How to Build a Dog House for a Basset Hound

A basset hound is a unique size of dog. They are bigger than most small dogs, but smaller than most large dogs. This makes it difficult to find a dog house that will meet their needs. It is possible to build a dog house for your basset hound that will meet its needs without costing a lot of money. This project should take 1 to 2 days to complete.

Things You'll Need

• 2-foot x 4-foot boards Plywood Table saw Measuring tape Basset hound Weather resistant screws ¼-inch foam Tar paper Roof shingles Roofing cement Saber saw Power screwdriver Staple gun Sand paper

Instructions

1. Measure the length and height of your dog. Common heights for basset hounds are around 13 to 16 inches. The length varies. Add 12 inches to the length of the dog for the width of the dog house, and 18 for the length. The height of the dog house should be the height plus 3 inches on the low side and 9 inches on the tall side. Purchase enough 2-by-4 foot boards to construct a base that fits the perimeter of these measurements along with 1 line in the middle. Purchase enough plywood to make four sides, one bottom and one top.

2. Cut out all wood pieces. The plywood for the base should be the perimeter of the dog house. The roof should be the perimeter plus 1 extra inch on each side. The sides are angled from 3 inches higher than the dog on one side to 9 inches higher on the other side. The remaining two sides should equal the height of the other two pieces. You will need two of each wall piece. Cut eight strips of plywood 3 inches in width and as long as the highest point on each side.

3. Screw the four 2-by-4 foot boards together into a square. Screw another 2-by-4 foot board in between them. Take the bottom plywood square and screw it to the 2-by-4 foot boards. Turn the base over so the plywood is on top.

4. Take the two non-angled sides of the basset hound house and screw them to the base. Take the angled sides and screw them to the base as well making sure to align the correct heights with the corresponding non-angled side.

5. Take two of the plywood strips and lay them against each corner of the sides on the inside. Screw them into place along the top and bottom of the corners. This creates a water and weather barrier as well as a way to make the dog house stronger. Repeat this process for the other corners.

6. Take the insulation and cut it to fit along each of the walls of the dog house. Staple it into place. Take the remaining wall pieces and screw them into place over the insulation. If the pieces are too large to fit in the inside of the dog house, trim them down to size.

7. Take a pencil and outline a doorway on the door that measures 3 inches higher than the dog and 3 inches wider than its body. Cut the doorway out with the saber saw. Sand away the rough edges.

8. Screw the roof piece onto the top of the dog house. Cover the roof with tar paper and staple it into place. Use roofing cement to install shingles from the bottom up.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your dog away when completing this project.

• Never operate power tools without proper safety gear.