A DIY dog house is a very simple project that can typically be constructed with just a basic understanding of building skills. Building a dog house is a relatively simple task that usually only takes about half a day to complete; depending on the size and detail. In addition, building your own dog house can be a fun project that also saves you some money in the end.
Many people find themselves asking questions like “how do you make a simple dog house” and “how can I make an inexpensive dog house?” Choosing a nice dog house is an important component of your dog’s overall well-being. So, it is important to put some thought into what you choose before selecting your do it yourself blueprint dog house plan. In addition to choosing a dog house that is suitable for your dog, you must also choose the perfect location to place it.
The dog house must be able to withstand drastic temperature changes, including the cold, heat, and rain. Before choosing which dog house is right for you and your dog, you should consider the amount of space that you have to place your dog house. Do you have a relatively large backyard, or do you only have a small patio space? These are two things that you should consider before choosing a dog house that is right for you and your pet.
Is it easy to make a dog house? We have included a list of dog house ideas that are relatively easy to make as they include step-by-step instructions that detail every step as well as the material that you need. These simple dog house plans are a must for beginner builders and will help you build your own dog house!
- What should you consider when choosing a dog house?
- How to build a dog house cheap
- What materials should you choose?
- DIY Dog House Insulation
- Step-By-Step Video for Building a Simple DIY Dog House
- Do it yourself blueprint dog house plans: Free Dog House Plans
- Where should you put your dog house?
- Training your dog to use its dog house
What should you consider when choosing a dog house?
The size of your dog is the first factor to consider when choosing the dog house. Your canine companion must be able to enter the doghouse with ease; he must be able to stand, walk around, and lie down comfortably. If your dog can do all of the above, you’ve chosen the appropriate doghouse for his or her size.
To select the ideal dog house size, you must first determine how tall your dog is, as the doghouse should be 25% taller than your dog’s height. If you buy a doghouse that is too big, your dog may succumb to the cold during the winter months because the extra area allows for more ventilation.
The length of the doghouse must also be taken into account; it must be longer than your pet’s length without including the dog’s tail. The dog will be unable to move if the house is too small or the dog is too cramped.
How to build a dog house cheap
Every dog deserves a cozy and safe space to call their own. However, purchasing a pre-made dog house can sometimes be a costly affair. But don’t worry, you don’t have to break the bank to provide your furry friend with a comfortable abode. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build a dog house cheap, without compromising on quality or comfort.
Step 1: Plan and Design
Before you start building, it’s essential to have a clear plan. Consider the size of your dog, the climate in your area, and where the dog house will be located. Your design doesn’t have to be extravagant. A simple, well-insulated structure with a slanted roof for rain runoff is more than enough.
Step 2: Gather Materials
One of the best ways to save money when building a dog house is to use reclaimed or recycled materials. Check local listings for free or cheap materials like wood pallets, old furniture, or leftover construction materials. You’ll also need nails, a hammer, a saw, and paint or wood stain for finishing touches.
Step 3: Build the Base
Start by building a raised base. This will keep your dog off the cold ground in the winter and provide better ventilation in the summer. Cut your base to size, then add support beams underneath for extra stability.
Step 4: Construct the Walls and Roof
Next, cut your wall and roof panels to size and nail them to the base. Remember to leave an opening for the entrance. The roof should be slightly larger than the base to provide a small overhang for protection against the elements.
Step 5: Insulate
Insulation is key to keeping the dog house warm in winter and cool in summer. Cheap options for insulation include straw, foam boards, or even old blankets. Just make sure whatever you use is safe and non-toxic for your pet. Later on, we will look at how to make a dog house warm.
Step 6: Paint and Finish
Finally, paint or stain the dog house to protect it from the weather and give it a finished look. Use non-toxic products to ensure your dog’s safety.
Building a dog house doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little creativity and effort, you can create a comfortable and durable home for your dog that won’t hurt your wallet. Remember, the most important thing is that your dog feels safe and comfortable in their new space.
What materials should you choose?
What is the best material to use for a dog house? Dog houses are usually made using three different types of material: wood, plastic, metal, and concrete. One important thing to consider is the climate where you live while deciding which material is ideal for your dog.
The main types of materials used for dog houses are listed below:
Wooden dog house: Wooden dog houses are usually very durable. Wooden dog houses have the added benefit of being insulated. This means they keep the house warm and protect the dog from extremes in temperature.
Plastic dog house: The lightness of this style of dog house is its most notable attribute. This type of shelter is easy to clean because it is light in weight; it is also safe and resistant to rain, cold, and heat. Another key feature is that the material used in its construction is waterproof and inexpensive compared to other materials.
Metal dog house: Metal has no insulating properties, so it is of dog house is not recommended for dogs. During the summer, a metal dog house can heat up and cause the dog to overheat.
Concrete dog house: Concrete is a material that provides great insulating, keeping your dog protected in cold and hot climates. Concrete dog houses are an excellent choice for dog house plans for cold weather.
Dog House Materials List
We put together this simple infographic to help you see what materials you will need to construct a cheap DIY dog house.
DIY Dog House Insulation
As the temperature starts to dip, it becomes increasingly important to make sure your dog is as warm and comfortable outdoors as they are indoors. If you’ve built a dog house for your furry friend, you might be wondering how to add an extra layer of warmth during the colder months. DIY dog house insulation is a cost-effective and efficient way to make your pet’s outdoor space more comfortable. Here’s how you can go about it:
Dog House Materials List for Insulation
- Foam Board Insulation or Reflective Foil Insulation
- Utility Knife
- Measuring Tape
- Construction Adhesive or Glue
- Weather Stripping
- Staple Gun
Step-by-Step Guide: DIY Dog House Insulation Guide
- Measure Your Dog House: Use a measuring tape to get the dimensions of each wall, including the floor and ceiling.
- Cut the Insulation: According to your measurements, cut out pieces of foam board insulation or reflective foil insulation using a utility knife.
- Attach Insulation: Use construction adhesive or strong glue to affix the insulation panels to the inner walls of the dog house. For extra security, you can use a staple gun to tack the edges in place.
- Weather Stripping: Apply weather stripping around the edges of the door and any openings to create an airtight seal. This will prevent drafts and keep the warm air inside.
- Inspect for Gaps: Double-check your work to ensure that there are no gaps where cold air could enter or warm air could escape.
- Optional: Add a Flap Door: Consider adding a flexible flap made of vinyl or heavy fabric at the entrance. This will act as an additional barrier against the cold, allowing your dog to move in and out easily.
Safety Tips
- Ensure that the materials you’re using are non-toxic and safe for pets.
- Always double-check that there are no exposed staples, nails, or other sharp objects that could injure your dog.
Additional Suggestions: The Best Homemade Dog House Design
For extra warmth, you could add a thick bedding layer like a fleece or wool blanket. Some people also add a small, pet-safe heating pad designed for outdoor use.
Insulating your dog’s house can significantly improve their comfort and wellbeing during the colder months. It’s a simple project that doesn’t require specialized skills but delivers a big impact. Remember, a warm dog is a happy dog!
Step-By-Step Video for Building a Simple DIY Dog House
Do it yourself blueprint dog house plans: Free Dog House Plans
DIY Winter Dog House
This DIY winter dog house is customizable to accommodate dogs of all sizes, from small to large, and features insulation to ensure your pet stays cozy. The design includes a sheltered rear section that offers protection from inclement weather. It’s a puppy house that’s simple enough for even a novice to construct. Complimentary video tutorials accompany each phase of the building process, and an extensive set of schematics provides views from multiple perspectives helping in the construction of this simple DIY dog house. Check it out here.
Best DIY dog house plan for beginners
Lowe’s provides a terrific free dog house design for a great-looking yet basic dog house. There’s free dog house plans and material list, a list of tools and materials, an overview, cutting instructions, and illustrated instructions that make it simple to assemble. This dog house is also great for anyone that does not own a wide selection of construction tools. Check it out here.
DIY insulated dog house plans for cold weather
This dog house is insulated to keep your dog warm and can be designed to fit any size dog, from little to large. This is an excellent all-around dog house design that even a novice can complete.
This free dog house plan includes videos for each building phase as well as numerous plans depicting the dog house from all angles. Check it out here.
DIY wooden dog house
This cute dog house is equipped with shutters and two miniature windows. This wooden dog house DIY has a modern and warm feel to it due to the cedar shingles on the roof. This dog house is very simple to make and great for people that do not have much experience with building things. The free blueprint includes everything that you will need to get started on your DIY dog house. Check it out here.
Indoor dog house end table
If you have a dog that spends a majority of its time inside, this indoor dog house end table is a great option for you. While this blueprint is not necessarily a dog house, it is still a great option to keep your dog secluded while indoors.
This indoor dog house end table plan contains detailed pictures, diagrams, and written instructions that make construction very easy; even for beginners. Check it out here.
Pallet board dog house
This pallet board dog house uses pallets and plywood to construct a unique dog house that will keep your dog safe from the outdoor elements. This plan includes detailed directions as well as pictures to make constructing your pallet board dog house easy!
Oftentimes, you can find cheap or free pallet boards for sale on Facebook marketplace or Craigslist; making this dog house a relatively cheap option compared to other dog houses. Check it out here.
Insulated dog house – A-frame dog house
The great thing about this A-frame house is that it is insulated and will not cost you any more than $75 to build. This free dog house plan is for a 9-foot base dog house that is perfect for a small and medium-sized dog such as the Goldendoodle.
This blueprint includes step-by-step instructions as well as informational pictures that make building this DIY dog house very easy, even for beginners. In addition, this dog house stands out compared to other insulated dog houses due to its unique A-frame design. Check it out here.
DIY dog house with barn door
Barn doors have been all the rage recently; why not give your dog the same trendy design with a DIY dog house with a rolling barn door?
This beautiful dog house plan provides a detailed set of instructions as well as a list of supplies that you will need to complete this dog house. In addition, there are detailed pictures that make constructing this trendy DIY dog house simple, even for beginners. Check it out here.
Where should you put your dog house?
It’s important to carefully plan where you place the dog house in addition to ensuring the dog has access to food, water, toys, and a bed. This will ensure that your dog remains warm and that the dog house is ventilated.
In addition, it is important to consider any unforeseen weather fluctuations such as wind, sun, snow, and cold weather. If you live in an area that has hot weather, you should consider the proximity of the dog house to shaded areas. It is also important to place the dog house in a location that your dog feels comfortable in. This will ensure that the dog feels comfortable with using the dog house and will make him more accustomed to using the space.
It is also best to keep the dog house elevated off of the ground to provide more insulation. It is best to place the dog house on a concrete slab or porch to avoid any loss of heat or unwanted moisture. This will also ensure that the wood does not rot as it is up off of the ground and away from moisture.
Training your dog to use its dog house
At first, your dog may feel a little uncomfortable with using his new space. To ensure that your dog becomes familiarized with the dog house, you should place some of his favorite toys inside or near the door of the dog house. That way, whenever the dog wants to play, he will have to enter his dog house or go near to it. This will gradually familiarize the dog with this new environment and DIY project.
Any change can be scary to a dog. To get your dog used to the new dog house, place your dog inside the dog house when he is sleepy. By repeating this behavior, your dog will begin to associate the feeling of tiredness with the doghouse. Eventually, your dog will begin to sleep in his dog house when he becomes tired.
It is important that your dog associates his new dog house with a positive experience. You should never raise your voice at your dog while he is in the dog house, and you should never use the dog house as a form of punishment. This will deter the dog from ever using the dog house. Instead use positive reinforcement training to help your dog learn to use the dog house.
