Dog House Building Plans

A critical part of building a dog house is considering where it will go once it is completed. Where is the best place in your yard for your new canine home? Generally speaking, pick a somewhat flat area that is not prone to puddling. Another consideration is locate the dog house in a place that is not in direct line of wind and blowing drifting snow. You also probably do not want the dog house too far away from your main house so that it is an easy walk to and from the house and dog house. This is also important in snowy conditions: You should plan to clear a path between the two houses so keep it relatively close to reduce the time and workload involved in clearing that path.

Measure your dog's length from nose to hind area (right where the tail starts) and also his height (ground to top of the head). The length of the dog house you build should be at least twelve inches longer and about six inches higher. You want the dog house to be large enough for your dog to go in and turn around, and also to be able to lay down without his front paws sticking out. That said, do not make the dog house too big per the dog house plans such that the dog's body heat cannot warm the space properly in the colder weather.

Whatever your dog house building plans or blueprints call for, you can adjust the dimensions proportionately to build to your exact specifications. And making it fit your exact requirements is where a lot of the personal satisfaction and enjoyment comes from when you discover how to build your own dog house and then actually do it, adding your own personal touches to the dog house as you go along.

All dog house plans are not created equal, and sometimes you get what you pay for. Sure, there are many free plans available but they may just contain a drawing or diagram. Plan to invest in a set of plans or a book of plans so that you have the options to choose from many different styles, e.g. single dog house or a duplex for more than one dog, simple dog house or fancy deluxe styles that look like actual houses, and so on. Plans should include a complete materials list (which you can use to come up with your own cost and price estimate, unless that is included too), list of all tools needed (most will require a minimum of a tape measure, drill, hammer, saw, t-square), diagrams and drawings or even photos, and step by step constructions procedures that walk through the process so that even carpentry, woodworking, and handyman novices can complete it without too much trouble.

You want to give your pet dog an excellent, cozy, comfortable, safe, and secure place to be while out in the yard (all that time he or she is not in the house with you!). Protection from the elements is a key benefit for having a dog house. And here are some other tips you might want to build in to your dog house, tips you may not find in typical dog house building plans or dog house blueprints.

An overhang of the roof in front of the dog house is good, but extended overhands all around (sides and back) is even better for snow and rain runoff and added shade. Also consider locating the front door opening off-center to give your dog an extra area to lay down in front and be sheltered from the opening. And consider sloping the floor toward the front just a little bit to allow drainage of any water that might get in the dog house. Finally, make the dog house large enough for you to get in for routine cleaning. If it's still too small, think about making the roof detachable/removable so you can lift it off and get in from the top for cleanup and maintenance.