The Dog House - Build One Yourself

Building a dog house is quick weekend project that can only benefit man's best friend.

Building a shelter for your pet is a simple do-it-yourself project that can be completed within a matter of days, or even hours if you're really stubborn.

Your dog's house should provide shelter, safety and warmth. Treat this project in the same manner you would make something for yourself. Be sure to use pressure-treated wood for the base material only as it has to be water-resistant. As it can contain chemicals that are toxic to animals, it should not be used on any exposed parts of the dog house. Instead, use plywood or untreated softwood for the floors and walls. All screws and nails used have to weather-resistant.

No two dogs are alike, so the new dog house should be made to measure. To obtain dimensions for your dog's new house, add 18 inches to the length of your dog to obtain the length of the structure, and 12 inches to the length of your dog for the width. For the total height of the house, add 9 inches to your dog's height, and add 6 inches for the roof slope.

These measurements ensure there is the optimum amount of space for your dog to move around inside the house. It also enables good temperature regulation so your dog won't feel too cold as it would in a house too large to be warmed with its own body heat. The floor should be raised off the ground to prevent water or other small animals from entering as well as insulate against cold ground in colder weather.

Frame the walls and floor with studs before attaching the paneling to the outer edges of the studs. This leaves you space to install insulation to retain warmth or cool the house as needed. Insulation should be covered with plywood sheeting to prevent your dog from chewing on it. The roof should have about 2 inches overhang over the sides and 4 inches over the front and back. When installing the panels, make sure there are no exposed nail ends that could injure your dog.

For an entrance that will keep the chill out and heat in, mark the top of the doorway a few inches higher than the height of your dog. Add 3 inches to your dog's width to get the appropriate width. Cut out the entrance with a circular saw and sand down any rough edges all around the house.

by: Madden

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