Build A Dog Kennel:
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FOR THE DOGHOUSE
About 4 x 4 feet or 5 x 5 feet to match the width of the runs
Metric: 1220 x 1220 mm or
1525 x 1525 mm (see below)
FOR THE RUNS:
Around 50 square feet for less active breeds
Some builders use 4 x 12 feet; others 5 x 10 feet
Metric: 1220 x 2440 mm; or
1525 x 3050 mm
For active, restless breeds, 6 x 12 or even 6 x 24 feet is recommended for runs
(Makes it easier for dogs to avoid stepping in their feces)
Metric: 1830 x 3660 mm or 1830 x 7320 mm
CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICS
CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS SHOULD BE:
- Easy to clean
- Weather resistant
- Tough enough or able to be protected so dogs cannot chew through them
- Able to be purchased locally
- Affordable*
DOGHOUSE FLOOR
Plywood placed on a 2x4 or 2x6 frame
3 Inch foam insulation to fit within the frame underneath the plywood
For maximum dog comfort and something that is easy to disinfect, consider a removable vinyl floor pad or a rubber mat
Other materials that can be used include newspaper (although the ink may show up on dogs with lighter coats!) and sawdust. Avoid straw since it can cause allergies and harbors insects too easily.
DOGHOUSE WALLS
3/8 to 1/ 2 inch CDX plywood
2x6 or 2x4 lumber
3 inches insulation (Styrofoam or polyurethane or whatever the mice won't chew on. Avoid fiberglass since it doesn't insulate when it gets wet)
Galvanized corner bead (metal molding used for sheetrock) to cover wood product edges and corners that could be chewed on
1x2 inch welded wire to protect flat areas of wood from chewing
DOGHOUSE ROOF
If the doghouse is inside a building, you may not need a roof
However, if it's exposed to the elements, you could use a sandwich of the following materials with insulation in between:
3/8 to 1/ 2 inch exterior plywood, other kinds of lumber, aluminum sheets, or tin
2x6 or 2x4 lumber
3 inches insulation - see DOGHOUSE WALLS
FLOOR OF THE RUN
Reinforced concrete floor about 4 inches thick
Concrete should not be too rough for dog’s pads nor too smooth to be slippery
A fine steel mesh can be used instead, although we would only recommend this where there is a roof to shade the run. Make sure holes are too small for dogs' claws to get caught in the mesh
Floor should slope downward 1/4 to 1/2 inch every 12 inches (or 6 to 12 mm every 300 mm) in the direction of your drainage gutter for easiest cleanup
SIDES OF THE RUN
Chain link fence, 9 gauge, with a concrete block base, if possible
Fill blocks 3/4 to 2/3 with sand and top with concrete
ROOF OF THE RUN
In a cool to warm climate, use a chain link fence, at least 11 gauge, to prevent dogs climbing or jumping out
In a very hot or cold climate, use a corrugated tin roof or exterior grade, sealed plywood for shade or snow protection
In snowy climates, make sure the roof slopes downward so snow can slide or brush off
CLIMATE CONTROL
Insulation for the doghouse walls, floor and ceiling
Suitable ventilation for the doghouse
Piped hot water heat under the concrete flooring
Air conditioning or fans for summer
A doghouse door that blocks out most or all of the wind
(All of it if the doghouse has adequate ventilation)
WASTE CLEANUP
Sealed concrete floor
Gutter inside or outside
Or in metric units: 6 to 12 mm per every 300 mm
Note that taking the dog out a couple of times a day for exercise will most likely reduce or eliminate the amount of waste it leaves in the kennel
For further details, see: Build A Dog Kennel Resources page
