Designing one of the kind Dog House

So you decided to build your pooch that dog house. Or dog houses instead?

Who knows, he’ll probably be thrilled to switch home occasionally with your creativity and care. It’s definitely a fun project for both you and your dog. He can chip in some help by fetching the hammer, the paint brush and so on.

But before we get started on designing the dog house, you need to consider your budget as costs may vary depending on the materials you’ll be getting – lumber, nails, paint and tools (if you haven’t got that yet).

7 things you need to look before drawing out that dog house plan

1. Bigger isn’t better or comfier. Dogs like a cozy feeling. The house should be only big enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably and a little yoga stretching. Your dog should also be able to get in the door without crouching or stooping. Otherwise, he’ll band his head on the roof. Very soon, he probably won’t want to spend much time there.
2. The roof must be slanted, so rain and snow will run off it. A flat roof not only will collapse but pile up snow and leaves adding more pressure to the roof. A roof with a hinge is always good as it can be lifted up for easy cleaning.
3. The house should have a sturdy and elevated floor, so your dog doesn’t wind up sitting on cold, damp earth.
4. Make the doorway off-centre instead what you usually see on regular dog houses. This protects the dog against cold winds and offers more privacy. Or you could make the doorway like a little tunnel by adding additional lumber on one side of the door inside. From a bird’s eye view, the path forms a shape of an U.
5. Put a canvas or clear plastic flap over the door to keep wind and rain from blowing inside.
6. Once completed building, make sure no nails protrude, there are no sharp edges, and the wood is smooth and free of splinters.
7. A wooden dog house should be painted with at least two coats of non-toxic paint.

Adding a little personal touch to your Dog House

• This is my house - Well, it is obvious that dog house your built belongs to your dog and since no dogs can read but it doesn’t hurt to have his name and paw print painted right above the entrance of the door. Remember all paint should be non-toxic.
• I’m located at - I’m not sure if the materials used for building dog house are tax deductible; but the good news is that your dog’s house will never be subjected to property tax. So how about giving your dog a house number even it can never be found on street directory maps? The easy way to give your dog an address is by adding an alphabet to yours, i.e. 123-A Malibu Place. The best place will probably be on his mail box.
• You got mail - If your dog has a house with his name on and an address, he probably needs an attached mail box to complete the look. What will be in his mail box? How about putting a different dog treat or toy in it everyday? At least, this gets him looking forward spending some quiet time there.

I’m aware that the above 3 additional items won’t contribute any practicality to a dog house, but least it adds personality that you dog can truly call his own.

Special note: I never like the idea of a pet dog living in an outdoor dog house 24/7. Ideally an outdoor dog house should be an extension to his existing comfort area, like his bed or crate, but never should it be replaced by. Give your dog an option where he wants to spend a lazy afternoon or allow him to feel there is at least one safe, personal place to go should he craves a little privacy when he’s out in the backyard.

If you are serious about building quality and functioning homes for your dog, you will be interested in Doggie Homes (DIY): Barkitecture for Your Best Friend (DIY Network).I wrote a book review and you can read it here.

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