How to Build an Open Air Doghouse:The Doggy Retreat

Step 8 Placement

Here in AZ the summers are very hot, like a sauna. So I chose the coolest corner in my yard to place the "Retreat". I chose a corner where the sun never hits and it is right next to the garden. The floor will be loose dirt so the dogs can dig and make themselves a bed. I also dug down six extra inches to help keep the bed area cooler, the lower in the ground the cooler it is.

That's it for building the "Doggy Retreat"

You will see in the pictures that I still have to move the pile of dirt. That is for another day real soon and not part of this ible. I have to put some new grass seed down so I will use this dirt as cover.

I also have to pull out all of the river rock and other dirt the dogs kicked in there. It is quite a mess back there, a little more work though and it will be good to go.

Now I just have to get the dogs to go in to it and get comfortable.

I plan on adding some vines so that they can grow and cover the "Retreat. This will give it a very nice look and help even further to reduce the heat. Plus it will help break up the bright red stain color against the stucco wall.

When I get the vines planted and they are growing I will add some more pics.

It just so happens I have another Instructable that goes along with this one It is the "Garden Fence" and it keeps the dogs out. You may see the fence, incomplete, in the pictures.

I hope you have enjoyed this Instructable, if you decide to make this yourself please send me some completed pics I would love to see them.

Good luck.

Comments

[shantaram]

Amazing its great that you think of your dogs needs we need more people like you and the vine idea fantastic i love animals..

[scoutlady]

Love it. What a great idea!