Maybe I'll put my husband in it.

My daughter decided that our big old bulldog needed a dog house.  Even though we live in Florida and he has been an inside dog for a very long time, she got this wild idea that Lou needed a doghouse.  So, I figured why not.  It will be some nice bonding time between us.  I can teach her about tool safety and how to follow directions.  Then, one weekend we can paint it, all pretty tropical colors and walla, Louie will love it. 

So, I go buy some wood.  I have no idea how much to buy.  I started thinking this is harder than I thought.  I need quality doghouse blueprints.  How big should the darn thing be.  Is he going to even go in it.  So, I started thinking about Lou.  He is not a digger, he is pretty lazy over all.  One thing he really likes is to get on top of things. Like couches, chairs, boxes, cars.  He loves to be inside the car. I swear if I could afford it I would buy him one of his own, so he could just lay in his car all day.  Anyway, we decided to build a dog house with a flat roof.  This way, he can get on top of it.  What a great idea.  We got some good dog house plans and it saved us so much time and aggrivation.  We had such a good time bonding together.  And you know what.  Louie does love his doghouse.  Of course he loves getting on top of it more than in it, but hey, its his.

Now, If I put 4 tires on it, he might love it even more.  Oh, better yet,  My husband is in the doghouse alot, maybe he should spend a couple of nights in it. 

OH…just kidding….I hope he doesn’t read this post.

An insulated dog house keeps your pooch warm in the winter and cool in the summer.  If you plan on purchasing a dog house, I have seen the prices run from $197.00 all the way up to $497.00.  These houses usually arrive in a big box that you have to assemble anyway.   So, why not get a doghouse blueprint.  Follow the step by step instructions and make Fido a dog house that he and you will be proud of.

A dog house all the other pups in the neighborhood will howl after

Building a large dog house is a great family bonding experience.  If you have kids this is a good time to teach them about tool safety, how to follow directions and more.  Let them go wild and paint the dog house, help decide on the size, where the door should be, things like that.

Let the kids “pimp the dog house.” 

A few things to remember when using dog house plans.

• Should you build a dog house with a flat roof?  Or a removable roof?
• How big should the dog house be?
• Should you put blankets or straw in the dog house?
• Where should the door be located?  Do you need a door closure?

Some folks feel they need to supply an electric heater for the outside winter dog.  I have mixed feelings about this.  First of all, the dog could chew through the wire.  Second of all, how do you know it is always working?  I have seen discs that can be heated in the microwave and then put in the dog house.  I have not used them, and really don’t know how long the heat would last.  But, I think it is a better option than an electric cord.

Most big fury dogs like an Siberian Husky wouldn’t have any trouble staying out in the cold.  But, a little tea cup poodle would.  So, make sure we use some common sense on this.

Now, get building. 

building a warm dog house

Some dogs spend all the time outside.  When the weather turns cold or hot outside dogs  need to be protected from the elements.  Some dogs, like Northern breeds, may prefer to stay outside in there dog house and can handle the winter. Other dogs, like small dogs with little hair are not suited  for extreme cold or heat, and should not be left outside in poor weather conditions.

The dog house should be big enough for the dog to stand up, turn around and lay down.  A bigger dog house is not needed.  As they like the security of the 4 walls.  Also, in the winter months they will use there own body heat to heat up the dog house.   You may also build the insulation right into the dog house, creating an insulated dog house  is not that hard.  The insulated dog house will help keep your dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Usually you can purchase  a door as an accessory to a dog house.  Some people only put the door on in the winter, but I prefer to have a door always.  I  once had a dog that would only go in the dog house with NO door.  Once I put the door on, he wouldn’t go in it.  So, now, I train them to use the door in all seasons.

You don’t want to use fabric blankets or dog beds in the dog house.  Because if they get wet, when the dog tracks in snow, they are liable to freeze.  This will turn Fidos dog house in a freeze house.  I don’t think he is going to like that.   The best idea is to use straw as the bedding.  The water, if any, will seep down to the bottom keeping it away from your dog.  Also, if you build the dog house so that the roof comes off you can clean it, remove or add new straw and also treat it for ticks and fleas.

Some dogs are inside dogs, some are outside dogs.  If you want to build a dog house for inside, you may like it to be snazzy and cute, something that matches your house.  Remember dogs are den animals and will most likely find a spot that is like a den anyway.  Sometimes you will see a dog under a desk, sleeping close to a wall, etc.  They like the feeling of something close, security.  I have had many dogs, all of them were or are crate trained.  The same thing goes with the dog house.  The dog house is like a crate.  They can go someplace they call there own.  To sleep, eat, or just get away from the kids.  They need a place to call there own.

A  few questions to ask yourself before building a dog house are:

• Should you make the roof removable so it is easy to clean?
• Where should the door of the doghouse go?
• Do you need an actual door or just an entrance to keep the dog warm in the winter and cool in the summer?
• Which way should the dog house face?
• How large should it be?
• What should it be made out of?
• Should you elevate the dog house to protect from cold or hot weather?
• Should you use fabric in the dog house to provide heat,  or should you use straw?