Dog House Ideas

You love getting some fresh air on the porch, and your dog will, too. A covered patio keeps the sun or rain off your furry friend while they enjoy time outdoors. A porch also ensures that food and water bowls stay in the shade. This reduces the risk of spoiling. While on the porch, your dog can watch wildlife and keep an eye on you as you work outside or relax. Use adjustable legs for better air circulation underneath the dog house. More airflow will help keep the porch floor cool in the summer and stay dry in any climate.

A nice coat of paint on the dog house can freshen up the entire backyard. Paint it to complement your home or use a color that matches your dog's personality.

As you consider colors, think about the climate. Dark shades absorb more sunlight to help keep dog houses warm during cold winters. In hotter areas, light shades reflect sunlight to create cooler conditions inside.

Choose exterior paint for your dog house project just as you would for your own house. Waterproof and fade-resistant products hold up to the elements. Over time, weather-ready paint can reduce the need for touch-ups.

Tip: Let your first coat of paint completely dry before you apply the second. Then, wait 24 hours before you introduce your dog to their new house.

A rooftop deck gives your dog a place to lounge in the sun and keep a watchful eye on their kingdom. If the sun is too bright, there’s plenty of shady space to curl up downstairs. As you design the deck, think about how much space your dog needs to lie down comfortably and turn 360 degrees. Make sure the deck is big enough so your pup won't feel cramped.

Tip: Older dogs often suffer from joint pain. Use a dog ramp in place of stairs to help senior dogs get upstairs more safely.

When the weather is pleasant, your dog can enjoy the patio life, too. Unlike a covered porch, a patio is open to the elements. For best results, place patio dog houses in natural shade areas. This way, your dog can stay cool while they relax outside.

Make the patio more comfortable with an outdoor cushion that's just for your pup. As you compare options, look for ones made of mildew-, fade- and water-resistant material. Select cushions with removable, machine-washable covers for easy care. Match the color and print to the dog house or pillows in your outdoor living space.

Dog houses can be messy between dirt and pet hair, but a smart design can help keep them clean. Design a wide, hinged roof that lifts upward for quick access. This allows you to get a broom inside and lets you access sticks and balls that Fido hid inside.

Because they resist rust, aluminum and stainless steel hinges are good choices for outdoor use. Finish off your DIY dog house with a handle on the front of the roof.

Give your dog house tons of personality with inspiration from architecture. Create a scaled-down replica of your home for your dog to hang out. If you have any leftover building materials from a renovation or new construction, this project can put it to good use. Or, give country charm to your yard with a dog house that looks like a rustic barn.

Tip: If you live in a cooler region, use fiberglass insulation to help keep warmth in and drafts out of your DIY dog house.

With so many pre-assembled dog houses available, you don't have to design your own to give your pup their outdoor home. A dog house made from durable polypropylene, a type of plastic, can withstand bad weather in open areas. This type of dog house often consists of just one piece and is lightweight. This means you can easily move it out of the way when mowing the lawn. Portable dog houses also allow you to reposition them under a pergola or tree during the hottest times of the day.

When the weather is warm, a vented dog house roof can let in the breeze. Place a hinged door on the roof and take advantage of the fact that hot air rises. To keep bugs and debris out, install a screen. You can also find pre-built dog houses with vented roofs if you want to purchase a kit rather than design one yourself.

Whether you design your own or buy a pre-built model, a dog house should match your dog’s needs. Use a tape measure to measure your dog and ensure a good fit.

Generally, the width and length of a dog house should be at least 25 percent larger than what your dog measures from nose to flank. Ensure the roof is tall enough for your dog's height, from their paws to the tips of their ears. For a puppy's house, leave plenty of room for growth.

Where you put your dog house is as important as its design. Consider how sun and shade move across your yard throughout the day to select the right spot. You may wish to place the dog house in an area you can easily see from indoors or on your deck.

Keep safety in mind. The backyard is often the best place for a dog house. If you don't have enough room, protect your pooch with a fence or kennel.