How to Do These Things

With their status as �man�s best friend,� dogs certainly deserve to be safe, comfortable, happy, and loved. One way of showing all of these to your trusted four-legged companions is by building them a great dog house. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build a secure and comfortable dog house.

Things to Remember

1. Consider the breed of the dog when building a dog house. The dog�s breed will determine the things that the dog house should be fitted with. For instance, long-haired or thick-haired breeds would not need as much insulation from rain and wind as short-haired breeds.
2. Determine the average size your dog will be when it has fully grown. Even if you are building a dog house for a puppy, the shelter should be of a comfortable size when the dog has grown.
3. Provide adequate ventilation for the dog. Inadequate ventilation will cause humidity to build up inside the dog house; thus, making it uncomfortable for your dog.
4. Build the dog house in an area partly covered by shade during the day. Placing it directly under the sun will make the shelter hot and stuffy.
5. The dog house should have adequate space for the dog to stand up, sit, and move around.
6. Build a dog house that can endure inclement weather and the playful nature of your dog for years to come.

Materials Needed

• Shingle utility knife
• Roofing shingles
• Hammer
• Nails
• Pressure-treated lumber
• Plywood
• Table or circular saw
• Measuring tape
• Pencil

Procedure

1. Determine the dimensions and the amount of space needed by your dog.
2. Split the 8� 2 x 4 stock into 2 x 2 stocks. These will serve as the frame elements. Cut four 12 �� long pieces from these frame pieces.
3. Nail the pieces evenly against the short edges of the sides. Place one frame piece starting at the top of each side corner. Leave a 3 �-inch space at the bottom for the side panel to hangover the platform.
4. Fasten frame pieces to the inner roofline of the front and back panels. Make sure that the frame pieces join together at the top and expand along the roofline to about 2 �-inch from the sides.
5. Install one of the sides in place. Its edges should be aligned with the platform�s front and back. Nail the sides to the platform at the bottom.
6. Install the back of the dog house. Straighten it with the sides. Nail it into the platform and then into the 2 x 2 frame members in the corners. Repeat the same procedure for the front.
7. Install the roof. You may add shingles to the outside of the dog house to make it extra special.

More articles on How to Build a Dog House

1. How to Build a Dog House