Hunting dogs should always travel in their own dog box.
Keeping a hunting dog confined when traveling ensures the dog's safety in an open pick-up and ensures everyone's safety in an SUV. Dogs often feel safer and more comfortable when traveling in a familiar, confined area, as well. So let's make a 24-inch tall, 24-inch wide and 30-inch long travel box, large enough for most hunting breeds, from one sheet of plywood and a few lengths of two-by-two lumber.
Instructions
Make the Frame
1. Measure and saw one of the 8-foot-long two-by-twos into four equal pieces, each 23 inches in length.
2. Measure and saw the other 8-foot length into four equal pieces, each 20 1/2 inches.
3. Measure and saw the 10-foot-length two-by-two into four equal pieces, each 26 inches long.
4. Assemble the end frames by gluing and screwing two of the 20 ½-inch pieces at the ends of two of the 23-inch pieces, forming a pair of rectangles measuring 23 inches by 23 ½ inches on the outside dimensions.
5. Complete the framework by attaching one of the 26-inch two-by-twos between the end frames at each corner, forming a cube with outside measurements of 23 inches wide, 23 ½ inches tall and 29 inches long.
Exterior Covering
6. Split a sheet of 1/2 inch plywood lengthwise into 2 equal pieces measuring 2 feet by 8 feet.
7. Measure, mark and saw a rectangle measuring 24 inches by 30 inches to form the top of the box, another rectangle measuring 29 inches by 23 inches to form the bottom and another rectangle to make an end piece measuring 24 inches by 23 ½ inches, all from one of the 2-foot by 8-foot pieces of plywood.
8. Measure, mark and cut the remaining half sheet of plywood, making a second 24-inch by 23 1/2-inch end piece and two side pieces, each measuring 23 1/2 inches by 29 inches.
Cover the Frame
9. Attach the bottom piece first. Make sure each of the edges of this piece is flush with the outer perimeter of the bottom of the two-by-two framework. Apply a layer of wood glue to the frame, then screw the plywood into place with a 1 ½ inch wood screw approximately every 6 inches.
10. Use the same glue-and-screw technique to attach plywood for the long sides of the box next. The edges of these side pieces need to be flush with the framework at the top and on each end and flush with the exterior of the bottom piece of plywood along the bottom.
11. Attach one of the end pieces of plywood similarly. Make sure the end piece is flush with the edges of the framework at the top, and flush with the exterior of the sides and bottom plywood on the other edges. The remaining end piece of plywood will be used to make the door and door frame to be attached later.
12. Attach the top rectangle of plywood so it's flush with the exterior of the side and end plywood but overhangs at the front by ½ inch.
Door and Vents
13. Measure in 2 inches from each edge of the remaining 24-inch by 23 ½-inch piece of plywood, and scribe an inner rectangle on these marks, measuring 20 inches by 19 ½ inches.
14. Saw the inner rectangle out of the piece. The cut out piece is the door; the perimeter piece of plywood is the door frame
15. Using the glue-and-screw technique, attach the door frame to the front of the box so it's flush with the exterior of the sides and bottom and tucked under the overhang at the top.
16. Attach the hinges and barrel bolt latch to the door, and then attach the door to the door frame.
17.Drill a series of 1-inch holes through the sides, near the top of the perimeter of the box and door for ventilation. Drill two rows of holes, spaced 4 inches apart if your plan to use the box in a closed vehicle. Drill only one row of holes spaced 4 inches apart if you will use the box in an open truck.
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