn though