Tips for Building a Dog House

Most people consider their furry friends to be another member of their family. When you can, you buy them the best food, toys, and accessories – because you want them to be happy and healthy. Another way to spoil your pup is by building them their very own outdoor doggy house! Here are some tips on getting started.

Predetermine Its Size

Well obviously, your pooch needs to fit into their new doggy house. But sometimes we can forget the factors that go into that – for example, if you have a puppy, you need their dog house to be bigger than their expected full growth. You also don’t want to make the house too large, because a small dog house can keep your furry friend warm by insulating their body heat.

A good rule of thumb is the same when it comes to buying crates: the space needs to be big enough for them to stand, turn around and lay down – yet not big enough for them to be able to relieve themselves on one side and lay down on the other.

For exact measurements, we recommend around –

• 9 inches taller than your dog
• 18 inches longer than your dog’s full length
• 12 inches wider than your pup’s width

Consider Your Pup’s Habits

You know your furball more than anyone else, so make sure to ask yourself:

1. Does your dog need to be aware of their surroundings constantly? Build a flat roof instead of an overhanging one, so they have full visibility
2. Do you have a pooch who gets cold easily? Use shingles because they can attract and hold heat from the sun
3. Have a pup that overheats quickly? Use plywood panel as a roof and use nontoxic stain (like linseed oil) on it.

Whatever unique or specific quirks your dog has, keep them in mind when building their outdoor hut.

Don’t Forget to Account for Weather

Putting a doggy door on your pup’s outdoor house can help keep them warm in the winter and dry on rainy days (it’s important though to remember not to leave your dog outside for long periods in cold or rainy weather, or else they can get sick). If you do add a doggy door use magnetized flaps so your pooch can easily enter and exit but it also stays warm and dry.

Also something many people don’t think of: build the house off the ground to prevent water and mud from entering. Use raised flooring or a sloped entrance. Another tip is to drill a couple of nickel-sized holes around the house to allow a little bit of ventilation for every season.

Don’t Buy More than You Need

Your cheapest option is to use plastic; it’s easiest to transport, doesn’t rot or need refinishing. Plastic dog houses are also the easiest to clean since you can wipe or hose them down.

Wooden dog houses are the most popular, and they do offer insulation and more protection against the elements. Using wood also gives your pup’s outdoor palace a cleaner and more rustic look. If you do use wood, we recommend cedar, pine, or fir wood.

If possible, build your doggy house in the coolest, shadiest area of your yard. Propping it up against your home will also give it some protection against wind and storms! Another fun thing you get to do is decorate! You can keep it clean and straightforward, or you can decorate it and give it a unique flair that fits your equally as unique pooch.