1 Size the Parts

To size the parts for your doghouse, make the width equal to your dog’s length plus 12”. The length equals the dog’s length plus 18”. And the height equals the dogs height plus 9” in the front and sloping back to the dog’s height plus 3” in the back.

2 Build the Base

After you’ve determined the size of the doghouse, cut the base parts to length from pressure-treated 2x4’s. Then butt the ends together and secure the joints with weather-resistant screws. Cut a floor panel to fit from 3/4”-plywood and secure it to the base with weather-resistant screws.

3 Angle the Sides

To keep your pooch dry, the roof sits on angled sides. To cut identical angles, first attach the side pieces together temporarily with double-sided tape. Then clamp a straightedge to the sides at the desired angle and make the cut with a circular of saber saw. Secure each side to the base with weather-resistant screws.

4 Add the Corner Braces

To create a sturdy, weather-tight structure for your pet, corner braces are installed to keep the house from racking and also prevent drafts. Each brace consists of two strips of plywood screwed together. These are then attached to the sides and then to the back and front panels with weather-resistant screws.

5 Install the Partition Wall

The partition wall is an important part of your pet’s new home. Not only does it keep out weather and provide privacy, it also creates a space small enough for the pup’s body heat to keep them warm. Secure the partition to the base and install a plywood panel angled to match the sides.

6 Insulate the Walls

To help keep your pet warm in the winter and cool in the summer, install rigid foam insulation in the wall cavities. Use either 1-1/2”-thick foam or glue up layers of 1” and 1/2” foam. Cut these to fit and then cover them with 1/4”-plywood. (If you don’t, your pup may discover the foam is fun to nibble on.)

7 Cut the Door Opening

Before you attach the front, have your pup stand in front of it and make a mark a couple of inches above his back. Make the width the pup’s width plus 3”. Center the opening and cut it out with a saber saw. Secure the front to the corner braces and then sand the opening smooth.

8 Add the Roof

The roof is cut slightly oversize to aid in rain runoff. It’s secured at the back edge with a weather-resistant piano hinge to make cleaning a snap. Cover the roof with tar paper and install a metal drip edge around the perimeter.

9 Install the Shingles

We used asphalt shingles to make the roof waterproof. Just make sure to use nails that are short enough so they won’t poke through the roof and endanger your pet. Start at the bottom overlapping each row and work your way to the top. Apply a bead of roofing cement to the top edge to seal out moisture.