Sometimes you just want to spoil your dog, right?
If you’re looking to get them a new house but can’t find anything special enough on the market, there is the DIY option.
There are a few things to keep in mind and it takes a little craftiness and creativity, which is why I’ve collected 10 cute dog house ideas to inspire you.
1. Doggo Castle
This one is for the craftsmen among us.
Use your talent to provide your best friend with a proper fairytale home.
2. Elegant Tent
In the summer – or if you happen to live someplace warm, all year round – your dog can spend their days resting in a little cottagecore tent all of their own.
Accentuate with floral upholstery and curtain tiebacks. Your dog is sure to enjoy the softness and breeziness of their new house.
3. Modern Crib
Perhaps your exterior would benefit more from a strictly modern dog house design to match?
Consider the above idea if you have a doggo with modern tastes.
4. Cartoonishly Sweet
From the shape, the beams, and the blue color down to the little postbox, this dog house reminds us of the kind we’ve seen in our favorite nostalgic cartoons.
It provides enough shelter, and even a covered porch, so the dog food doesn’t get soaked when it rains.
5. Snowball
The above dog house is so simple and yet so sweet.
Its rounded shape could serve to allow more room for your pet to move and it looks like an adorable village house.
6. Classic Dog House
There’s the option to make your pet the classic dog house upscaled with some beams.
7. Classic With a Twist
Though pretty similar to an ordinary dog house, the above one sports a slightly more customized appeal.
Not only are there built-in slots for food and water bowls, but even the roof is designed in a fun way.
8. Do You Share the Same Taste?
Our pets love to partake in whatever we’re up to. You know when you’re hanging out with friends and your dog decides they have nothing better to do but to sit with you and listen?
Likewise, your pet would be the happiest to have the exact same home as you. Design them a dog house that resembles your own and watch their smile grow.
9. Transform Your Spandrel
Your spandrel – or the space under the stairs – may be an ideal location for an indoor dog house.
Even if you allow pets inside, you may prefer your furry friend to sit on their own cushion rather than yours. At the same time, your dog gets to enjoy their own private safe space.
10. Don’t Forget to Decorate
No matter how simple or intricate your DIY dog house turns out, there’s always a chance to upscale it with some pretty lights.
This will make the dog house more appealing to both you and your pet, and provide them with light in the evening.
The Basics to Keep In Mind
To put aesthetics aside for a moment, there are a few important things to keep in mind as you venture into making a dog house.
It would be a shame to put in all that work only for your pet to refuse to stay in it or get soaked when the weather is bad.
Floor Height
Dog house floor is important for two main reasons: keeping the dog house dry and keeping it warm.
Especially in cold weather, you don’t want your dog to sleep on the cold ground – they could have had that without a house.
On the other hand, when it rains, you want to make sure that your pet’s house is above the water levels.
Spaciousness
It’s not a bad idea to measure your dog, to really know how much space they need.
You want them to be able to comfortably shift, turn around, and come in and out with ease.
Insulation
Just like for our homes, insulation is an important factor for dog houses.
In simple terms, insulations allow a space to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Make sure to research the methods of insulation before you begin work on the dog house.
Wood Type
Depending on the area you live in, there may be more or less moisture, heat, or cold.
Either way, various types of wood fare better in different climates. Make sure to get informed on which wood types are optimal for yours.
