Tips in building your own Dog House

One of the basic needs of people is shelter. Like people, your dog also needs a place of their own to relax, right? A dog house can be a small shed for your loyal furry-haired pet where he can run in for shelter anytime. Just make sure that you do not make your dog house too big or too small. You know why? Because doing that could result to excessive constriction or excessive heat loss for your dog. There are different kinds of shelter that you can make for your pet, depending upon your need or preference.

If you have one or more dogs, then why not build a larger dog house for them? That way, your dogs can sleep in one area. However, you must keep in mind though that they get along well before you decide on building a bigger house for them. Making a dog house is so much easy if you have the right tools and technical expertise. Do not worry if you do not have the capabilities of making one. There are dog house builders that you can contact to make one for you. Just leave them to the experts.

You can also find dog house plans that can be purchased at your local stores. These plans can be modified for your dog’s needs or your budget. All of them are designed to provide comfort in any weather—either in hot or extreme cold. Plus, they are also well-built so that your beloved pet can enjoy moving around his structurally sound shelter. If you have one or more dogs, and you are limited to only building a single dog house, better make a partition so that they can have their privacy without having to fight over the cozy shelter that you have made for them.

Dog house construction

Your pet dog is a part of your family that deserves proper care and love. Making him a comfortable and relaxing dog house is an effective way to make him feel loved and properly nurtured. To make a personal dog house, you only need few things such as a treated lumber that measures 2x4 or 2x6, plywood, 2x2 and 2x4 lumber, shingles or other roof material, assorted trim boards, “L” brackets, nails and screws, paint, roof cement and bricks or cap blocks. On this project, you don’t need a huge budget because these materials are cheaply priced on hardware. Aside from the materials, you also need some tools in order to put them together. The tools that you will need are tape measure, saw, hammer, crowbar, level and metal triangle.

Now, you have all the necessary materials and tools, so let’s go on the construction or carpentry work. Basically, a dog house construction involves five phases. The first one is the floor structure decking. In this phase, you have to put together the lumber and plywood to make out the base. Make sure that it is strong enough to carry the weight of your pet so that it won’t give in after few months. The next step after this is the side and back walls construction. In this phase you have to assemble the 2xb lumber through the use of “L” bracket to make a parallel fencing all around the base. From this phase you have to move on to the front entrance wall construction. Make a gateway shrine to allow your pet’s easy entrance and exit of his house. Once you’re done with these steps, the last will be the siding and roof decking. This is the final task to complete the project. Here, you will use the shingles, nails, screws and roof cement. Just put out the shingles above the walling creating a triangle shape just. When the roof is properly set out, check out for some holes that can possible cause water leaks inside the dog house. Spread some roof cement and also paint out the entire house as a final touch.

A dog house construction is really an easy task if you have all the materials and tools that are needed and if you have a clear instruction guide such as this.

Materials and Tools needed for Building a Dog House

Materials and Tools

Materials

Materials needed for the project can be directly assessed from the plan you drew. Buy more materials than you absolutely need because, you are destined to at some point, make a brain numbing miscalc. If you live forty miles from a building supply place or only have that pickup truck for one afternoon, be smart and overbuy on materials. You will use the stuff eventually for something anyway.
In general the materials I used are outlined specifically in the text of the picture captions but are listed here generallly as:
1) treated lumber 2x4 or 2x6
2) plywood
3) 2x2 lumber
4) 2x4 lumber
5) shingles or other roof material
6) assorted trim boards
7) "L" brackets, nails, and screws
8) paint, caulk and roof cement
9) bricks or cap blocks

Cost of Materials

My employer generously donated the plywood, which probably would have set me back forty to fifty bucks (there's my raise). I also had the paint and a few nails and what-not. Otherwise the cost of materials was about seventy dollars. Most of this came from a large building materials superstore in the metro Atlanta area. Your actual cost may vary because your actual dog may vary. Don't let my cost factors scare you off this project, I have two, big dogs.

Tools

Tools I used were:
1) tape measure
2) saws (circular and jig)
3) hammers (claw and finishing)
4) crowbar
5) level
6) 30-60-90 metal triangle
7) caulk gun
8) screwdrivers ( a powerdriver is great), but a big old flathead driver comes in handy, so have one available as well as at least one philips head hand driver.
9) paint brush or roller, paint trays, etc.

Building a dog house

Building a dog house can provide your dog with shelter when outdoors. The dog house can provide shade in the summer, protection from rain or snow during inclement weather and simply a place for your dog to relax any time of year. Before attempting to build a dog house, you should consider a number of factors including the following:

• Size of the dog.
• Purpose of the dog house.
• Spatial constraints.
• Location of the dog house.
• Climate of the location.
• Budget of the project.

All of these factors are important because they will help you to determine the size of the dog house you will build, the materials you will use in construction and other considerations such as the placement of the dog house once it is constructed. After you make all of these decisions, it's time to begin your project.

Even if you have never completed a project of this nature, with some simple guidance and some woodworking knowledge, you can build your own dog house for your canine companion. The following steps will guide you through the process of building a dog house.

1. Planning your project is the first step in the design process. You have already considered a number of factors that will help you determine the size, shape and materials you wish to use in your project. You can use this information to map out your project in terms of dimensions. When crate-training a dog, it is recommended that you use a crate that is only large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down, but a dog house should be considerably larger than this because a dog house is used for both shelter and recreation for the dog. Consider selecting a crate size appropriate for potty training your dog and scaling those dimensions up slightly to allow your dog more room to relax. The size of dog house you construct should be large enough to accommodate your dog at his full size. If your dog is a puppy it might be wise to either wait until he is fully grown or construct the dog house to accommodate the larger end of the breed spectrum.
2. Once you have determined the dimensions of your dog house, it is time to begin construction. In most cases, wood is an appropriate material for a dog house and for the purposes of this article we will assume the dog house will be constructed of wood.
3. Floor structure: The floor structure can be constructed of 2x4 pieces of pressure-treated lumber. The pieces will be measured and cut to create a footprint of the desired size, and joists should be included as necessary. For larger dog houses this may include joists at every 16 inches. Please note that pressure treated lumber should not be used in locations where the dog may chew on the wood, as it contains chemicals that may be harmful to the dog. Any structure that will not be covered with a layer of untreated lumber should not utilize pressure-treated lumber. The framework for the floor can then be covered in plywood. Thicker plywood such as 1/2" thick plywood may be necessary for larger dogs, but 3/8" may be acceptable for smaller breeds.
4. Sidewalls and back wall structure: The structure for the sidewalls and the back wall can be created of 2x2 pieces of lumber forming a square or rectangular shape. Again, studs can be placed every 16 inches along the structure if necessary.
5. Front structure: The front structure of the dog house typically includes the entrance for the dog. This structure is comprised of 2x2 lumber again and can consist of a horizontal piece and two vertical elements to form the door way. Alternately this piece can be replaced by a sidewall structure and one of the sidewalls can serve as the entrance.
6. Assembling the framework: Once the framework is completed, assemble the framework to the floor system. Wood screws and nails can be used to connect each element to the floor and L-brackets along with screws and nails can be used to join the sections to each other.
7. Roof joists: The roof joists can be assembled at a 30 degree angle to ensure rain will adequately run off the roof of the dog house. These joists can be notched precisely so they will sit firmly on top of the wall structures.
8. Siding: Plywood of 3/8" thickness can be used for the walls and roof. The siding should be cut precisely to ensure there will not be gaps in the structure and can be nailed directly to the framework.
9. Roof: Plywood of 3/8" thickness can also be used for the roof. As with the siding, the roof can be nailed directly to the roof joists. Although the wood is sufficient, shingles or other decorative elements can also be added if desired.
10. Finishing the dog house: The appearance of a dog house is largely a matter of personal preference, but care should be taken to ensure all materials used in painting or treating the house will not be toxic to your dog. If you have any question regarding the contents of a paint or treatment, contact an authority such as a poison control center that can help you determine whether or not the substance is safe.

Dog House Building And Buying Guide

Dog owners have to consider several factors when buying or building a house for their pets. As a true member of your own family, providing your pet with the best home possible is of the utmost importance.

i. Size

A German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler and other large dogs should have large houses, while the Chihuahua and smaller breeds will need smaller houses. The door of the house does not need to be based on the height of the dog from the ground to the top of its head, or even taller, as it will lower its head to be able to enter the house. The width of the door should be just enough to accommodate the dog. These height and width measurements can be adjusted if there is a physical requirement to do so. The house should also be large enough for the dog to stand at full height inside, move around and lie down. Owners should remember that a larger-than-needed home will compromise the dog's retention of body heat during the winter or colder months.

ii. Weather Conditions

Some dog houses are made with hinged roofs, a feature that allows owners to raise the roof during hot and humid weather. This flexibility provides adequate air flow to flush out warm air and allow fresh or cool air to enter. In some cases, these roofs can also be lowered, creating a smaller space for the dog and enhancing its ability to retain heat during rainy or cold weather. Asphalt shingles should be used only if there is an adequate insulation barrier separating the roof from the main area of the house. Many house models also come with slanted roofs, ensuring that water drains away during rainy days. Owners should avoid building or buying houses with barn-type or peak-style roofs, as these would attract hornets, wasps and other insects and prevent heat retention. Another option is wind walls, which can be inserted into the dog house to break the wind and keep the house warmer. The house should also be a reasonable distance off the ground to keep it dry. For owners with bigger budgets, some house manufacturers offer provisions for heaters and air-conditioners. These climate control systems help ensure comfort for the dog regardless of weather conditions.

iii. Doors

The front door of the dog house should be located to one side instead of in the middle. This will prevent the dog from being directly exposed to extreme weather conditions and other harsh environmental elements. Some models are designed with removable doors, or with no doors at all. Using a door will help keep the dog house warmer during cold months. An awning type cover can also be used over the opening for added shade and protection.

iv. Easy To Clean And Maintain

Removable or adjustable roofs

Doors, partitions

Wind walls

Flexibility in cleaning

Restrict use of paint, stains, or water sealers for the outside of the house

v. Use Wood

Plastic and metal houses are not a good idea, as they are either too hot during summertime or too cold during the winter. Some market experts say that houses made from natural western red cedar wood offer the best insulation for dogs during winter while making them cooler during summer. Red cedar wood oils are also natural repellants of ticks, fleas and termites. Houses made from this material are also maintenance-free on the outside, although owners have a choice of finishing it to complement their property. Sprinkling red cedar wood chips or shavings in the bedding also helps prevent infestation. Owners should also remember that wooden roofs help cut down heat build-up from the sun while helping to maintain reasonable heat retention levels.

vi. Keep The Dog House Elevated

For legless houses, the owner must remember that having it directly on the ground increases the likelihood that the pet would be exposed to cold and wet weather. This also raises the possibility of infestation from flea eggs that hatch in the soil. The owner can use bricks, rocks or stones arranged in a level and stable manner to elevate the house. The elevation will allow air to flow beneath the house and prevent moisture from forming at the bottom.

About the Author
For more great dog house related articles and resources check out http://doghouses.lawnngardens.com

Dog House Designs

Dog houses are now not just a matter of shelter for dogs. Today, equal importance, if not more, is given to beautifully designed dog houses which add an extra charm and beauty to the landscape of the owner’s house. Hence, new attractive designs emerge regularly, reflecting our evolving choices. T.J Designs, Ash Custom Wood, All Dog Houses, Pet Street Mall, La Petite Maison, Lilliput Play Homes, Petsmart, Petmate, Post Modern Pets, Improvements, Solid Cedar Dog Houses, and Orvis are some companies which provide amazing variety of designs among dog houses.

Dog houses are available in different material—wood, plastic, fenced wires, and much more. The design of the dog house differs accordingly too, keeping in tune with the material used in building the dog house. Among woods, cedar, Asian fir, and pine are possibly the most used in building. Fancy, playful designs such as mansion, bungalow, houses with porches, houses with roof porches, and cabin log house are made up of the aforementioned woods.

Barn-shaped and A-shaped dog houses are possibly the most common designs adopted by novice dog house creators and companies. But the flat-roofed dog house, which provides a generous view of the surroundings, is quite popular too. T.J Designs, Petmate, and Pet Street Mall deal with barn-shaped designed dog houses.

Besides wooden houses, several unique-designed dog house are available in the market too. Precision also provides log houses with slight slanting roofs, a change to the routine flat roofs. Igloo-shaped dog houses are much convenient to clean and maintain too. Improvements and Petmate among others make such homes too.

Completely portable dog houses are those provided by Petmate. It resembles a human tent and is made up of ‘heavy-duty polyester’ and has ‘nylon zipper’. Usually can be set up within minutes, it is a very convenient mobile dog house.

Dog houses completely customized to suit and match owners houses are created and provided by La Petite Maison. Dog houses are either made on the site or made first and then shipped to the desired location according to the size of the dog house.

Dog Doors can solve problem for you and your indoor or outdoor pet

Dog doors are beneficial for both dogs and the owners. When a dog is given the freedom to come and go as he pleases, he gains a new sense of security! He won't have to 'hold it' while he waits for his owner to either come home or hang up the phone. He can play outside when the weather is nice and come in when it isn't.

Dog doors have also allowed dog owners a new sense of freedom. They don't have to leave a party early anymore because they feel guilty knowing their dog is about to pop. In addition to new freedom, they put an end to accidents, incessant door scratching, and three a.m. wake up calls from your dog. Pet doors are the best kept secret, but why?!

Many people refuse to consider pet doors because they are afraid intruders will use them to enter the house. Although a legitimate fear, there are ways around this. Possibly the best way around this is an electronic pet door. This door opens automatically from a censor device placed on the dog's collar; preventing anything not wearing the collar from coming into the house.

Putting one on the backside of the house where intruders are less likely to be is another possibility. For the truly frightened person, a doghouse can be installed into a wall instead of a door. If you want to hide it, a dog house with a door cut in the back can be pushed against the wall covering up the pet door; no one will ever know it's there, except of course, the dog.

I'd like dog doors in my house, but I'm a renter! Do I have any options?

Many renters are hesitant about installing pet doors in for fear of upsetting the home owners. Now a day there is even a solution for that; sliding glass pet doors! These doors are cut in an actual sliding glass door. You simply remove the existing door from its hinges and hang the one with the pet door in its place. When it is no longer needed the original door can be replaced.

Some people are very picky about their homes and don't want to compromise the aesthetics with ugly dog doors. These people have a great alternative in wall installation. The home owner can install it into the wall of a room with very little traffic. If the idea of the door being visible from the outside bothers them, the door can be hidden by the doghouse.

There are so many new innovative products on the market these days consumers can just about make anything possible. Pet doors are an amazing product that people with inside/outside dogs don't want to ignore! Check them out; your dog will thank you.