So you want to build your dog a dog house?

There are various types of dog houses available.

• Wooden dog houses. They can be very attractive and comfortable for your dog. Wooden doghouses made from cedar or wood are the best.

• Plastic doghouses. These are comfortable and economical. They are good if your dog spends most of his time indoors.

• Rustic doghouses. These houses are meant to look like a log cabin or barn. Wood is usually used but you can use synthetic material that has the appearance of wood.

You also can find double doghouses, duplex houses and portable ones.

Features to consider when building a dog house :

• Wood makes an excellent choice for maintaining a consistent temperature for your doghouse. Wood stays cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

• Size - a doghouse should be large enough for your dog to stand and turn around easily but still small enough so it is warm in cold weather and seems cozy.

• Durable and steady.

• Needs to be easy to clean.

• Safe - sturdy and resistant to pest infestation. Cedar and other aromatic wood help control pests.

You can build your own doghouse by using doghouse plans or doghouse kits.

If you can follow directions and know how to use basic tools, you should be able to build your own doghouse.

Look for doghouse plans on the internet, which will provide detailed instructions.

Of course, if you have building experience you can build a doghouse without plans or a kit

The easiest way to build a doghouse is from a kit - it has everything you need. Most of them have:

Panels that are sized and pre-drilled. You just screw them into place.

• Roofing

• Frames to the structure and panels are screwed onto the frame as well as the roof.

• Instructions

• Paint is needed but most are already painted.

If you have a hammer and screw driver you are set.

Basic kits start at $100.00

If you are going to use a blueprint consider these things :

Weather conditions - if it is hot where you live you need your doghouse to have adequate ventilation and off the ground. If it is cold, you need an insulated doghouse. Of it snows or rains a lot you need a slanted roof.

Good Luck