How to Build a Dog House
Building a dog house can be a very satisfying experience, especially if you love your pet. When building, it’s important to keep your dog’s needs foremost in your mind. Not only should the doghouse be safe, but it should provide adequate ventilation and room for your pet to move around. Before you plan your own dog house, it is recommended that you check out a couple of functional dog houses. Make sure you also speak to someone who owns, or has built one before.
Required Materials
- pressure treated timber
- waterproof plywood
- concrete
- paint/varnish
Required Tools
- tape measure
- pencil
- safety glasses
- hammer
- nails
- drill
- shovel
- concrete mixer
- paint brush and container
Instructions
- Fundamentals for Building a Dog House - It is imperative to design a dog house according to the breed of your dog. This factor will determine the dimension of the dog house and any special requirements. For example, the insulation of the dog house should be determined based on the thickness of the dog’s coat. In case of mixed-breed dogs, it is best to consult a veterinarian to find out what requirements should be followed.
- Size of the Dog House - The house that you build should be a permanent shelter for your dog. Determine how big the dog house needs to be. If your pet is still a puppy, find out how tall it will be when it is an adult. The interior should have enough space for your pet to sit, stand and move about freely. It is recommended to keep aside additional space in the dog house for storage of quilts, food bowls, toys, etc. However, this is only a recommendation.
- Ventilating the Dog House - The most significant feature of a dog house is ventilation. The dog house should provide ample fresh air and sunlight. Even if you built the house an adequate height, improper ventilation could suffocate your dog. A solution to the problem would be to design the house in such a manner that air can circulate freely. The entry door needs to be large enough for the dog to enter and exit. It is also a good idea to add an additional window for better air circulation.
- Placement of the Dog House - Always choose to have the dog house placed in a shady region to keep the dog comfortable and warm. It should also be durable enough to withstand extreme climates. Another important thing to do is to keep the dog house off the ground. This keeps excessive moisture away.
- Ensuring Proper Flooring - You can construct the floor of the dog house with materials of your own choice; such as wood, concrete or even tiles. You can even choose to pad the flooring for the comfort of your pet.
Tips and Warnings
- Always keep the dog house as simple as possible so that it is easy to construct and maintain.
- Build the roof of the dog house using waterproof plywood.
- Collect as much information as possible before you start building.