Copyright (c) 2010 Ron Hazelton

Every dog is different, so why buy a doghouse that's mass produced? Instead, try this weekend woodworking project. The end result is a doghouse that's customized to fit your pet's size, as well as provide privacy and protection from the weather.

To size the parts for your doghouse, make the width equal to your dog's length, plus 12 inches. The length equals the dog's length plus 18 inches. The height will be equal to the dog's height plus nine inches in the front and sloping down to the dog's height plus three inches in the back.

After you've determined the size of the doghouse, you'll build its base. Using pressure-treated 2x4s, cut the base parts to length. Butt the ends together and secure the joints with weather-resistant screws. Take a piece of ¾-inch plywood and cut the floor panel to fit, securing it to the base with weather-resistant screws.

Next you'll build the sides. In this doghouse plan the roof sits on angled sides, to keep your pooch dry during rain. To cut identical sides, you need to first attach the side pieces together temporarily with heavy-duty double-sided tape. Then clamp a straightedge to the sides at the desired angle and make the cut with a circular saber saw. Secure each side to the base with weather-resistant screws.

To create a sturdy, weather-tight structure for your pet, corner braces are installed. These will keep the house from racking and also prevent drafts. Each brace consists of two strips of plywood screwed together. The braces are then attached to the sides, back and front panels with weather-resistant screws.

This custom doghouse plan includes a partition wall, an important part of your pet's new home. Not only does it keep out weather and provide privacy, it also creates a space small enough for the dog's body heat to keep them warm. Secure the partitions to the base and install a plywood panel that is angled to match the sides of the doghouse.

This plan also includes rigid foam insulation, which will help keep your pet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Use either 1½-inch thick foam (or glue up layers of ½-inch and 1-inch foam). Cut the layers to fit, and then cover with ¼-inch plywood - if you don't, your dog might discover that foam is fun to nibble on.

Before you attach the front of the doghouse, have your dog stand in front of it and make a mark a couple inches above his back. Make the width of the door equal to your dog's width plus three inches. Center the opening and cut it out with a saber saw. Secure the front of the doghouse to the corner braces and then sand the opening smooth.

Next is the roof. The roof in this design is cut slightly oversized to aid in rain runoff. It's secured at the back edge with a weather-resistant piano hinge to make cleaning a snap. Cover the roof with tar paper and install a metal drip edge around the perimeter. Asphalt shingles are attached to make the roof waterproof. Start at the bottom of the roof, overlapping each row and working your way to the top - just make sure to use nails that are short enough that they won't poke through the roof and poke your pet. Apply a bead of roofing cement to the top edge to seal out moisture.

After that, this doghouse is ready to house your pampered pet. Toss in a new blanket and some toys and let him enjoy.