Summer dog run/bed ?

[blackdog]

I'm looking for suggestions for creating a cool, clean place for my two labs to lay during the heat of the day here in Bend (it's supposed to be up to the low 90's this week). The kennel area the dogs are in is around the side and back of the house, facing south and west, so it gets all the afternoon sun.

I have a corner of the back shed built into a doghouse, which they use when it's cool and/or wet, but when it gets hot, they usually end up digging holes in the dirt up next to the fence to find cooler ground.

I've thought about getting some polyproplene material that Cabela's sell that has a 80% shade factor to help with cutting out some of the sun and reflecting heat, but don't know what to do to keep them from digging and laying in the dirt.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

From Blackdog and the hot black and brown dogs.

[mcknerkneykak]

They will dig and they will lay in the dirt. On hot days, I wet down their kennel---They don't have to dig as deep to find cool soil. If there is a better way I'm all ears.

[Elkguide]

I have burlap bags that I soak overnight and then lay out in the kennel seems to keep the dogs cool on those hot days.
I have also hung up the wet burlap over the dog house door and put a fan on it to create a cooling breeze.
I also have sun shades on the kennels that helps out a whole bunch. pet co has them for around 50 bucks well worth it.

Hope this helps a little

Elkguide
Casey