DIY Pet Pawsibilities: Doghouses Get A Modern Makeover
DIY Pet Pawsibilities: Doghouses Get A Modern Makeover
Helping Dogs Live Their Best Lives!
Gone are the days when pets are relegated to the dog house, or pet owners for that matter. Doghouses take on a whole new meaning when they are designed with modern architecture detailing, a swimming pool, or even a second story. Today’s doghouses are structurally sound, provide refuge for the elements, and add a pet-friendly touch to backyard spaces. While some doghouses are built to match the pet family home, others take on a life of their own their own design style. We thought we would explore all that is available for helping you to build your own doghouse, dog house kits, and ways to customize dog houses to meet the needs of your dog.
Before we begin we need a disclaimer on negative reputation doghouses get from both pet and non-pet people, the term being synonymous with a place to go when you are your pet has been bad or is relegated to the outdoors. First of all we forcefully object to ever chaining or forcing a pet to spend any time outdoors, often associated with a dog house. This practice is outdated and should be considered animal abuse. Pets who find themselves on a runner or outdoor leash for safety should only be done when their outdoor time is moderated, water and food is provided, and it is never a way of punishment. Our pets learn and react to the way they are nurtured and cared for and before is improved through training and consistency, not punishment. That being said, let’s talk about the modern side of doghouses and have some fun.
Traditional doghouses were designed with 4 walls, a floor, a roof and an opening for pets to enter and depart. Snoopy® made this style doghouse very popular and when painted red and white, it became an icon to all. While Snoopy® flew his doghouse about town, most doghouses are not designed to be portable, they are part of the landscape.
Just like them amenities we desire for our homes, pet homes can be as decked out as you and your pet desire with heating and air units, windows, pet-sized furniture, and even a swimming pool. Using pet-friendly materials is always suggested making quick clean up a breeze.
Once you decide what will happen inside your doghouse, next it is time to design the outside. Design your doghouse to match the main house, design it to coordinate with the pool or backyard, or have some fun and create a very unique doghouse that becomes a work of art.
We gathered some great DIY doghouse books, doghouse building kits, and tips to help you design, commission, or build the perfect doghouse. Add a sign, house number or mural as a finishing touch. Enjoy exploring what we found and we hope you are inspired to add a doghouse to your home.
Explore These Books: Building Doghouses and DIY Pet Projects
Explore these great books we came across with inspiration to do it yourself. Start with a basic dog house, add a handmade pet bed, and while you are at it, do a little dogscaping! If you and your pet spend a lot of time outdoors, what a fun way to create something special that you both will enjoy.
“Dog House Plan: How To Build A Dog House In Less Than 30 Days” by Beverly Hill offers practical steps and strategies for constructing a dog house within a month. It provides detailed instructions and insights on building a comfortable and functional shelter for dogs of various sizes. The book emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for pets, addressing different aspects of dog house construction and maintenance.
“Black & Decker 24 Weekend Projects for Pets” by David Griffin offers a collection of DIY projects designed to create fun and functional items for pets. The book includes detailed instructions and illustrations for building dog houses, cat trees, rabbit hutches, and more, catering to a wide range of pets. These projects are aimed at pet owners who enjoy hands-on activities and want to enhance their pets’ living spaces with customized, homemade creations.
“Dogscaping: Creating the Perfect Backyard and Garden for You and Your Dog” by Thomas Barthel is a guide for dog owners to create a harmonious outdoor space. It offers organic gardening techniques and solutions tailored for dogs’ behaviors and needs. Topics like site planning, plant selection, organic lawn care, pest control, and recycling yard waste. It also includes practical ideas for dog-specific features.
Examine These Options: Doghouse Floor Plans & Blueprints
This farmhouse style doghouse in bright red and white with a front porch is a great addition to pet friendly yards.
Check out this insulated modern doghouse with great style and plenty of space for the pup.
Elevated Modern Dog House Floor Plans with contemporary roof and siding ideal for minimalistic and mod home styles.
Create your own shingled dog house with front porch with these handy floor plans. Paint and shingle to match your home to blend into your exterior design.
Vintage Dog House Blueprint Poster doubles as a guide to creating a traditional dog house and a great piece of art for dog spaces and pet-loving homes.
Elevated Modern Dog House Floor Plans with contemporary roof and siding ideal for minimalistic and mod home styles.
Create an organic space in the backyard for the dog with these Grass Roof Dog House Floor Plans. A fun weekend project for the entire family.
This Crooked Dog House is a fun version that is ready to be painted a bright shade. Grab the Floor Plans and pick up wood and supplies.
This Ranch Dog House is a great log cabin vibe that is perfect for backyards in the woods, at the cabin, or the lake house.
This Craftsman Dog House features front a front porch, raised roof, and a pool on the side. Design the exterior to match your home or create a unique design style.
These Victorian Dog Floor Plans are a perfect when you are looking for a vintage vibe for your pets when they spend time outdoors. Paint it simple or have fun and make it colorful
This Caribbean Dog House Floor Plan features shutters, a front porch, and plenty of room inside. Tips for making it insulated when it is chilly outside.
Open House: Dog Home Tours
Now that you have an idea of the dog house floor plans on the market, we thought it would be fun to highlight our favorites.
Surfer Doghouse with Deck
Take us to the beach with this fantastic elevated surf inspired doghouse complete with retro surf art, life preservers, and a deck.
This statement doghouse is a great addition to beachside property, poolside, or surf themed backyards. The amazing art, classic design and decking has great curb appeal.
Designed with side by side dog spaces, each customized with name, dog breed modern art, and indoor/outdoor pet bedding. A wonderful retreat from the summer sun or a great place to relax on the deck with the early morning summer breeze.
The elevated design is ideal for beach, lake and river locations that tend to have water rise.
A true head turner for beach walkers, surfers, or pet-owners looking for inspiration to create the perfect pet sanctuary.
Craftsman Doghouse with Side Pool
This stunning Craftsman-style dog house, complete with swimming pool, is a luxurious canine paradise. This year-round, ranch-inspired cottage has been meticulously designed to meet all your pet’s needs.
As you approach this spacious canine haven, your pet will set its paws on a gorgeous front porch, perfect for lounging on balmy summer days. Through the front entrance, your pet steps into the airy summer room, providing a perfect retreat from the hot weather.
The summer room commands a panoramic view of the unique dog bone-shaped cooling pool and features an outward-facing window for increased ventilation and light. Just beyond the summer room lies the winter room, an intimate, warm space designed to combat the chill of the colder months. There’s ample room here for snuggly blankets and plush sherpa dog beds.
Architectural highlights of the dog house include a rich-toned wooden exterior, durable shingles, and robust stone column bases for an added touch of elegance. And as an unexpected bonus, there’s a matching human-sized house to complement this exceptional canine abode. Experience the ultimate in pet-friendly living with this one-of-a-kind dog house.
Two-Story Victorian Doghouse
Presenting a two-story Victorian marvel designed as a combined play and dog house, a true testament to refined craftsmanship. This splendid edifice welcomes you with dual porches, perfect for leisurely summer lounging.
Access the lower-level canine suite through a convenient doggy-door, or accompany your pet for a brisk walk up the exterior staircase leading to the second-floor porch. This porch is a remarkable feature, showcasing intricate railings and authentic Victorian woodwork.
The ingenious design extends to the sturdy second-floor play area, a welcoming space for both pets and their human companions. Detailed railings ensure safety while maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the design.
The exterior is embellished with elegant Victorian-era details and a tasteful two-tone paint job that pays homage to the timeless charm of this vintage architectural style. For a complete look, consider adding shutters, exterior lights, and further Victorian accents.
To elevate this luxurious pet home, think about installing heated floors and incorporating interior and exterior lighting. This ensures that the space remains comfortable and enjoyable throughout the day and into the evening, truly a property that both pets and owners will love.
Caribbean Bungalow Doghouse
Presenting a spacious Caribbean-inspired doghouse, an ideal addition to any beachfront property, poolside area, or expansive backyard. This unique canine retreat is designed with a touch of tropical flair, promising to elevate any outdoor space.
The charming exterior features functional shutters, enabling you to control the light and airflow inside the dog house. Multiple doggy doors ensure ease of access for your furry friend while facilitating good ventilation. A welcoming front porch provides a quaint space for your pet to lounge and greet guests.
The property can be painted to match your main residence, creating a cohesive aesthetic appeal. Alternatively, select a color palette that complements the natural beauty of your garden or backyard, blending seamlessly into the landscape.
Offering both style and practicality, this Caribbean dog house is more than just a pet home; it’s a statement of tasteful exterior design. Your pet’s comfort and enjoyment are at the heart of this delightful property, promising a unique and stylish outdoor retreat.
Modern Doghouse
Lowe’s shows us how to go modern with a unique 2 level doghouse that is the perfect touch to backyard spaces. The simple lines, modern color palette and great house numbers create the modern vibe, while the faux grass ramp and movable door expand the space. A great weekend project, check out this video from Lowe’s to see how it is done.
Sustainable Modern Doghouse : Style Meets Green
April Wilkerson shows you how to create a fun addition to backyard spaces using sustainable materials, modern detailing, and simple structure. Her youtube video breaks it down for you with everything you need to know in the about section. Leave it natural and metal or paint it to fit your decor vibe.
People & Pet Garage: Multi-Purpose Garage & DIY Dog Spa
Introducing a multi-purpose garage and dog haven, ingeniously designed for versatility and functionality. Not only does this floor plan accommodate one or two vehicles, but it also incorporates an expansive, carefully considered dog space.
Envision a canine spa, a dedicated boarding area, or a personalized dog room in this innovative layout. The exterior features a covered porch, creating an ideal lounging spot for your beloved pet to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Stepping inside, you’re welcomed by an open expanse that promotes endless customizations. A bounty of storage space awaits for all your pet’s toys and accessories. A thoughtfully designed grooming center allows for hassle-free maintenance of your pet’s appearance. Dedicated crate space provides a comfortable sleeping area, while a convenient pet shower ensures cleanliness and hygiene.
The floor plan allows you to mold the space according to your specific needs. Featuring a rear door, which ideally leads to a pool or a sprawling backyard, this area provides a perfect mix of indoor luxury and outdoor fun for your furry companion.
With its well-planned design, this garage and dog space transcends its functional purpose, becoming a home within a home for your pet.
What ChatGPT Says A Dog Would Say: What Is The Best Doghouse?
“Woof! My perfect doghouse is cozy and comfortable. It’s made of sturdy wood to keep me warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It has a soft, cushy bed inside where I can curl up and nap. There’s a small window so I can peek outside and see what’s happening. The entrance is just the right size for me to easily get in and out, and there’s a little porch where I can sit and watch the world go by. There’s always fresh water and my favorite toys nearby. And it’s in a shady spot in the yard, with some nice flowers around. It’s the best place to rest after a fun day of playing fetch!”
We thought it might be fun to see what Chat-GPT had to say about building a dog house and here it is:
What AI Says: How To Build A Doghouse
Building a dog house can be a fun and fulfilling project. Before starting think about where you will locate your structure, how large you want to make it, and how it will be used. You can design it to match the exterior of your home, give it a unique designer look, or stay pretty traditional with a “Snoopy” style building.
A step-by-step guide on how to build a simple dog house:
Materials:
- Plywood sheets (1/2″ thickness is usually sufficient)
- 2×4 lumber
- Roofing material (could be asphalt shingles, metal roofing, etc.)
- Nails or screws
- Non-toxic, outdoor paint
- Saw (table saw, circular saw, or hand saw)
- Drill
- Measuring tape
Steps:
- Plan the Dog House: Determine the size of your dog house. A good rule of thumb is to make it about 25% larger than your dog in all dimensions. Your dog should be able to easily walk in, turn around, and lie down comfortably, but the space shouldn’t be so large that it doesn’t retain your dog’s body heat in the winter. Don’t forget to factor in the size of the door, which should be slightly taller and wider than your dog.
- Cut the Wood: Cut your plywood and 2x4s according to your measurements. For a simple design, you’ll need:
- 2 identical, rectangular pieces for the front and back walls.
- 2 identical, square pieces for the side walls.
- 1 rectangular piece for the floor.
- 2 identical, triangular pieces for the roof.
- 4 pieces of 2x4s for the base (to elevate the house off the ground and avoid moisture).
- Construct the Base: Using your 2x4s, construct a square or rectangle that matches the size of your floor piece. Secure it together with screws. Then, attach the floor piece to the base using screws or nails, ensuring it’s flush with the edges.
- Build the Walls: Next, attach the front, back, and side walls to the base. You might want to cut out the door on one of the larger walls before attaching it. Secure the walls to the base and each other with screws or nails.
- Add the Roof: Attach your two triangular roof pieces at the top. Depending on the design you’ve chosen, you might want the roof to have a slight slant to allow for rain runoff. Secure the roof pieces together at the peak, and then to the walls.
- Add the Roofing Material: Attach your chosen roofing material to the roof of the dog house. This could be shingles, metal roofing, or even just a waterproof paint. Make sure to secure it properly to protect the dog house from the elements.
- Paint: Paint or seal the dog house with a non-toxic, weather-resistant product. This will help the house last longer and be more comfortable for your dog.
- Add Comfort: Consider adding some bedding or a pet bed for additional comfort.
Remember, all measurements and adjustments should be made based on the size of your pet and the specific conditions where you live. For example, if you live in a cold climate, you might want to add insulation to the dog house to help keep your pet warm. If you live in a very rainy climate, consider adding a raised floor or an extended roof for more protection.
You have seen the floor plans, watched a few videos, and taken a few home tours that we hope inspired you to consider embarking on your own DIY doghouse adventure. Let your creativity run wild and enjoy the process.
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