This is an instructable for how to make a dog house for a medium sized dog. I custom built this one for my blue heeler and he loves it. This particular one is all wood and besides the black chalk paint, is not waterproofed. It sits under my porch so I did not weather proof the outside.

Step 1: Gather Materials (See Attached Jpg)

Purchase List
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- 2 x 4’s (Qty 4)
- 1 x 3 (Qty 1)
- 4 x 8 Plywood Sheet (Qty 1)
- Deck Screws 2.5” (1 lb box)
- Miter Saw, Circular Saw or Both
- Floor mat, Pet Cushion, Straw, or Other Animal Bedding
- Drill w/ bits
- Shop Lamp with 90w flood bulb

Disclaimer: When building this, I intentionally bought wood but ended up using scraps I had laying around. The total cost of the wood was around 25 dollars minus the plywood which I had already. Also I used deck screws already purchased.

Step 2: Build Platform

Cut the necessary pieces as shown in the attached PDF. Lay them out on a flat surface and clamp or put weight on them to hold in place. It may be a good a idea to predrill holes in wood as it reduces wood splitting. A 1/8 drill bit will suffice.

Step 3: Build Rooftop

Continue using the handout to cut the pieces for the Rooftop. I used scrap pieces and a nail gun to hold them together while I added the 26 x 32” panels. It’s a great idea to leave one panel removable with screws so that any maintenance to the inside isn’t a hassel. Finally attach the legs and be sure they are level.

Step 4: The Light/Reptile Heat Lamps

Adding a light is optional but really enhances the dog house during the winter times. A floodlamp can give off a tremendous amount of heat so always test it beforehand. There might a temptation to use a heatlamp like the ones used to keep food heated; however, these can get too hot and could start a fire. The bulb I purchased was a non LED floodlight that puts out 90watts.

Lastly, pull the cord up so that the dog can’t chew it and attach the side panel.

Upgrade: I built new bottom to house two ceramic reptile bulbs. The fixtures are porcelain and were wired with together then to a plug. Be careful when using electricity. I plugged mine into a GFI outlet for safety. I then put an old floor tile over it to dissipate the heat and rubber mat over that to keep it from burning the dog.

Step 5: Upgrades

Added some reptile lamps to heat a non combustible ceramic plate.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Last but not least, add a pad of some sort. The first time I built a dog house, I threw in two old floor mats from an old truck. They were rubber and seemed to do the trick. This time around I added a lawn chair pad that my dog ripped on the edges. He seems to like it.