Getting home a new dog is exciting and sometimes a little overwhelming, especially when you have a dog that loves being outdoors. If that’s the case with you too, there are a lot of preparations that need to be done to make your dog comfortable, and one of the essentials could be learning how to build a dog house.
While it would be much easier to purchase a dog house from a store that you can simply assemble in the backyard, you may never get a dog house that meets all the requirements for your dog. Besides, with commercial-made products, the quality can also be questionable.
It makes sense then to set some time aside and work on this little DIY project to build Fido his own house. To make your job easier, here’s a guide you can follow to build the perfect dog house!
To make your DIY project a success, there are several things you need to keep in mind with planning and research including how much does it cost to build a dog house.
You will need to consider how much time, effort, and money will be required so that you get a clearer idea of the work involved. Here are the materials commonly used in building a basic but functional wooden dog house for an average-sized dog:
Materials Required:-
- Thin Plywood Sheets
- Base Material (Treated Wood Panel, 4 Feet Square)
- Frames And Side Panel Material (Treated Wood, 2 Feet By 4 Feet Planks x 8)
Tools Required:-
- Hammer
- Screws And Nails
- Saw
- Tar Paper
- Power Drill With Screwdriver Bits
- Level
- Sandpaper
1. Plan Your Design
The first and most important step when DIYing a construction project is to have a design in place. You need a plan regarding raising the floor and the placement of the ventilation system. For this, consider the specific needs of your dog and create a rough design to make estimations.
You can then draw your plans for how you want the dog house to look. Traditionally, dog houses are made with a small base platform with sides that go up vertically. The roof is usually slanted but can also be flat.
2. Choose And Measure The Ground
The next major step is to determine where you will be placing the dog house. Make sure that whichever area you choose in your backyard has an even, flat surface. You can use a level to ensure this. This will help keep the foundations of the dog house steady.
If needed, a little landscaping is added to your to-do list to even the ground and make it as flat as possible.
3. Built The Foundation And The Sides
Next, we get to the actual construction. Set the flat panel on the ground. This functions as the foundation of the dog house. Then hammer the plywood boards onto the flat panel to serve as the house’s floorboards.
Next, prop up the flat panels vertically and nail or screw them into the base. At this point, you have a doghouse with three walls and floorboards.
4. Make A Doorway
On the last panel, use a saw to cut out the appropriate doorway for your dog. Make sure it’s wide and tall enough so your dog can use it comfortably. Sand down the panel’s edges and nail or screw it in place in front of the dog house.
5. Create The Roof
With the two remaining panels, create the roof of the dog house. Whether you want it slanted or flat is up to you. Attach these panels to the rest of the frame with nails or screws.
You can also make the roof of the door house more prepared to withstand the elements of nature by putting tar paper on it.
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1. Purpose
The primary factor when you want to know how to build a dog house is being clear on its purpose and how your dog will use it.
The most obvious reason is, of course, to provide shelter and protection to your dog when they are outside. A dog house will keep them dry when it is raining and reduce the impact of the natural elements.
While it is mainly for protection, a dog house can also provide your dog with his own space where he can rest.
2. Materials
When you are on a budget, it is better to opt for plastic as a base material for your dog’s house. It is lightweight and requires minimal maintenance since you can simply hose it down or wipe it clean. Plastic dog houses don’t require any refinishing. Plastic also doesn’t rot, making it a great choice for longevity.
Wood, however, is one of the most popular and “standard” options as they do have a certain esthetic appeal given how dog houses are portrayed in books and on television, like a smaller version of a human house. And by all means, wood does have its advantages.
A dog house made of wood provides greater insulation. It can give a better hearth to your dog when the temperature drops and can be more reliable when it comes to a strong foundation and being able to withstand natural elements.
Cedar, fir wood, and pine are the most common woods used in building dog houses.
Another consideration when building a dog house is the size and breed of your dog. The dog house should be a perfect fit for the size of your dog’s breed.
If your pet is still a puppy, you must consider how much he will grow. The last thing you want is having to do another DIY project for an adult dog house. You don’t want your puppy to outgrow the house, but you also don’t want to make the dog too big for your dog because it’ll make it too difficult to keep warm during the winter.
Build a dog house to ensure there is adequate space for your dog to get in and out without any struggle. Your dog should be able to turn around and lie down while inside comfortably. Canines prefer their personal space to be cosy and warm and not too spacious and open.
The general principle is to take the height of your dog and add 9-inches to that, and then the dog’s length plus 18-inches, and finally the width of your dog plus 12-inches. These dimensions provide enough moving area for your dog without it being too spacious.
4. Design
Having a feasible, functional, and reliable design is critical when you are planning on building a dog house. You can gather information on how to build a simple dog house or go pro with a more extravagant, two-floor dog house. There are no limits when it comes to the design for your dog’s home.
Every element from the roof to the ground needs careful planning with due consideration for the materials involved. Remember that a dog house should not just be scraps put together. Thankfully, there are plenty of online resources and designs that you can refer to.
5. Ventilation
When you’re learning how to build a dog house, you will come across how critical ventilation is. The idea of opening and closing parts, like windows and doors, is crucial, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather.
During summer, there should be vents that can be opened to cool the house and dissipate your dog’s body heat. During winter, the dog house should be capable of insulating heat by closing the vents. Additionally, you can incorporate “add-ons” like attachable/removable vinyl flaps, a doghouse furnace, or even a heated bed when necessary.
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Building your dog house DIY can be a worthwhile and satisfying project, especially when you see the fruit of your efforts as the house starts coming together. It is also particularly satisfying to see your pup getting excited about a new abode.
And to make sure that you have all your bases covered and create a home that’s perfect for your best bud, here are some extra tips on building an ideal home for your dog:
- When using wood as your base material, choose the wood with a non-toxic stain or sealant to ensure it is free of dangerous chemicals.
- Choose materials and accessories that are water-resistant, waterproof, and weatherproof. Try to incorporate mildew and mould-resistant products.
- Pet safety is non-negotiable, so your dog’s house should be free of any risks and hazards like exposed nails. The dog house should also be placed away from potential dangers like electrical wires and poisonous plants.
- Elevate the dog house above ground level to allow air circulation. This will also prevent the home from being flooded when it rains.
- Leave the interiors of the house unpainted because dogs love to chew, and paint is a hazard.
- Use a hinge in the roof so cleaning can be easier and more accessible.
A dog house can be one of the most fun and satisfying projects you can take up. If you’re still in the process of getting a puppy to add to your family, you can first learn about the best dog breeds for new owners, and then move on to preparing the other essentials and eventually building the dog house.
Hopefully, we’ve made this guide easy enough that even DIY-newbies can successfully follow to create a dog house for their furry family members.