| If you would like to build a dog house for your | | | | standard A-frame dog shelter, you will need to |
| furry friend, you can do so by collecting a few | | | | construct not only the basic square box frame, |
| materials around your house. Building a dog house | | | | but rafters and struts. Other houses can get |
| is an easy project and can be tackled by | | | | more complex and will require you to get |
| practically anyone. When you begin building the | | | | creative. Plywood is essential when you are |
| house, you need to determine what type you | | | | building a dog house as it makes up the roof and |
| would like to build. A standard A-frame has a 45 | | | | walls. |
| degree roof and looks like a miniature version of | | | | Another dog house plan is a slanted roof. This |
| your home. There are custom dog houses that | | | | style is easier to construct than an A-frame |
| can include patios, sun roofs, and other features. | | | | because you don't need to build rafters or struts, |
| Look online for the plans you want and then you | | | | it is simply a flat piece of plywood on a 45 |
| can build a dog house from scratch. | | | | degree angle. |
| Decide if you want your dog house to be indoor | | | | If you have left-over cedar wood, it is great for |
| our outdoor. If you live in colder conditions, you | | | | your dog's house. Cedar wood also helps to keep |
| will need to attach a dog door to the dog house | | | | the smells under control in the house. Check to |
| to protect the dog from the elements and to | | | | see if you have extra molding material in your |
| keep them warmer. You can find a basic plastic | | | | home, as it should be used to cover nails and |
| dog door online or at your local animal store. You | | | | other things that can hurt your dog. |
| can create your own dog door by using a scrap | | | | Once you have all your materials in order, begin |
| piece of rubber and old door hinges. | | | | framing your dog's house. Start with the base, |
| You will need to measure your dog to determine | | | | and then attach the walls to the base. Consider |
| how much scrap you need. A good dog house | | | | constructing a raised base to get the dog off the |
| should be large enough for your dog to turn | | | | ground. You will need to drill small holes in the base |
| around in, but small enough to keep him warm. | | | | to allow moisture and cold air to escape. After |
| Take the length of your dog and add one foot, | | | | you have added the walls to the frame, you will |
| this is the smallest width your house should be. | | | | add the roof. Some people choose to install |
| Then add 1 ½' to the length of your dog, | | | | removable roofs to allow for easier cleaning. Once |
| this is the smallest length of your house. Now, add | | | | you have added the roof, be sure to shingle it |
| the height of your dog plus 9 inches, this is the | | | | and fill in any areas that may get leaks. |
| shortest height of your dog house. | | | | Now you can finish the house with a nice coat of |
| Once you have the plan and all the | | | | weatherproof paint or stain. You should place |
| measurements, you can begin construction on | | | | some old carpet inside the house to allow for |
| your dog's house. Check around your garage for | | | | padding and extra insulation from the cold |
| scrap wood, nails, and shingles. Begin assembling | | | | weather. |
| your materials for the house. If you choose a | | | | |