10 Tips for Building a Doghouse

MAKE IT THE RIGHT SIZE

The size of your dog’s house is very important. That means not too small and not too big. When it comes to our own homes, we tend to think that bigger is better. But we also have means to heat our homes, which isn’t the case for a doghouse. If you build one that’s too big, your dog’s body heat won’t be enough to stay warm inside. A doghouse should be big enough for its resident dog to be able to turn around inside and stretch out. Also, don’t forget to make the door large enough for your dog to enter the house in the first place. (Grit)

KEEP IT OFF THE GROUND

It’s important to build a basic foundation to raise the doghouse off the ground a few inches. Even basic concrete blocks are enough to do the trick. This accomplishes a few important things. First, it will keep your dog from direct contact with the ground, particularly important during cold weather. Second, it will allow for water runoff, preventing rain from flooding the doghouse. And better air circulation will help keep the doghouse dry, therefore preventing the wood from rotting. (Lowe’s)

MAKE IT WEATHER-PROOF

The climate where you live will dictate how much work you will need to do to weatherproof your doghouse. For example, a slanted or peaked roof will prevent snow from accumulating, but if you live in Southern California, this may not be a concern. Rain, cold and wind should all be considered. Use roof felt or shingles to cover the roof. Include a flap and/or an overhang for the door in order to keep the elements out. If you get a lot of rain, consider using a waterproofing agent on the wood of the doghouse. And of course, make sure there are tight seams everywhere so the doghouse doesn't leak. (PetHub)

WARM IT UP

You want your dog to be comfortable in his house, which means making sure it’s cozy and warm. There’s more you can do to ensure warmth and comfort other than weatherproofing. Add some bedding that your dog will enjoy. You can use a regular dog bed or blankets, although these may not stand up well to weather conditions. Other options may be both cheaper and more durable, like car mats, scraps of carpet or plastic carpet runners. For a more outdoorsy feel, you could cover the floor of the house with hay or cedar chips, which can be cleaned out and replaced easily and at any time. If you live in a particularly frigid climate, you may even consider a heating light bulb and insulation, as long as they are installed safely. (Unchain Your Dog)

KEEP IT COOL

Keeping your doghouse cool in hot weather is just as vital as keeping it warm in cold weather. Remember that the house itself does not provide enough relief from the heat. Placing the house in a shady spot is the easiest step you can take to keep it cool. In warm weather, you can keep a small kiddie pool next to the doghouse so your pooch can take a dip to cool off. When you’re building the house, add some ventilation to let air circulate. Vents in the peaks of the roof will do well, as long as rain can’t get in. You can also drill small holes in the walls below the roof. Adequate ventilation won’t only help keep the doghouse cool, but also free of mold and pest infestations. (Unchain Your Dog)

MAKE IT PORTABLE

Making your doghouse portable will go a long way in keeping it as safe and comfortable as possible at all times, particularly if you live in a place where the weather varies a great deal throughout the year. Portability will allow you to adjust your doghouse’s placement based on sunlight, shade, the angles of your yard, etc. Of course, the size of your dog will dictate the size of your doghouse, which will affect how easy it will be to move around when necessary. (WBBM)

MAKE IT SAFE

After you’ve finished building your doghouse, inspect it very thoroughly for any safety hazards. Make sure there are no exposed nail points or other sharp surfaces that could injure your dog. Be sure that the structure of the doghouse is sound and look for anything that could cause harm. Most importantly, always remember that as safe, sound, comfortable and weatherproofed as you might have made your doghouse, it is not as safe, sound, comfortable or weatherproof as your house, so don’t leave your dog unattended outside in the doghouse for extended periods of time. (WBZ)

INVOLVE THE FAMILY

If you have a family, consider making the building of your doghouse a family project. Presumably, your dog is a family dog, so its house should be a family doghouse. Assign tasks to everyone based on their individual skill levels and safety needs. Even if you have little ones, there are small tasks they can perform, like handing you tools. Involving everyone in your family with the process lets them feel invested in their dog’s well-being. Besides, why wouldn’t you want some extra help? When your kids begged you for a dog and you made them promise they wouldn’t leave you to take care of it all on your own, this is what you were talking about.