Building your dog a customized dog house will ensure that he's as comfortable as possible and may also be less expensive than purchasing a ready made dog house. Show your dog how much you love him by building him a custom house and have fun unleashing your creativity.
Instructions
1. Measure your dog's length from head to tail. Do the same for his height (from the top of his head to the ground when standing) as well as his width across the widest part of his body. Write down the measurements. Calculate the measurements for the dog house by adding 20 inches to your dog's length, 14 inches to his width and 7 inches to his height.
2. Create a base for the dog house. Cut two pressure treated 2x4s to the measurement you calculated for the house's length above. Cut two more boards to the measurement you calculated for width. Form a rectangle from the four boards using weather-resistant screws.
3. Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to sit evenly on top of this base, forming the floor. It should be perfectly aligned with the edges of the base. Use weather-resistant screws to attach floor to the base.
4. Cut two pieces of 3/4" plywood using the length and height calculated above. These will form the sides of the dog house. Mark two more pieces of plywood according to the width and height calculated. Use a ruler to draw a triangle at the top of these pieces and cut into a pentagon shape as shown in the image. These pieces will form the front and back of the dog house.
5. Mount all four sides to the base of the dog house using weather-resistant screws. Cut four 2x4s into the proper length to place as support beams for the roof. Attach using weather-resistant screws.
6. Use a staple gun or screws to attach insulation to the interior walls of your dog house. Cover this insulation completely with walls cut from 1/4-inch plywood. Attach with screws or nails.
7. Use a saw to cut an opening in the front of the dog house. The opening should measure three inches taller than your dog's back and four inches wider than your dog.
8. Cut two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood to fit the angled roof and extend over the edges of the dog house about two inches on each side. Attach with weather-resistant screws.
9. Use short nails that will not come through the roof to attach asphalt shingles. Start at the bottom edge of the roof, overlapping the shingles as you work your way towards the peak.
10. Paint or stain the dog house. Choose a non-toxic paint or stain that is weather-resistant. Add straw or a padded dog bed inside of the dog house.
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