Do you love your puppy, but don't like it when it covers your bed in fur at night? You could build an outdoor shed for your dog, which will keep him dry and warm at night and free your bed from fur. Follow the next steps to create a custom dog house that suits your puppy's personality.
Steps
Method 1 of 4: Building the Base
Step 1. Evaluate what you will use the base for
Different dogs have different needs, but some needs are common to almost everyone: a dry, isolated space to call home when it's hot or cold outside. Pay attention to these factors when building his house:
- Think about isolation. Remember that the base will form the foundation of the entire house and will create an empty space between the ground and the floor that will have an insulating effect. A home without a base will be cooler in the cold months and warmer in the warm months.
- Evaluate the specific elements that could affect the base in the external environment. If it often rains in your area, make sure you use a non-toxic and water-resistant material and build a base that is sufficiently raised from the ground, to prevent it from flooding.
Step 2. Use a square and a pencil to reproduce the project on the wood
Cut 5x10 wooden boards into four pieces, two 57cm long and two 58cm long, for a medium sized dog.
Step 3. Place the 58 cm pieces inside the front and rear 57 cm pieces, creating a rectangle with the 5 cm sides resting on the ground
Use a countersunk drill bit to make pilot holes. Then attach the base pieces by inserting two 7.5cm galvanized wood screws into each end.
Step 4. Trace the pattern onto a 2cm plywood board using a pencil and square
Length and width must be 57 and 58 cm, just like those of the base.
Step 5. Using galvanized wood screws, attach the panel to the base by inserting a screw in each corner
Method 2 of 4: Mount the Walls
Step 1. Use real wood for added insulation and versatility
Using wood for the dog house will help maintain good insulation, even if the material is rather thin. For the front wall of the house, make an opening as small as possible (as long as it is comfortable), in order to allow the house to conserve heat.
Step 2. Trace the pattern for the sides of the house to the same piece of plywood used for the floor
Each side should be 66cm long and 40cm wide, while the front and back side should be a 60x16cm rectangle, with a triangle 30cm high and 60cm wide attached to the top. Cut the shape in one piece for both the front and back.
Step 3. Leave an opening in the front wall about 25 cm wide and 33 cm high
Leave a space of 7.5 cm at the bottom of the opening to cover the base. To create a rounded arch on the top of the opening, use any rounded object you have at hand, such as a bowl.
Step 4. Cut eight pieces of frame
Using a 5x5 piece of spruce or cedar wood, cut eight pieces to use as a frame to secure the walls and roof. You will need four 38cm long corner pieces and four 33cm long roof pieces.
Step 5. Secure a 38cm frame on each edge of the side panels using 3cm galvanized wood screws
Then place the side panels on the base and insert galvanized wood screws every 10-12 cm along the perimeter.
Step 6. Attach the front and back panels
Place the front and back panels on the floor base and attach them to the frame with galvanized wood screws every 10-12cm along the perimeter.
Method 3 of 4: Building a Roof
Step 1. Try to build a sloping, triangular roof
Not only will it allow snow and rain to slide to the ground, but it will allow more space for the dog to stretch out in his humble abode.
Step 2. Transfer the design for the roof panels to the 5x5cm piece of wood, 81cm long and 50cm wide
These pieces will be placed on top of the side panels, so as to form a sloping triangular roof.
Step 3. Attach the 5x5cm, 33cm long roof cornice to the inside edges of the front and rear panels, midway between the top and bottom of the corner sides of each panel
Thread three 3cm galvanized wood screws into each panel.
Step 4. Place the roof panels on top of the sides of the house, making sure the top is tight and the panels protrude from each side
Secure the roof panels to the cornice by attaching 3cm galvanized wood screws at 7.5cm intervals.
Method 4 of 4: Customize the Playhouse
Step 1. Personalize your dog's house with paint
Using non-toxic, dog-friendly paint, you can paint the exterior of the house to coordinate with yours, or choose a fun theme, such as a seascape. If you have small children, it can be nice to let them paint the house as an art project.
Step 2. Create a stronger roof
To keep the dog even drier, you can cover the entire roof with waterproofing paper soaked in the asphalt, or tar paper. Once the house is covered, you can add shingles to give it a traditional and sophisticated look.
Step 3. Furnish the interior
Make your puppy comfortable by adding a blanket, dog bed or rug. To add a rug, simply cut out a larger one so that it is a couple of inches smaller than the floor panel, then attach it to the base. Use wood glue if you want the carpet to be permanent, or duct tape if you plan to replace it later.
Step 4. Add some fun accessories to make your pooch's new home as welcoming as possible
- Hang a plaque with the dog's name on the front opening, using a small nail or any type of fairly weatherproof material. You can find custom plaques made of metal, make and paint one out of wood, or hang dog tags that you have left over. However, make sure that the nail does not protrude inside the house.
- Attach small hooks to the outside of the house to hang the dog's leash or other toys.
Advice
- Make a sloped roof so that the snow and rain slide off.
- You can make a solar house for your dog by simply attaching a plexiglass roof. Then add the normal roof with hinges, so as to open it when it is sunny on cold days and close it at night or when it is hot.
- Make sure the wood is treated appropriately for the climate in your area, using non-poisonous sealants.
- Make sure you use untreated woods and non-toxic paints.
- If you want to decorate the inside of the house, do it before attaching the roof.
- Start with a 1, 2 x 2, 4m piece of 5x5 plywood, from which you cut all pieces except the 5x10 base.
