We all love our animals. We want to give them the best homes, comfort, and shelter possible. When they’re outside, it’s nice to provide them shelter so they can be protected in their outdoor space. That’s why it’s so essential to build your dog a comfortable, functional, and stylish dog house.
By making a DIY dog house, you have the power and the flexibility to develop the dog house however you like. You’ll get more satisfaction out of building your dog house than simply buying one.
But a lot of dog owners are hesitant to build their own dog houses. For one, the task itself seems daunting. For another, people think it can be more expensive than purchasing one.
We’re here to tell you that’s not true. Building a dog house can be cost-effective, easy, and a much more rewarding experience than purchasing one online.
If you’re in need of a dog house but don’t know where to start, read on to learn more.
The Basics
Whether you’re a new dog house builder or an experienced vet, it is still necessary to review the basic elements for building a successful dog house.
What Is the Best Material to Build a Dog House With?
Many of you may be wondering: What is the best material to build a dog house with?
The answer depends on a lot of various aspects. For example, if you live in an area with colder weather and plan to keep your dogs out for lengthier periods, you’ll need sturdier materials instead of flimsy designs with cardboard and boxes.
In these cases, hearty materials such as wood, metal, and added insulation are optimal, and good tools are needed to build the dog house.
How Much Does It Cost to Build a Dog House?
Sometimes buying a dog house can cost a lot of money for materials, assembly, and hiring people to help. Luckily, the DIY dog houses featured in this post are either very low cost (in the $100 to $200 range) or entirely free.
Another great tool to cut down costs on your new dog house is to reuse materials. For example, by using spare plywood and extra wood from other projects, you’ll be saving money and the environment.
That’s why it’s so great to find beat-up furniture on the side of the road (or from your house) to reuse for a great dog house.
What Can I Put in My Dog House to Keep Him Warm?
The best part about creating your dog house is to decorate it. Decorating the interior of your dog house is enjoyable, and when you add more cushions and blankets, you help keep them warm.
Stick to soft, comfortable materials such as blankets, quilts, and pillows, to keep them warm. If you live in a frigid climate, you may want to build insulation into your dog home to keep them warmer during those winter months.
How Big Should I Build My Dog House?
The first step you always want to do before you start building your DIY dog house (or even before you buy materials) is to measure your dog.
Each dog is different. Big dogs need bigger accommodations than small dogs, so it’s important you tailor your dog house to your pet’s specific needs based on breed, size, and so forth.
Try to keep the shelter to roughly twice the size of your dog. Dogs like smaller spaces, so you don’t need to make a house that’s much bigger than them. Besides, by creating a smaller space, you allow their body heat to quickly and easily fill the area so it’s a comfortable and effective shelter for your pet.
Related Post: 7 Tips For Raising Animals In A Tiny House
Free Dog House Plans to Consider
Continue reading to learn more about the different types of dog house plans available.
Roof Deck Dog House Plans
Just because you’re designing a dog house on your own doesn’t mean that you have to compromise style. With this dog house, your animal gets to lounge on the roof of their very own dog house.
To get instructions on how to make this roof deck dog house a reality, go to Good Homes Interior Design. You and your dog will be all set with easy building plans, cost-effective design, and plenty of styles to choose from.
Lowe’s Beginner DIY House
Kick off your DIY dog house plans with something easy and straightforward like this construction plan from Lowe’s. It’s a great beginning for your DIY dog house. And if it is a beginner dog house, there’s no better place to start than Lowe’s. It’s an easy DIY project.
Snoopy House Plans
Are you a fan of Snoopy and want to make your dog a fan, too? This Snoopy Dog House is the perfect DIY dog house for you. Not only will it be a replica for your dog to enjoy, it’s also incredibly low cost. All you need to get started is a couple of old moving boxes, a utility knife, and some spray paint.
Dog House With Porch Plans
If you’re feeling a little fancy, check out this cute dog house plan with a deck included. Simply sign up on their website to access free PDFs and get the building plans.
This sweet dog house comes with a deck, and a place to put toys as well as a bowl of water. Your dog will undoubtedly know this is the place for them.
Modern DIY Dog House Plans
If you’re a bit more modern, you may be turned off by traditional DIY dog house designs that are floating around online. Look no further than this sleek, edgy, modern dog house design.
Brought to you by The Awesome Orange, this modern dog house has deep Scandinavian roots and a clean, fresh design. It’s easy and low cost to build, and because the design also includes a reasonably large porch, it is a great DIY large dog house for bigger breeds. However, this shelter may only be a good fit for owners looking for more of a design aesthetic — not actual protection from the elements.
If you live somewhere with extreme weather and temperatures, you may want to find a more functional house than this one.
Insulated Dog House Plans
The problem with dog houses is that many owners worry about their furry friends and want them to be okay in extreme weather. For those living in colder regions, you may be concerned about exposing your dog to the harsh winter elements.
That’s why the Ron Hazleton Home Improvement website created this custom, insulated dog shelter so you can rest assured your dog will stay warm even on the coldest nights.
He provides a step-by-step guide on how to build your dog shelter from top to bottom to ensure warmth, protection, and privacy for your beloved dog.
Tropical Resort Dog House Plans
Bringing a tropical vacation to your dog? This tropical resort DIY dog house may be an excellent fit for your yard and pet. This design is sure to bring a smile to your face as you see your dog lounging in their tropical oasis. With shelter, a porch, and easy-to-use instructions, this design could be a top contender for any dog owner.
Classic A-Frame Dog House
If you’d like to keep your build a little more traditional, this classic A-frame may be an excellent design for you and your dogs. This project is a tremendous DIY house for a small dog and a good option for medium dogs, too. Sorry big dogs, this one may not be the size for you.
Log Cabin Dog House
Nothing spells cozy like a log cabin. With five simple materials and a few tools, you can construct a DIY dog house for a snuggly log cabin. The unique design will surely wow any neighbors and guests.
Dog House on Wheels Plans
This is a great dog house to build if you often need to move your dog’s shelter from place to place. For example, if you split ownership with someone else, you move frequently, or your dog just wants to move their house, you can be sure your dog has their own space wherever they go.
Pallet Dog House Plans
The pallet design is a style that’s always current and fashionable. A pallet dog house has everything your dog needs. Sturdy and spacious, it is an excellent project for large breed dogs. Get started with a DIY yard dog house with this beautifully styled, pallet dog house.
Breezy Dog House Plans
The Breezy Dog House is an exciting spin on a dog house. Because the walls are cut out, it does not provide much shelter, if any, so if you’re looking for a dog house design over function, this one may be the fit for you. Since this dog house has open walls, it is an excellent fit for dogs who may get freaked out by small spaces. This dog house is also a great design if you live in a hot climate and need lots of airflow to keep your dog cool and shaded. Check out the Breezy dog house now.
Big Dog House Plans
It can be difficult for all you owners with Great Danes or German Shepherds to find a dog house design to accommodate your big dog breeds. That’s why this big dog house is such a great find. It’s wonderful for larger breeds.
As you may have guessed by its name, the Big Dog House’s top feature is the sheer size that can accommodate any large breed. Check out this helpful video that breaks down how to build this structure step-by-step (but if you have a small dog, this is not the house for them as they would not fill this space with their body heat).
Wooden Dog House Plans
This house looks like a house where you or I could live. Its shingles and shutters make it a sweet little spot for your puppy to fall asleep on a hot summer day. And it’s easy and low cost to build. Check out this cute DIY house to get started on your small dog house.
Mid-Century Dog House Plans
This dog house is sure to wow any friends and neighbors with a stylish design and functionality. While this is undoubtedly a more in-depth dog house to create, it is worth it when you’re done because it looks so mod.
Barrel House Plans
Are you looking for a dog house that looks a little different? Try building one from a barrel. That’s right, you heard us correctly. Cost-effective, visually intriguing, and cozy, this dog house is sure to make your furry friend feel completely snuggled up and entirely at home.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to dog houses, there are many choices, and you have to design the perfect dog house for your favorite member of the family. With so many cost-effective options available, we know you’ll have fun experimenting with different designs and styles to find the right fit for you.
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