Frequently Asked Questions

A. The Dog Den 2 is 90% factory assembled and is constructed with a steel and plastic exterior while the Dog Den 1 requires complete assembly, and has a zinc plated steel exterior wall. All three have a plastic interior wall and ceiling with an insulated steel floor. The Dog Den 2 requires minor assembly while the unassembled Dog Den 1 and Dog Den 3 require complete assembly. See assembly instructions for each model on the individual web page for each design.

A. Primarily size. The construction materials are the same with the Dog Den 1 measuring at 34 " x 22" x 22", while the Dog Den 3 is our largest model at 34" x 34" x 24". The door barrier on the Dog Den 3 is also 2 inches taller.

A. Yes, but only if the customer arranges common carrier shipment. Factory assembly for the large Dog Den is $40.00. We do not arrange for common carrier shipping as the local trucking company has proven to be unreliable.

A. Yes, just call ahead to make arrangements. All factory deliveries must be pre-paid. Our normal business hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday thru Friday. After hour and weekend pickups are possible. Nebraska requires a 5.5 % sales tax for intra state deliveries.

A. The Dog Den 1 and 2 measure 34 "long x 22 " wide x 22 " tall. The large size Dog Den measures 34 " long x 34 " wide x 24 " tall.

A. When installed and maintained per our instructions the door is silent when in use.

A. It all depends upon your ability to follow instructions. An instructional DVD is also supplied. Two hours or less of assembly time is very realistic. An electric drill, 9/64 drill bit, pliers, utility knife, and pop rivet tool are required. All but a few of the rivet holes are pre-punched. For details review the instructions found on our website.

A. Not if the latches are properly installed.

A. The lip or door barrier of the Dog Den 1 and 2 is four inches high and retains bedding inside very well. The Dog Den 3 has a door barrier that measures six inches.

A. The core of the wall is 3/4" thick insulating foam that is sandwiched between two layers of 1/16 inch recycled plastic. The exterior wall is treated to withstand ultra-violet rays and will last for years. The exterior wall of the Dog Den 1 and 3 is constructed of an interlocking 24 gauge steel panel.

A. 22 gauge zinc plated steel.

A. No! The steel rests upon 3/4" foam insulation and does not come in contact with the exterior wall or floor. Regardless the type of material used for the floor a dog should never be allowed to constantly rest on a smooth hard surface such as wood, plastic, or steel. Some type of bedding or mat should always be used to provide comfort for the dog and to prevent pressure sores.

A. The radiant heater rests between the floor insulation and the interior floor. By placing the mat under the floor it is protected from the dog. The heater cycles on and off to maintain a surface temperature of 104 F. The $15.95 optional thermostat activates at an ambient (outside) temperature of 35 F and passes electricity to the heater. It stops the electric flow to the heater at 45 F ambient. In very cold climates the Thermocube it is not really necessary if ambient temperatures stay below 35 F for most of the winter. In climates like Nebraska where it can be 20 below on one day and 50 F the next the Thermocube is very useful.

A. Yes.

A. No.

A. The heater is protected from chewing by the dog as it rests underneath the interior steel floor. The cord is chew resistant but is not chew proof. The heater cord is not covered under our chew proof guarantee.

A. The heater produces 70 watts and draws less than one amp while. It must be used with a 110 volt ground fault receptacle.

A. This question is very difficult to answer because of the number of variables. Dog size and weather conditions will affect the heater's performance greatly. Normally, you can count on at least a 20 degree increase over ambient. The dogs will create far more heat than the heater. The heater just makes it much easier to for the dog to maintain its comfort level.

A. We will replace any part that fails due to chewing or defect on a pro rata basis (see warranty information for details). Customers are responsible for the cost of shipping, or can pick it up at our factory without cost. The hinge grommets are not covered as their wear depends on the amount of use and maintenance. We replace these at the nominal cost of $2.00 postpaid for two bushings, and 50 cents for each additional bushing. Regular lubrication with silicone spray or silicone grease will extend the life of the bushing considerably.

A. No. We use G90 grade sheet metal that is the highest grade of rust resistant steel available. With proper care and maintenance the steel parts will last many years. My Dog Den is seven years old and there is not a spot of rust on it. However, zinc that is chronically exposed to dog urine will eventually rust if not cleaned on a regular basis. If your dog is either urinating on the steel parts or tracks urine into the Dog Den's bare interior floor rust will be sure to follow if not cleaned. For added protection a coat of spray or roll on bed liner will protect the zinc coating on the steel and is impervious to the acid in dog urine. Bed liner can be bought by the can at most auto parts stores.

A. Although we used vents on some of the earlier Dog Den models we learned that vents did not offer enough pluses to outweigh the minuses. We found that dogs would lay inside the Dog Den until ambient temperatures reached 95 F regardless if it was vented or not. The vent opening was a magnet for chewing and it was difficult for the customer to seal in cold weather.