A flat roof makes an appealing sundeck on which dogs can snooze.
Keep your dog safe and secure by building it an outside kennel that contains a comfortable doghouse. A kennel with a cement slab raised above the grass prevents mud from collecting in the kennel and provides a runoff when cleaning it. Solid brick walls keep out the elements and provide an anchor for fencing around the entire site.
Instructions
Lay the Slab
1. Measure the size of the area you plan to use for the kennel and mark the corners. Remove grass, rocks and other debris, as well as the top layer of soil or earth.
2. Prepare the site by raking the soil level and compacting the earth using a pressure roller. The cleaning and compacting should leave the site 1 or 2 inches below the level of the surrounding earth. Spread a layer of gravel approximately 2 inches thick inside the frame.
3. Build a framework for the slab using 12-inch-wide by 2-inch-thick form boards cut to the length and width of the proposed kennel. Fasten the boards at the corners using the 3-inch nails, and position the frame against the edges of the site. Support the frame with a row of bricks laid along the outside of the frame to prevent it from moving when the concrete is poured into it.
4. Pour pre-mixed cement into the frame. You can either use ready-mixed cement or, if you have the skills, rent a small cement mixer and mix it yourself onsite. Level the cement using a 2-inch by 4-inch wooden strut until it has a smooth, even surface. Spray it with curing compound and allow it to harden overnight.
Build the Doghouse
5. Build the doghouse or sleeping quarters at one end of the slab, using bricks for the walls. Lay the bricks in the common staggered format, with a thin layer of mortar in between. Build the walls to form a cube approximately 6 inches above the dog's head when standing, to provide adequate space for the dog to move around and lie down comfortably.
6. Leave an opening in one wall for the entrance. This can be located to one side of the house to provide an enclosed section that is adequately sheltered for sleeping purposes. Position the entrance away from the wind, if possible.
7. Build a single-panel wooden roof for the doghouse, and cover it with layers of tar paper stapled at right angles to each other to make it weatherproof. The roof should slope down to the back at an angle of 15 degrees, so rainwater runs off away from the entrance. Alternatively, a flat roof can provide an appealing sun deck for your dog to lie on.
8. Attach the roof with hinges on one side to enable easy opening for cleaning. Ensure that the roof edges overlap the outside of the walls to avoid leakage into the house. Fasten the open side securely using a sturdy latch.
9. Fence off the remainder of the dog kennel area so the dog has an unobstructed view of its surroundings. A dog that is isolated without mental stimulation gets bored and can become noisy or destructive.
Related posts
The roof of a doghouse protects not only your dog, but also the doghouse. Following are a few guidelines for building a simple slanted roof - a shed roof - that lifts off for cleaning.Instructions...
Add a hinged roof to make cleanup and feeding time easier.Building a dog house with a cement floor is a good way to provide safe shelter for the family pet. A cement floor is better for the dog th...
Cinder-block dog kennels are useful in areas prone to hurricanes and/or cold winters. The thickness of the walls helps to hold more heat in the kennel, especially if the entrance is covered with a...
Dog in its houseYou generally need a doghouse if you have a dog you want to leave outside in the backyard a lot. For one thing, a doghouse will protect your dog from the hot sun. You don't need to...
Create a custom dog house for your best friend.Whether you have a Labrador Retriever or a mutt, building a dog house for your furry friend can be a rewarding experience. You can use these plans to...
