Dog House Plans

About Dog House Plans

Of course, providing your pet with his own dog house can be as easy as driving to your local pet supply store and picking out a suitable model. It's very convenient, and you can bring it home and set it up the very same day.

However, some of us prefer the do-it-yourself route, and take great pleasure in building our pet's shelter with our own hands. If you're one of this group, then you're going to need dog house plans.

Dog house plans are available to suit the skills of every builder, from novice to master carpenter. All you truly need to do is select a plan that is suitable for the size of your dog, and be sure you have all the proper building material, tools, and safety equipment needed before you begin construction.

Free Plans

You can find free dog house plans online, and sometimes at your local building supply. Here are a few samples to help you get started.

WoodZone.com offers a simple dog house plan that is geared toward beginners. The project only requires a sheet of plywood and a few two by fours and two by twos. If you can keep an electric saw straight, hammer a nail, and add a coat of paint, these plans just might serve your needs.

RewardDog.com offers another dog house plan for do-it-yourself types that is a bit more involved than the previous plan, but still yields a quality shelter.

Plans for Sale

Plans can also be purchased, and this might be the route to take if you're looking for something with a more stylish design.

DoggieBarn.com specializes in attractive, barn-style dog houses. If you like the idea of shingled roofs and doggie windows, this could be what you're looking for.

ThePlanDepot.com offers a two-story dog house plan for the truly ambitious. Go ahead and build a dog house that will turn your neighbors green with envy.

Building Tips

Construction will go much more smoothly if you make use of the following tips.

• Measure your dog and purchase plans for the right size shelter.
• Check your local weather forecast if you plan on building your dog house outside, rather than in a work shop.
• Decide on a location before construction begins. Avoid low lying areas that will collect rain water, and spots next to a fence your pet could use the house to climb over.
• Read the instruction plans over and over until you thoroughly understand them.
• Double check your list of materials and your tool kit, then purchase everything you need before you begin.
• Enlist a buddy to help you build. Two sets of hands are better than one, but only one of you should be in charge of the directions to ensure overall success.
• Remember the carpenter's golden rule: Measure twice, cut once.

Summary

Building your own dog house can be a very satisfying experience. Be sure you understand what you're getting yourself in to and that you have everything you need to complete the task. Who knows, if you do a great job, you just might wind up with a small side business making dog shelters for friends and family.