how to build a dog house?

Tips in building your own Dog House

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:52:00 +0000

One of the basic needs of people is shelter. Like people, your dog also needs a place of their own to relax, right? A dog house can be a small shed for your loyal furry-haired pet where he can run in for shelter anytime. Just make sure that you do not make your dog house too big or too small. You know why? Because doing that could result to excessive constriction or excessive heat loss for your dog. There are different kinds of shelter that you can make for your pet, depending upon your need or preference.

If you have one or more dogs, then why not build a larger dog house for them? That way, your dogs can sleep in one area. However, you must keep in mind though that they get along well before you decide on building a bigger house for them. Making a dog house is so much easy if you have the right tools and technical expertise. Do not worry if you do not have the capabilities of making one. There are dog house builders that you can contact to make one for you. Just leave them to the experts.

You can also find dog house plans that can be purchased at your local stores. These plans can be modified for your dog’s needs or your budget. All of them are designed to provide comfort in any weather—either in hot or extreme cold. Plus, they are also well-built so that your beloved pet can enjoy moving around his structurally sound shelter. If you have one or more dogs, and you are limited to only building a single dog house, better make a partition so that they can have their privacy without having to fight over the cozy shelter that you have made for them.

Dog house construction

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 12:56:00 +0000

Your pet dog is a part of your family that deserves proper care and love. Making him a comfortable and relaxing dog house is an effective way to make him feel loved and properly nurtured. To make a personal dog house, you only need few things such as a treated lumber that measures 2x4 or 2x6, plywood, 2x2 and 2x4 lumber, shingles or other roof material, assorted trim boards, “L” brackets, nails and screws, paint, roof cement and bricks or cap blocks. On this project, you don’t need a huge budget because these materials are cheaply priced on hardware. Aside from the materials, you also need some tools in order to put them together. The tools that you will need are tape measure, saw, hammer, crowbar, level and metal triangle.

Now, you have all the necessary materials and tools, so let’s go on the construction or carpentry work. Basically, a dog house construction involves five phases. The first one is the floor structure decking. In this phase, you have to put together the lumber and plywood to make out the base. Make sure that it is strong enough to carry the weight of your pet so that it won’t give in after few months. The next step after this is the side and back walls construction. In this phase you have to assemble the 2xb lumber through the use of “L” bracket to make a parallel fencing all around the base. From this phase you have to move on to the front entrance wall construction. Make a gateway shrine to allow your pet’s easy entrance and exit of his house. Once you’re done with these steps, the last will be the siding and roof decking. This is the final task to complete the project. Here, you will use the shingles, nails, screws and roof cement. Just put out the shingles above the walling creating a triangle shape just. When the roof is properly set out, check out for some holes that can possible cause water leaks inside the dog house. Spread some roof cement and also paint out the entire house as a final touch.

A dog house construction is really an easy task if you have all the materials and tools that are needed and if you have a clear instruction guide such as this.

Materials and Tools needed for Building a Dog House

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:47:00 +0000

Materials and Tools

Materials

Materials needed for the project can be directly assessed from the plan you drew. Buy more materials than you absolutely need because, you are destined to at some point, make a brain numbing miscalc. If you live forty miles from a building supply place or only have that pickup truck for one afternoon, be smart and overbuy on materials. You will use the stuff eventually for something anyway.
In general the materials I used are outlined specifically in the text of the picture captions but are listed here generallly as:
1) treated lumber 2x4 or 2x6
2) plywood
3) 2x2 lumber
4) 2x4 lumber
5) shingles or other roof material
6) assorted trim boards
7) "L" brackets, nails, and screws
8) paint, caulk and roof cement
9) bricks or cap blocks

Cost of Materials

My employer generously donated the plywood, which probably would have set me back forty to fifty bucks (there's my raise). I also had the paint and a few nails and what-not. Otherwise the cost of materials was about seventy dollars. Most of this came from a large building materials superstore in the metro Atlanta area. Your actual cost may vary because your actual dog may vary. Don't let my cost factors scare you off this project, I have two, big dogs.

Tools

Tools I used were:
1) tape measure
2) saws (circular and jig)
3) hammers (claw and finishing)
4) crowbar
5) level
6) 30-60-90 metal triangle
7) caulk gun
8) screwdrivers ( a powerdriver is great), but a big old flathead driver comes in handy, so have one available as well as at least one philips head hand driver.
9) paint brush or roller, paint trays, etc.

Building a dog house

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 10:29:00 +0000

Building a dog house can provide your dog with shelter when outdoors. The dog house can provide shade in the summer, protection from rain or snow during inclement weather and simply a place for your dog to relax any time of year. Before attempting to build a dog house, you should consider a number of factors including the following:

Size of the dog.
Purpose of the dog house.
Spatial constraints.
Location of the dog house.
Climate of the location.
Budget of the project.

All of these factors are important because they will help you to determine the size of the dog house you will build, the materials you will use in construction and other considerations such as the placement of the dog house once it is constructed. After you make all of these decisions, it's time to begin your project.

Even if you have never completed a project of this nature, with some simple guidance and some woodworking knowledge, you can build your own dog house for your canine companion. The following steps will guide you through the process of building a dog house.

Planning your project is the first step in the design process. You have already considered a number of factors that will help you determine the size, shape and materials you wish to use in your project. You can use this information to map out your project in terms of dimensions. When crate-training a dog, it is recommended that you use a crate that is only large enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lie down, but a dog house should be considerably larger than this because a dog house is used for both shelter and recreation for the dog. Consider selecting a crate size appropriate for potty training your dog and scaling those dimensions up slightly to allow your dog more room to relax. The size of dog house you construct should be large enough to accommodate your dog at his full size. If your dog is a puppy it might be wise to either wait until he is fully grown or construct the dog house to accommodate the larger end of the breed spectrum.
Once you have determined the dimensions of your dog house, it is time to begin construction. In most cases, wood is an appropriate material for a dog house and for the purposes of this article we will assume the dog house will be constructed of wood.
Floor structure: The floor structure can be constructed of 2x4 pieces of pressure-treated lumber. The pieces will be measured and cut to create a footprint of the desired size, and joists should be included as necessary. For larger dog houses this may include joists at every 16 inches. Please note that pressure treated lumber should not be used in locations where the dog may chew on the wood, as it contains chemicals that may be harmful to the dog. Any structure that will not be covered with a layer of untreated lumber should not utilize pressure-treated lumber. The framework for the floor can then be covered in plywood. Thicker plywood such as 1/2" thick plywood may be necessary for larger dogs, but 3/8" may be acceptable for smaller breeds.
Sidewalls and back wall structure: The structure for the sidewalls and the back wall can be created of 2x2 pieces of lumber forming a square or rectangular shape. Again, studs can be placed every 16 inches along the structure if necessary.
Front structure: The front structure of the dog house typically includes the entrance for the dog. This structure is comprised of 2x2 lumber again and can consist of a horizontal piece and two vertical elements to form the door way. Alternately this piece can be replaced by a sidewall structure and one of the sidewalls can serve as the entrance.
Assembling the framework: Once the framework is completed, assemble the framework to the floor system. Wood screws and nails can be used to connect each element to the floor and L-brackets along with screws and nails can be used to join the sections to each other.
Roof joists: The roof joists can be assembled at a 30 degree angle to ensure rain will adequately run off the roof of the dog house. These joists can be notched precisely so they will sit firmly on top of the wall structures.
Siding: Plywood of 3/8" thickness can be used for the walls and roof. The siding should be cut precisely to ensure there will not be gaps in the structure and can be nailed directly to the framework.
Roof: Plywood of 3/8" thickness can also be used for the roof. As with the siding, the roof can be nailed directly to the roof joists. Although the wood is sufficient, shingles or other decorative elements can also be added if desired.
Finishing the dog house: The appearance of a dog house is largely a matter of personal preference, but care should be taken to ensure all materials used in painting or treating the house will not be toxic to your dog. If you have any question regarding the contents of a paint or treatment, contact an authority such as a poison control center that can help you determine whether or not the substance is safe.

Dog House Building And Buying Guide

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 16:07:00 +0000

Dog owners have to consider several factors when buying or building a house for their pets. As a true member of your own family, providing your pet with the best home possible is of the utmost importance.

i. Size

A German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Rottweiler and other large dogs should have large houses, while the Chihuahua and smaller breeds will need smaller houses. The door of the house does not need to be based on the height of the dog from the ground to the top of its head, or even taller, as it will lower its head to be able to enter the house. The width of the door should be just enough to accommodate the dog. These height and width measurements can be adjusted if there is a physical requirement to do so. The house should also be large enough for the dog to stand at full height inside, move around and lie down. Owners should remember that a larger-than-needed home will compromise the dog's retention of body heat during the winter or colder months.

ii. Weather Conditions

Some dog houses are made with hinged roofs, a feature that allows owners to raise the roof during hot and humid weather. This flexibility provides adequate air flow to flush out warm air and allow fresh or cool air to enter. In some cases, these roofs can also be lowered, creating a smaller space for the dog and enhancing its ability to retain heat during rainy or cold weather. Asphalt shingles should be used only if there is an adequate insulation barrier separating the roof from the main area of the house. Many house models also come with slanted roofs, ensuring that water drains away during rainy days. Owners should avoid building or buying houses with barn-type or peak-style roofs, as these would attract hornets, wasps and other insects and prevent heat retention. Another option is wind walls, which can be inserted into the dog house to break the wind and keep the house warmer. The house should also be a reasonable distance off the ground to keep it dry. For owners with bigger budgets, some house manufacturers offer provisions for heaters and air-conditioners. These climate control systems help ensure comfort for the dog regardless of weather conditions.

iii. Doors

The front door of the dog house should be located to one side instead of in the middle. This will prevent the dog from being directly exposed to extreme weather conditions and other harsh environmental elements. Some models are designed with removable doors, or with no doors at all. Using a door will help keep the dog house warmer during cold months. An awning type cover can also be used over the opening for added shade and protection.

iv. Easy To Clean And Maintain

Removable or adjustable roofs

Doors, partitions

Wind walls

Flexibility in cleaning

Restrict use of paint, stains, or water sealers for the outside of the house

v. Use Wood

Plastic and metal houses are not a good idea, as they are either too hot during summertime or too cold during the winter. Some market experts say that houses made from natural western red cedar wood offer the best insulation for dogs during winter while making them cooler during summer. Red cedar wood oils are also natural repellants of ticks, fleas and termites. Houses made from this material are also maintenance-free on the outside, although owners have a choice of finishing it to complement their property. Sprinkling red cedar wood chips or shavings in the bedding also helps prevent infestation. Owners should also remember that wooden roofs help cut down heat build-up from the sun while helping to maintain reasonable heat retention levels.

vi. Keep The Dog House Elevated

For legless houses, the owner must remember that having it directly on the ground increases the likelihood that the pet would be exposed to cold and wet weather. This also raises the possibility of infestation from flea eggs that hatch in the soil. The owner can use bricks, rocks or stones arranged in a level and stable manner to elevate the house. The elevation will allow air to flow beneath the house and prevent moisture from forming at the bottom.

About the Author
For more great dog house related articles and resources check out http://doghouses.lawnngardens.com

Dog House Designs

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 08:48:00 +0000

Dog houses are now not just a matter of shelter for dogs. Today, equal importance, if not more, is given to beautifully designed dog houses which add an extra charm and beauty to the landscape of the owner’s house. Hence, new attractive designs emerge regularly, reflecting our evolving choices. T.J Designs, Ash Custom Wood, All Dog Houses, Pet Street Mall, La Petite Maison, Lilliput Play Homes, Petsmart, Petmate, Post Modern Pets, Improvements, Solid Cedar Dog Houses, and Orvis are some companies which provide amazing variety of designs among dog houses.

Dog houses are available in different material—wood, plastic, fenced wires, and much more. The design of the dog house differs accordingly too, keeping in tune with the material used in building the dog house. Among woods, cedar, Asian fir, and pine are possibly the most used in building. Fancy, playful designs such as mansion, bungalow, houses with porches, houses with roof porches, and cabin log house are made up of the aforementioned woods.

Barn-shaped and A-shaped dog houses are possibly the most common designs adopted by novice dog house creators and companies. But the flat-roofed dog house, which provides a generous view of the surroundings, is quite popular too. T.J Designs, Petmate, and Pet Street Mall deal with barn-shaped designed dog houses.

Besides wooden houses, several unique-designed dog house are available in the market too. Precision also provides log houses with slight slanting roofs, a change to the routine flat roofs. Igloo-shaped dog houses are much convenient to clean and maintain too. Improvements and Petmate among others make such homes too.

Completely portable dog houses are those provided by Petmate. It resembles a human tent and is made up of ‘heavy-duty polyester’ and has ‘nylon zipper’. Usually can be set up within minutes, it is a very convenient mobile dog house.

Dog houses completely customized to suit and match owners houses are created and provided by La Petite Maison. Dog houses are either made on the site or made first and then shipped to the desired location according to the size of the dog house.

Dog Doors can solve problem for you and your indoor or outdoor pet

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 10:02:00 +0000

Dog doors are beneficial for both dogs and the owners. When a dog is given the freedom to come and go as he pleases, he gains a new sense of security! He won't have to 'hold it' while he waits for his owner to either come home or hang up the phone. He can play outside when the weather is nice and come in when it isn't.

Dog doors have also allowed dog owners a new sense of freedom. They don't have to leave a party early anymore because they feel guilty knowing their dog is about to pop. In addition to new freedom, they put an end to accidents, incessant door scratching, and three a.m. wake up calls from your dog. Pet doors are the best kept secret, but why?!

Many people refuse to consider pet doors because they are afraid intruders will use them to enter the house. Although a legitimate fear, there are ways around this. Possibly the best way around this is an electronic pet door. This door opens automatically from a censor device placed on the dog's collar; preventing anything not wearing the collar from coming into the house.

Putting one on the backside of the house where intruders are less likely to be is another possibility. For the truly frightened person, a doghouse can be installed into a wall instead of a door. If you want to hide it, a dog house with a door cut in the back can be pushed against the wall covering up the pet door; no one will ever know it's there, except of course, the dog.

I'd like dog doors in my house, but I'm a renter! Do I have any options?

Many renters are hesitant about installing pet doors in for fear of upsetting the home owners. Now a day there is even a solution for that; sliding glass pet doors! These doors are cut in an actual sliding glass door. You simply remove the existing door from its hinges and hang the one with the pet door in its place. When it is no longer needed the original door can be replaced.

Some people are very picky about their homes and don't want to compromise the aesthetics with ugly dog doors. These people have a great alternative in wall installation. The home owner can install it into the wall of a room with very little traffic. If the idea of the door being visible from the outside bothers them, the door can be hidden by the doghouse.

There are so many new innovative products on the market these days consumers can just about make anything possible. Pet doors are an amazing product that people with inside/outside dogs don't want to ignore! Check them out; your dog will thank you.

Customized Dog House

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Sat, 27 Oct 2007 14:32:00 +0000

Have you had problems on finding the exact right dog house for your yet? There may be multitudes of designs that you may see flooding in the market now, but in selecting a dog house can be really quite tough most especially when you have a particular design in mind and when you are truly searching for a unique dog house. That is where when custom dog houses come inl they just suit your exact needs and they make your imagination turn into reality.

These Custom-built dog houses are those that are built according to what the buyer wants it. There are a number of companies that exist in the market. Some of them are -- seeFido, La Petite Maison, Bavarian leisure Cottages, Paw Homes, Ash Custom Wood.com, Lilliput Play Homes.

According to research, it merely shows that although buyers sometimes prefer their own self-designed dog houses, they often complain of the high prices that is involved in it. If you want to see steps to make your dog houses convenient to both in terms of quality and prices, seeFido. When one provides a beautiful designed custom-made dog houses of cedar, it helps fit in all sizes and specifications as provided by the buyer.

Bavarian Leisure Cottages and Paw Homes, just like seeFido and also they built dog houses of cedar. The former company has a range of unique designed dog houses that bears the names like 'constellation', cedar hut' and more. Bavarian Leisure Cottages is based in Canada and they provide custom-built dog houses as well. Their houses are purely made of wood products, and it produces dog houses of highest standards and qualities.

As for those who are in quest and ready to pay in something extra to building a luxury custom dog house for their pets, companies like the La Petite Maison and Lilliput Play Homes exist.

Those designs and construction that are unbelievable, these are dog houses that are made by La Petite Maison where they are just simply too beautiful to be true. They tend to build houses that is fits accordingly to the whims and fancies of the buyer, or houses that represent a replica of the buyers' house, and even sometimes they create something completely new. Fabulously made, these custom-built dog houses can be made on the site of the buyer or can be made at the company and then later shipped to the buyer where it depends upon the size and other factors.

Lilliput Play Homes provide luxury dog houses too. Their dog houses are easy to clean, capable of being assembled easy, and even constructed of red cedar, which does not rot.

Tips when building a dog house

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:42:00 +0000

Cut all the 2-by lumber before you start construction. Cut the first piece of a given size, and then use that piece to mark the dimensions of its mates. A carpenter's pencil or lumber crayon is handy for marking the cut pieces.

Don't cut the plywood till you've assembled the framing and measured it out from there - you want the walls to fit the actual frame. This compensates for the inevitable minor assembly errors, and your finished house will be all the better for it.

Tools and Materials needed:

ools	Materials
Tape measure	Dimension lumber: see **
Speed square	2 4-by 8-foot sheets, 3/4-inch exterior plywood
Carpenter's pencil	8 7-inch angle clips
Circular saw	1 4-by-4 or 4-by-8 sheet, 2-inch, hard foam insulation
Chop saw	Construction adhesive
Jigsaw	Drip edge, 14 feet
Hacksaw	Tar paper
Handsaw	Exterior caulk
Framing hammer	1 bundle roofing shingles
Staple gun	4d galvanized nails
Socket wrench	12d galvanized nails
Adjustable wrench	3-inch outdoor screws
	1 1/2-inch outdoor screws
	Aluminum roofing nails
	Prefabricated shelves

Lumber dimensions for building your dog house**

Nominal size and length	Quantity needed	Lengths to cut (see Fig 1)	Number to cut
2 by 6, 8 foot	2	A B	2 2
2 by 2, 8 foot	1	C	4
2 by 4, 8 foot	4	C A B D	4 2 2 4
2 by 4, 4 foot	1	B	1
1 by 2, 8 foot	4	C D	Threshold 8 4

Dog House Plans

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 13:30:00 +0000

How would you like to build your own dog house with plans that would make it a cinch? Dog house plans are hard to come by - especially good ones that will last the distance and ones that your dog will actually use! I've found some impressive ones at Coolhouseplans.com

The design basics when building a dog house

What size is your dog? Size the house to fit your dog. Whilst it's tempting to make a really roomy dog house, your dog may not appreciate it because during cold months, your dog's body heat keeps him or her warm. An oversized house may mean that your dog can't generate enough heat to warm it. So forget building a Taj Mahal for your dog. How big should a doghouse be? A good rule of thumb is to build it so your full-grown dog can walk in, turn around inside and stretch out completely.

Provide Ventilation. In hot weather, good airflow will keep your dog from overheating. And in damp weather—or cold weather when the dog's moist breath is steaming up the house—proper ventilation allows excess moisture to escape and stops mold from forming. Vents in the peaks of the roof will do the job as long as you leave the doorway open or just loosely cover it with a flap so there's an adequate updraft.

Build it off the ground. This keeps the dog out of contact with damp soil. It also prevents the wood from rotting and extends the life of the doghouse.

Make it safe from the elements. Be sure water, wind and rain can't enter. Generally, this means overhangs for doorways and vents, and tight seams everywhere.
Using Pressure-Treated Wood - Pressure-treated wood is great at standing up to moisture and rot because it's impregnated with arsenic and heavy metals. It's therefore best (as these are poisonous to pets and people) to avoid using it for the floor, walls or any other parts of a dog house that will come into contact with your pet. Use dog friendly materials like untreated softwood and plywood for the floor, frame and walls. It's okay to use it for the base frame of the dog house as it will be sitting on earth. This may not be so much of a problem if the dog house is sitting on tiles or on pavers. If you have a puppy that's still in the chewing stage, avoid having sections of Pressure-Treated Wood exposed as your pup will undoubtedly find chewing them a great treat. And that goes for offcuts you may have lying around whilst you are building too. When working with Pressure Treated Wood, ALWAYS wear gloves and a dusk mask.

Customize your dog house to suit. Once you have the basic design of the dog house, you can opt to add little 'extras' to it - a clean out door to allow easy access for you to clean up inside the dog house, adding insulation to the floor and roof etc.This is what the finished dog house will look like if you follow the dog house plans below. You can build a basic version in an afternoon from plywood, dimension lumber and shingles. It's a simple, sound design that handles a dog of 70 pounds or so. All framing is cut to just four lengths, shown as dimensions A, B, C and D in the diagram on the below. To change the overall size of the house, just change the four framing dimensions.

Building a Dog House - Is it an Easy talk?

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Sat, 13 Oct 2007 14:02:00 +0000

If you decided to have a dog house for Fido, remember that not every dog owner has the time or skills to design and build a dog house from scratch. Assistance abounds for people who want to build a special home for their pet, but who have one or both of these limitations.

Doing a keyword search on the Internet will reveal many sources for dog house blueprints, or woodworking plans for dog house designs. These special plans can range from simple box-like structures to custom-designed dog mansions that rival the homes of the highest-paid celebrities. Many times, free dog house blueprints are also available to download from the internet, you just have to do some researches.

For those dog owners who have neither the skill to design a workable dog house or to build one on their own, "build it yourself" dog house kits are also available, both online and from a variety of retail sources. These house building kits may be available at pet supply stores, feed stores, or building supply stores in your area. Most of these “do it yourself” kits are designed to be as simple as possible, while still providing adequate shelter for your dog.

The primary advantage to build it yourself dog house kits is that they gather all of the materials that you will need together and put them into a single, organized pack. There is a far smaller possibility that the cut pieces will not fit together or that the connectors will not hold them in place because they have all been designed to work together as a complete unit.

A second advantage is that it is time saving, reducing the amount time required compared to traditional building. As the wood has already been cut and, frequently, all the parts have been marked with numbers or letters intended to guide you through the construction. In some kits, the pieces even have pre-drilled guide holes drilled at the proper connection points.

Build it yourself dog house kits are relatively easy to put together within a relatively short time. From opening the box to sorting out the parts to fastening on the roof the average dog house kit may take as little as two or three hours to put together, even for the architecturally challenged. Once the house is together it is up to you to customize the house for your own dog, through an attractive paint job, shutters, or other accessories.

The cost of a build it yourself dog house kit is somewhat more than that of buying a dog house from a department store or pet supply store. It also costs only about a quarter of the amount that a professional carpenter might charge for building a similar house. If you are willing to invest a few hours of relatively pain-free craftwork, you may be able to save hundreds of dollars for a similar result.

Moses Wright is the webmaster of Dog Habitat Home. More useful guide on Dog House and Dog Door can be found online at his website. You are welcome to reprint this article if the content and live links are keep intact.

Important Factors to consider in building a dog house

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 09:06:00 +0000

A dog house is a great idea for your own adored pet. It is very beneficial when your dog has his or her own house whether he stays indoors or out but when you get to select the perfect dwelling place for your own dog, it just takes a lot of thinking and planning.

You have to consider where you are going to place the dog house. If it is indoor, it is best if you set it up in a corner or an area of lower-traffic in your house. It provides your dog a safe and a quiet place to relax. However, if the set-up is outdoors, you must consider the climate first. When a dog’s house is exposed to direct sunlight, it can reach extreme temperature inside that could possibly cause a serious and fatal complications to your pet but when it is in colder months it is better if the house is positioned facing away from the wind since it keeps your pet warm and reduce trips to the vet.

Deciding the type of material on how you want the dog house to be constructed is important. Plastic and metal absorbs heat and cold air causes fluctuations of temperature so this provides a less than perfect environment for your pet.

The best recommended materials for this are wood dog houses as they are known to be more extensive than plastic and metal. Added to that wood has more design add-on possibilities and it provides your dog a better protection against elements that is due to higher quality insulation. Remember to make sure there are no sharp edges that could be harmful to your dog.

Determining the size of your dog house is also significant; they feel much safer and more secure in small dog houses.

And what about having a large dog house? It will warrant excessive cold air inside during inclement weather causing the body heat around your dog to be lost. So it always is best to prepare a house for your dog that is an appropriate size for your pet’s comfort and welfare.

What also needs to be considered is the bedding where you should provide a soft surface for your pet to lie on that protects the joints from hard surfaces and it helps protects from the underside, that helps to maintain a comfortable temperature for your dog. It is best to choose something washable or has a washable cover when choosing the inside bedding. Cedar shavings are the better choice for the outside house because the oils in the cedar helps repel fleas and ticks. Using a dense, moisture-proof pad stays dry that fleas cannot penetrate it.

Make sure that your dog house comes prepared with a few added details. Some of the luxury details are more functional than lenient, like an elevated floor. It definitely enhances the appeal of the dog house but it does serve its purpose too. Choose a house that has a vent at or near the top because it permits an exchange of air which reduces humidity and fresh air circulates inside the house. Look for a house with a removable rooftop or removable bottom panels for you to clean the house easily.

Remember that your pet’s dog house is more than just a shelter, it is a cozy place to snuggle up and escape from the world, thus, safety comes as the first priority.

Materials Needed to Build a Dog house

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:40:00 +0000

Materials needed for the building of a dog house is directly assessed according to the plan or to your drawing. It is much better if you get to prepare the materials more than what is needed because at some point you may miscalculate and you have to go back and buy again the supply that is needed. Just learn to be smart, and get to buy materials more than needed for it still can be useful someday when it is needed.

The lists of Materials needed are:

plywood
paint, caulk and roof cement
assorted trim boards
2x2 lumber
shingles or other roof material
2x4 lumber
bricks or cap blocks
"L" brackets, nails, and screws.

Tools to be used are:

crowbar
level
saws (circular and jig)
hammers (claw and finishing)
caulk gun
pain brush or roller, paint trays, etc.
screwdrivers (a powerdriver is great) but big old flathead driver comes in handy as well as one philips head hand driver.
30-60-90 metal triangle.

How To Build A Dog House

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:17:00 +0000

How To Build a Dog House

by Robert Michael

Most of the population allow their dogs to live indoors and relax on the couch and sleep in their owner’s bed. If you are interested in building a dog house for your dog then follow these simple tips when starting this project.

1. Start building your dog house by finding out how big you need to make the house so when your animal reach their full adult size they will still fit in it. We like having a couple of feet of air above us so we don’t feel claustrophobic. Your dog will appreciate having that much room, as well. 1/3 of our standing height is where our comfort zone is. Take out a tape measure and measure your dog to find out how much room your dog will need. To figure this out measure your dog while standing up, sitting on his haunches and in his most relaxed position of lying completely stretched out. Whether your pet is standing up or sitting he should be able to see out the front entrance. The dog should not have to bend down and let his stomach touch the ground to see out. Measure the width of the widest point of your dogs shoulder’s while standing above him.

2. The dog house should be raised a few inches off the ground to let air and water go underneath it. Ventilation is important because it discourages pets to bother you dog in its house and keeps your pet healthier. Under the eaves you should have several small holes in the walls. Inside the house put in a wind block so your dog can warm up the house using its own body heat. Adding a partial wall to the dog house will allow him to get away from the cold and windy weather. This allows the dog to choose whether he wants to sleep in the entryway or in the other section of the house. Providing a pillow or bed would probably make your animal very happy and a lot more comfortable.

3. Build the floor so it is a bit slanted so it stops rain from coming inside the dog house. Also, build the roof at a bit of a slant for the same reason. If you want your dog house to be insulated well then do not paint on the inside.

4. Storms typically come from the south and west in the U.S. so making sure your dog house faces a different direction would make the most sense. Having the door of the dog house face to the east is highly suggested so the cold air cannot come through the door so easily.

5. By putting hinges on the top of the dog house it makes it easier for you to clean your dog’s living space. Every time you give your pet a bath it is suggested that you clean the dog house at the same time.

Every dog really should have a warm, safe and comfortable living space where they are safe from severe weather. Follow these tips to help you build a great house for your dog.

About The Author

Robert Michael is a writer for De Pets which is an excellent place to find pets links, resources and articles. For more information go to: http://www.depets.com

Dog Houses: Design and Construction

noreply@blogger.com (The Collection) — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 13:03:00 +0000

by: Race Foster, DVM and Marty Smith, DVM
Drs. Foster & Smith, Inc.

Building a doghouse that is just right for your dog can be fun and rewarding. However, if it is done without a plan and an understanding of how it fulfills its purpose and function, it can be a disaster. Talk to ten different dog people and you will probably get at least ten different plans for dog houses, all of which are promised to be perfect. If you do construct a doghouse that fulfills your dog’s needs perfectly, none of these ten experts will be ready to quickly criticize your architectural dream. We deal with many breeders who have outdoor facilities and they get to the same end in many different ways. Some just make more mistakes than others along the path. When building a doghouse, you must consider the proper size, design, building materials, construction, placement, and bedding for the doghouse.

To fulfill the needs of its canine occupant, the doghouse need not be plush or complicated. A doghouse’s purpose is to allow its occupant to be dry, out of the wind, cool in summer, warm in winter, and provide it with a place to feel safe. Remember, we practice in northern Wisconsin where temperatures can easily range from 100º to -40ºF. Therefore, a doghouse built in this climate to accomplish these purposes will probably function anywhere in the United States.

How dry I am

The primary function of a doghouse is to be dry and stay dry. Nothing can stop Rover from tracking in some water on a rainy day, but that really is not the main concern. Assuming the house is waterproof, the major problem from water in a doghouse (or in any enclosed kennel building) is humidity. When humidity rises, bacteria and viruses can easily become airborne and carried in atmospheric microdroplets. This is obvious in a kennel building housing several animals where there is inadequate air exchange or turnover. It gets stuffy and humid and disease problems increase, especially respiratory ones like bronchitis, and pneumonias. Even parasites are more of a problem with humidity at these levels. Clean this building with a high pressure hose using hot water and it gets even worse. Kennel buildings need a way to get rid of the humidity and replace it with fresh air. Sometimes this can be accomplished by opening windows and doors, but often it is necessary to utilize exhaust fans. It is the same in a single house. Put one dog in the correct-sized doghouse with a tight door and you will see problems caused by excess humidity. The house has to breathe...either through the walls or via a door that is partially open or with some form of louvers. Wood houses because of the properties of this material, usually breathe to a certain degree. Add a cloth or canvas flap-type door or a metal one with vents and you have eliminated humidity as a problem.

It's too hot in here

Every year, we have a client that has just moved into the area and builds the "ultimate canine palace." He builds a very large, wooden doghouse, puts 3 to 4 inches of fiberglass insulation in the walls and roof, paints it to match their home, and adds an electric heat pad or lamp to keep it at a toasty 72ºF. Winter arrives and on nights when the temperature drops below zero, the owner turns on the heat. However, the shorthaired Doberman, understanding his own needs and comfort level, decides to sleep in the snow. He is probably more comfortable there than he would be in the palace.

People often do not realize just how well their dog can cope with the elements. Dogs, unlike humans, have their own built-in-insulation in the form of body hair. Shorthaired dogs have the same ability to keep warm as longhaired dogs. This is because their hair is different. Take the Doberman for instance. His hair is short but very stout. In fact, it is hollow. In the hair shaft are air pockets, the perfect insulating material. Now look at an English Setter. He has lots of fine, longer hair. His insulation is provided by the air pockets between layers of hair, sometimes referred to as undercoat and outercoat. We are not saying the Dobermans will not shiver on a cold day (which is nature’s way of increasing body heat), but we have seen Setters and Malamutes do the same.

All the Doberman above wanted or needed was a place to get out of the cold, and to him that probably meant getting out of the wind. He curls up inside a snowdrift to protect him from the wind and provide insulation, allowing the use of his body heat to stay warm. He did not want to be hot and after becoming used to the decreasing temperature during the fall, he was ready to deal with winter. Unless a doghouse is going to be used for whelping, we never put any heat source in it.

Too-o-o-o-o- big

Other problems with the above "palace" were probably its size and the use of the insulation. Look at the amount of space your dog takes up when he curls up and lies down. Draw a rectangle around him that is three inches larger on all sides and it is probably the perfect size for the inside of his house (twelve inches on all sides if the house will be used for whelping). Remember, his body is going to provide the heat that will keep his home warm. If it is too large, that cannot be done. For height, four to six inches taller than his shoulders is perfect. He will not mind lowering his head.

Insulation is a poor bedtime snack

The insulation, if it is exposed, can be a disaster waiting to happen. If the dog becomes bored, he is liable to eat it and the stiff material consistently forms partial or complete obstructions in the intestines. Insulation is fine, but the best is the same we found in the hair coats of the dogs. That is a hollow wall formed by an inner and outer layer with dead airspace in between. It will help keep the dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer. But most importantly, it will breathe, permitting excess humidity to pass through the walls. Fiberglass insulation can actually trap moisture leading to rotting wood and even sicker dogs.

The lucky dog has a house of wood or plastic

The materials we prefer for the homemade dog house can be purchased at any building supply store or lumber yard. As the primary constituent, wood is preferred for at least the inside layer. It can be disinfected to a certain degree, but this can be improved with enamel and/or epoxy paints. Some of the new prefabricated, high impact plastic houses possess the same excellent features. They use a double wall thickness, have good ventilation, and are very easy to clean and disinfect. We have seen concrete blocks used by those who are attempting to build a permanent, never-to-be-replaced model. But they are damp in any weather and still impossible to disinfect or even clean (even with epoxy paints), as their porous nature allows material to work its way into the surface. All metal houses are easy to disinfect and clean, but can be very cold in the winter. Solid fiberglass liners are sometimes used and they are easy to clean and disinfect, but are expensive. They can also become brittle and break and crack at cold temperatures.

Two last construction points: Whether you make it with single or double wall construction, we would prefer the outer wall of the doghouse to be metal covered like the heavier material used in travel trailers. It is usually aluminum bonded to wood. It is nontoxic, easy to clean, will not rust, does not need painting or waterproofing, and is fairly resistant to chewing. Also, make the roof, or a large portion of it capable of being opened to facilitate cleaning. Fiberglass shingles can be used, but the metal-covered wood we recommend for the walls is definitely the best. It is strong, waterproof, and easy to work with.

How do I get in?

What about the opening for the door? Do not make the doghouse door any larger than necessary to further cut down on draft problems. As a rough guideline, a 70-pound dog should have an opening about 12" wide by 14" high. In really hot areas, you might want it larger to increase ventilation. Also have the bottom of the opening 4" to 8" higher than the floor to help keep bedding and newborn puppies inside. Finally, put the door on the side of the house opposite the direction of the prevailing winter winds.

This bed is just right

Bedding? We will surprise you by saying we hate to see our clients use straw, marsh hay, or wood shavings as bedding material. Several times we have seen the first two provide an entire kennel with a case of sarcoptic mange, not to mention fleas and ticks. Hay comes from farms, and if they have livestock, you can bring their problems to your door. Any of the three are impossible to disinfect and become tracked into a kennel, helping to clog drains and gutters. If you think bedding is needed, we would rather see you use old blankets or pads that can be washed. Some dogs use them for toys or drag them out of the house, but if it is comfort they want, they will learn.

Now, where to put it?

Use common sense for summer and hot weather climates. Place the doghouse in the shade. Even in our Northern area, we have seen houses with inside temperatures of over 100 degrees simply because they were exposed to direct sunlight. That is the same as a car with the windows rolled up and left in a parking lot. For the same reason, we usually prefer white or light colored outer surfaces. Again, remember to place the side of the house with the door opposite the direction of the prevailing winter winds.

In conclusion, we certainly understand that there are many correct ways to build a doghouse. Our methods and designs are only aimed at providing the most disease resistant, comfortable environment. One last point is make the roof flat, as your pet will probably spend more time on top of the doghouse than in it. They know more about proper ventilation than we do; dogs are like that.

© 2007 Foster & Smith, Inc.
Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from PetEducation.com (http://www.PetEducation.com)
On-line store at http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com
Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208