You don’t need to have years of building expertise or a workshop full of equipment if you want to build a home for your dog. In reality, making a doghouse only requires basic construction abilities and a few days (perhaps a weekend) of effort. There are many design options you might want to explore. You could use crates or used wood for a chic urban appearance. You could also even use lap roofing if you want to use shingles. However, there are certain non-negotiable items when it comes to your dog’s wellbeing, convenience, and security.
If you’ve already decided on some doghouse construction designs, take a moment to examine some must-knows before you start. These DIY doghouse features in mind will guarantee that you construct a house that perfectly suits your dog and provides him with a secure haven in the wide outdoors.
Determine What Your Dog Needs
The most important aspect of designing a doghouse is determining its function and how your dog will use it. When you and your dog are outdoors hanging out, most doghouses should offer shelter for them. In the summer, an exterior doghouse may provide a dedicated area for your pet to rest as well as a specified place of shade. Consider your climate as well as how the home will be used throughout the year.
Invest in Premium Quality Materials
You may wish to match your dog’s future home to your own. Make a creative statement that speaks to your dog’s distinct personality. But, regardless of the final design’s style of architecture, begin with premium quality materials like cedar and lacquered plywood that will withstand dampness and decay. Anything you construct should be designed to endure and offer the most excellent protection possible. It is also advised that you select roof tiles for long-lasting overhanging protection.
Don’t be enticed to repurpose ancient pressure-treated timber or plywood. Before 2003, household pressure-treated timber and plywood were coated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA), which contained arsenic. You wouldn’t want your pet (or your family) to be exposed to CCA-treated items. Preservatives authorized by the EPA are used in newer pressure-treated goods. Alternatively, you may choose the type of wood inherently resistant to pests, such as cedar and redwood. You also have the option of investing in products and services for tick control.
Get the Measurements Right
Like a dog cage, a doghouse should be designed to suit your dog’s full-grown, adult size. Inside, your pet should be capable of standing, turning around, and laying down properly. Your dog should be able to lie on his side in a suitably sized home. As a result, to match your dog’s measures to the inside dimensions of a doghouse, you must first estimate your dog’s height and length.
Assess your dog’s length from snout to tail. Increase his total length by 2 to 4 inches. When your pet is standing upright with his head raised, check his height from the top of the head to the floor. If your dog’s ears are naturally erect, check from the top towards the bottom while keeping his head elevated. Increase the height measurement by 4 inches.
These two dimensions will provide you with a starting point for the size of your doghouse. If the home is going to be used in the winter, a bigger or taller shelter will not be as comfortable as a tiny, cozy cave where your dog’s heat energy will help keep him snugly warm. Before deciding on the final size, think about what comforts you would like to add. What are your dog’s breed and personality like, and how can you make things work for him?
Add Mobility to the Design
Many people conceive that a doghouse is a permanent construction, but many reasons to design a doghouse that can be readily relocated. Based on how well the house is used and the environment in your area, you may need to relocate it.
Outdoor dog homes are helpful if your home has a yard since they may shield your dog from the weather while he is temporarily outside—and before he comes back in to rest on your sofa for the night. An outdoor dog house could also be a secure refuge for a frightened dog who wants to relax or feel comfortable outdoors. You may give your favorite pooch the finest build-it-yourself doghouse possible with only a few easy changes and ideas to your doghouse construction designs.
Your furbaby is not just a pet, it’s a part of your family. And every member of the family needs a place to call home, a room to relax and sleep. So why not give your pet what it needs?