Akoma Dog Products, makers of the Hound Heater

Akoma Dog Products, manufacturers of the Critter Cord and Holee Molee De-Ice DeVice


The Hound Heater II

Frequently Asked Questions

Below is a list of some of our most frequently asked questions.
Click on a specific question to be bounced down to that particular question.

If your question is not answered here, please feel free to

  1. Please define for me the difference between the Hound Heater 1 and the X-treme and the Hound Heater 2 and the Ultimate?
  2. Which Hound Heater is best for my doghouse?
  3. Can I use a HH in my Igloo style house?
  4. What size heating element can I use?
  5. What type of bulb should I use?
  6. What do I do if my previous element gets stuck in the Hound Heater socket?
  7. What is a thermocube and how does it work?
  8. Can I use a timer to run my Hound Heater?
  9. Is there any assembly required with the Hound Heater?
  10. I don't have a good dog house, do you recommend any?
  11. What is a Critter Cord Protector?
  12. What's New - for 2007-08?
  1. Please define for me the difference between the Hound Heater 1 and the X-treme and the Hound Heater 2 and the Ultimate?
    The Hound Heater 1 is made to handle heating elements up to 150 watts. The Hound Heater 1 is just the heater. You need to add your own heating element. The Hound Heater X-treme has been pre-packaged with TWO, 150 watt Fusion Heat Elements. The Hound Heater 2 is a smaller unit for smaller dog houses that can hold an element up to 100 watts. If you order the Ultimate package, you also receive TWO Fusion Heat Elements, so all you need to do is mount it, screw in the Fusion Element and plug it in! Top

  2. Which Hound Heater is best for my doghouse?
    Every house is different and the climate you live in really affects the unit you need. As a rule, the HH1 X-treme (150 watt) will effectively warm a house 4ft. X 4ft. X 2ft. tall (32cubic ft) and the HH2 Ultimate (100 watt) a house 2 ft X 2 ft. X 4 ft. (16 cubic ft.). These are insulated houses in Minnesota.

    *Very important! The Hound Heater must never be mounted on the ceiling. Also, the Hound Heater X-treme unit is for large houses (28-32cubic feet) in climates such as Minnesota and Canada. We often see temperatures that never go above 30 degrees F all winter long. If you are not sure what size heater to use, please contact me for help. Top

  3. Can I use a HH in my Igloo style house?
    Absolutely! A Hound Heater 2 model is perfect. It is important that you use nuts, bolts and washers instead of screws for mounting. It may sit slightly crooked but will work very well. The Hound Heater 2 base only gets warm so there is no problem or worry about melting the plastic. It is important that you either use a Critter Cord or some other cord protector, such as steel conduit, to keep your pet from chewing it. Top

  4. What size heating element can I use?
     Again, it depends on the house size and quality, insulation, climate, etc. I suggest you start with a 75-100 watt and monitor your house's temperature.Top

  5. What type of bulb should I use?
     You can safely use any type of bulb, i.e. infared, utility, ceramic emitter, etc. As long as it does not exceed 150 watts (HHI) and 100 watts (HH2), they will work. I suggest a high quality bulb such as a "trouble light" style bulb as they are made to withstand higher temperatures, bumping, etc.Top

  6. What do I do if my previous element gets stuck in the Hound Heater socket?
     This sometimes happens when you over-tighten the element or don't remove it during the "off season". I suggest that you try these ideas...
    1. Be sure to unplug the heater cord from the outlet.
    2. Cut a raw potato in half.
    3. Carefully push the cut end over the broken off element and turn counter-clockwise. If you cannot get it lose, you need to return the unit and have it repaired. You can replace the socket by simply:
      1. Unplug unit.
      2. Removing the 2 socket screws.
      3. Carefully pull up socket, loosen black wire screw (brass colored), remove wire.
      4. Loosen silver screw and remove white wire.
      5. Leave green wire and screw intact.
      6. Install new socket making sure black wire goes to brass screw and the white wire goes to the silver screw.
      7. Carefully re-install the socket screws.
      8. Screw in heat element, do not over tighten, plug in to test.
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  7. What is a thermocube and how does it work?
     A thermocube is a very simple plug in device that will turn your Hound Heater ON and OFF depending on the outside temperature. It turns "on" when the outside temperature goes below 35 degrees F and "off" when the outside temperature goes above 45 degrees F. In order for the thermocube to properly function, it must be plugged into an outlet located in an unheated area outside of the doghouse. It has two outlet plugs so one thermocube can operate two Hound Heaters. Perfect for warm/cool climates or early fall - late spring conditions. Top
  8. Can I use a timer to run my Hound Heater?
     Yes! A simple electrical timer can be used to turn your Hound Heater on/off as it fits your needs.Top
  9. Is there any assembly required with the Hound Heater?
     Absolutely not! Simply follow the simple mounting instructions and plug in the heater.Top
  10. I don't have a good dog house, do you recommend any?
     Yes, there are many commercial dog houses. Two of the best are by K-9 Kondo and Deer Creek. They are made so well, a 60-75 watt Fusion Element is the highest wattage element recommended. They are available so please specify this when ordering."Top
  11. What is a Critter Cord Protector?
     Remember, the Hound Heater was designed so the cord is not accessible to your pet. This is not always possible and the Critter Cord is a great way to deter your pet from chewing the cord. My dogs hate the Critter Cord. I can't even get them to pick it up.Top
  12. What's New - for 2007-08?
    1. Re-designed Hound Heater 1 X-treme. The HH1 has been re-designed to make it lighter and easier to install, yet operates just as well as the old model. Each package (X-treme and Ultimate) now come with two fusion heat elements so you will always have a back up!
    2. Now available - The Fusion Heat Element. Developed specifically for the Hound Heater dog house heating system. This long lasting element has been painted black to keep out most of the light but leaves just enough to let you know it is working.
    3. The Critter Cord cord protection system. The Critter Cord has a citrus smell infused in the plastic that dogs hate and it lasts andlasts! The Critter Cord is a great deterent to prevent any chewing if the cord has to be exposed to your pet. Some dogs will chew anything and if your pet is a "chewer", I strongly suggest you run the cord through a piece of steel conduit available at your local hardware store, Menards, Home Depot, Lowe's, etc.
    4. Finally - New lower prices! Order two or more units and only pay $9.95!!
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