Treat Your Furry Friend to a Custom Doghouse

At first glance, building the ideal doghouse for your furry friend might seem like a challenge. However, if you have the right tools, the project isn't all that difficult. If you set aside a few extra hours over the weekend, you can create an attractive custom shelter that complements your outdoor space and protects your dog from the elements year-round. Just follow these six steps to build a safe and inviting custom doghouse for your beloved canine.

1: Establish the size of your doghouse

To ensure your doghouse is the ideal size, start by taking a few simple measurements. Most sizing guides suggest your doghouse should stand at least 9 inches taller than your pet. Determine the right length for the shelter by measuring your dog from nose to tip of tail and adding 18 inches. The width should be at least a foot wider than your dog. These dimensions will give your dog ample space to enter the doghouse and turn around without making the dwelling too large.

2: Cut materials as needed

Once you’ve established the correct size for your doghouse, create a base using pressure-treated 2x4s and your circular or saber saw to mill the side pieces. These pieces should be angled downward from the front, and remember to keep the height 9 inches taller than your dog. Now, create the floor using weather-resistant screws to attach a 3/4-inch plywood panel to the base.

3: Add corner braces to create partition walls

Next, to ensure a weather-proof structure, add corner braces made from two strips of plywood screwed together. Attach these pieces to the side, front, and rear panels with your weather-resistant hardware. You'll want to include a partition wall to construct a space large enough to house your canine yet small enough to retain adequate heat and keep your pet warm during the cooler months.

4: Enhance the structure with a door opening and insulation

To protect your pup from extreme outdoor temperatures, use rigid foam insulation inside the wall cavities, just as you would for your own house. Then, establish your door opening by creating a mark roughly 2 inches higher than the highest point of your dog's body. Now, set the doghouse's width at 3 inches wider than your pup's length. After marking these measurements, cut the opening with a saber saw and sand it down until it’s smooth.

5: Secure the roof for weatherproofing

You'll need to cut the roof pieces long enough to handle rainwater runoff. Once it's complete, you'll be ready to secure the roof at the back using a weather-resistant piano hinge to enable easy cleaning. Next, apply tar paper and install a metal drip edge before attaching asphalt shingles with nails. Make sure the nails aren't too long because they can poke through the roof and potentially injure your pet. If you don’t own the proper tools, consider hiring a local contractor like Framework Construction in Tarzana to help with your build.

6: Final Touches

Once you’ve finished building the doghouse, transfer it to your outdoor space and fill it with soft bedding, toys, and a bowl of water to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for your pup. With just a little strategizing, a few materials, and these six easy steps, you can construct the perfect custom doghouse in no time. 

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