Protect your dog from harsh weather conditions by building them a warm, cozy home. Dog houses can help shield them from rain, snow, excessive sunlight and extreme temperatures. You can build the house with a wide variety of materials, but wood is popular due to its durability and aesthetic appeal. The design of the house should also be suited for your pet’s size and lifestyle.
For instance, a small house may not be suitable for large dogs who require more space to move around. A well-designed house should also provide adequate ventilation to prevent the air inside from becoming stifling and uncomfortable for your pet. The back panel of the doghouse should have three evenly-spaced holes to allow cross ventilation. Drill the holes using a jigsaw and then finish them by smoothing with 120-220 grit sandpaper.
The floor of the doghouse should sit a few inches above the ground to help keep the structure cooler in the summer and to avoid dampness from freezing soil. The floor should also be covered with a sheet of 3/4″ plywood, secured to the frame with weather-resistant screws. To keep your pet dry, the roof should have a 15o slope. To create the angled sides, first clamp the pieces of plywood together temporarily with a straightedge and then cut them with a jigsaw or circular saw to ensure identical angles.
The door of the doghouse should be a generous size to allow your pet to enter and exit easily. To determine the best size, multiply your dog’s shoulder height by 1.25 and then add a few inches to allow for the dog to lower its head to maintain body heat.