Dog house ideas

[NELS-BELLS]

After shopping around St. Cloud and not finding any dog houses I liked, I've come to the conclusion that I am going to have to build one. This is for a 60 - 65 lbs lab.

What I think I want is a slanted flat roof with hinges so I can open the top and clean out easier, also incase I need to do some inside repairs. I also want it to be insulated.

Any tips, plans, or photos of your dog houses would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Nels

[311Hemi]

Check out the K-9 Condo....it's a pretty slick setup. Just built one for my buddies dog.

[2 DA GILLS]

The house you are describing sounds like the one I built for my dog. It is built solid and keeps him warm during the winter, but WOW is it heavy. If your dog will be in it throughout the winter, I suggest putting a divider in so your dog can get away from the door and any cold wind that may sneak in. The door for his house is on the left side of the house and my dog has a space to sleep directly inside the door, but he can also hang a right and tuck back behind the wall that extends 3/4 of the way to the back wall (if that makes sense). I even insulated the divider wall for extra warmth.

I did not have any plans and I do not have any pictures to share right now. If I remember I will snap a few photos and post them. I also have a doggy door I built that is spring loaded to keep a tighter seal. I will try to remember some photos of that as well.

[NELS-BELLS]

Thanks guys for responding.

I did a search and found K9 Kondo. Is that the one your talking about? It uses a barrel for the house.

2 DA GILLS, I like your idea of having a divider and I was thinking I would just use some plastic for the door flap.

I'm also thinking of putting the dog house on the outside of the kennel with a hole in the fencing where the door to the doghouse is. My kennel is only 5' X 10' so I just thought that would give her more room.

Nels

[Blaze]

Nels - I have a 6x12 kennel run with the house on the outside as well. Wouldn't change that setup for the world. It adds more room in the run and looks nicer, IMO.

Couple suggestions:

1) Plastic flap for door: your dog will chew that thing off day one whether it's on the door or as a divider inside. Don't waste your time/money. As for doghouse doors, google gundoghousedoor - local MN company, lifetime warranty, and the only thing my dogs haven't destroyed.

2) Winter: make sure you insulate the floor if you plan on having your dog out there in the winter. Getting the floor up off the ground helps a ton. I'm thinking of adding a lamp in the house this year for a little heat in there.

If I can remember, I'll try and get some pics up for ya.

Blaze

[NELS-BELLS]

I will look into the door. Sounds like a good investment.

I also like the lamp idea. Do they sell a heat lamp for dog houses or is this something you can make on your own?

Nels

[311Hemi]

Quote:

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I did a search and found K9 Kondo. Is that the one your talking about? It uses a barrel for the house.

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Yep, thats the one. They claim it to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. It's a nice setup but we have yet to see how it does in cold weather.

[folke2000]

A great heater for a dog house is the Hound Heater. Just type into a browser and you'll find them, Mike is a great guy.