Steps to Making a Dog House

Measure out your plans for the doghouse. The width should be your dog's length plus an additional 12 inches. The length will be your dog's length plus 18 inches. The height should be your dog's height plus 9 inches at the tallest point in front, sloping downward to 3 inches over your dog's height at the lowest point in the back.

Cut the base parts to length using pressure treated 2-by-4s. Push the ends together and secure them in place by drilling holes and fastening them with weather-resistant screws.

Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood to fit the bottom of the base. Attach it to the2-by-4s with weather-resistant screws.

Tape two pieces of 3/4-inch plywood together. Cut the plywood using a straight edge and a saber saw or circular saw from the front (starting at your dog's height plus 9 inches) sloping down the back (to your dog's height plus 3 inches). Attach the sides to the base with the weather-resistant screws

Cut the back piece from the 3/4-inch plywood to match the lowest height (your dog's height plus 3 inches). Attach it to the back of the base using the weather-resistant screws.

Screw two strips of plywood together to form an "L" shape. Secure them to the side and back panel in each corner.

Create a partition in the middle of the dog house. Secure one 2-by-4 (ensuring that it is cut to match the angle of the sides) in the very center of the base using weather resistant screws. Make sure your dog will have enough room to go around the back of the partition. Secure another 2-by-4 in the front center of the base. Attach a piece of plywood (also angled to match the slope of the sides) to the 2-by-4s with weather-resistant screws.

Insulate the walls (sides, back and partition) with 1 1/2-inch foam. Cover it with 1/4-inch plywood to prevent your dog from chewing on it.

Measure a 3/4-inch piece plywood to fit the front of the doghouse. Cut a hole centered in the left side of the plywood (thinking of the partition's location as dividing the house into left and right sections). The hole should be equal to your dog's height plus 3 inches. Sand the sides of the opening smooth to prevent your dog from getting splinters.

Secure the front to the sides using the same plywood corner-brace method as Step 6.

Cut a piece of 3/4-inch plywood so that it just overlaps all four sides of the doghouse when placed on top. Secure it to the back with a weather-resistant piano hinge to allow easy access for cleaning. Cover the roof with tarpaper and add a metal drip edge around the perimeter.

Attach asphalt shingles to the roof to provide further weather protection. Start at the back and work your way to the front, overlapping the shingles. Secure them with small nails that won't poke through and injure your pet. Add a bead of roofing cement to the top edge to keep out moisture.