Make your dog house unique with a little creativity. You can choose to add a small window, a door (to keep out critters or for you to access the pet), a flap or no door at all, awnings and other decorative touches. Size your doghouse to fit — too big and your furry friend might not stay warm enough, but too small and they’ll be uncomfortable. The house should be big enough for the canine to turn around and lie down, but also cozy and protected. To figure out the proper size, add 9 inches to your dog’s height, 18 inches to their length and 12 inches to their width.
Start by building the base of the structure using pressure-treated 2x4s. To ensure your build can withstand rain, wind and snow, use wood treated with nontoxic sealants. This is important to prevent moisture that can cause rotting, mold and other diseases in your pup’s fur.
Then, measure and cut plywood panels to the dimensions of your plan. If you’re making a flat roof, one panel should be large enough to extend past the sides of the doghouse; if you’re creating a sloped gable roof, two rectangular panels will need to be measured and cut so they’ll meet on the top of the house. Attach the panels to the roof joists with 1 1/2-inch screws.
If desired, add a protective layer of shingles to the plywood roof. You can apply tar paper to the plywood before installing shingles, or you can buy premade roofing sheets that are coated with rubber and will not rot or require painting.