If you are a pup parent, you may be interested in building a dog house. Unless you are a carpenter, who happens to be a canine expert, you may be overwhelmed with the task. To make your life a little easier, here are tips on creating a perfect backyard sanctuary for your pup. 

Figure Out How Big The House Needs To Be 

Dog houses are not a one-size-fits-all situation. Ideally, your pup should feel safe and secure but still have plenty of room to stretch out. To get a perfect size, grab your measuring tape to figure out the length and standing height of your dog. According to Daily Paws, you will want to add 4 inches to both measurements to determine the size of your dog house. 

Include A Doggie Door 

Now, not every dog house comes with a door. However, consider adding one, especially if you live in a cooler climate. This will serve as a barrier from the cold when your pup is spending time outdoors. 

Pick A Shady Spot 

During the summer, the temperatures can get scorching. Unfortunately, this means your furry friend is at higher risk of heat-related illness. To make sure that your pup remains nice and cool in their dog house, put it somewhere shady in your backyard. 

Make The Dog House Elevated 

Another way to keep the dog house cool is to elevate it a couple of inches. 

Work With Quality Wood 

It’s understandable to want to cut corners when doing a home project. However, this may not be the DIY project to penny-pinch. After all, you want the best for your furry friend! 

So instead of using scrap wood, consider purchasing cedar panels with non-toxic sealant. While speaking to Daily Paws, carpenter John Hallstrom explained that "anything you build should be built to last and provide the best protection.” 

Include A Ramp

Ideally, this dog house will last your pup their entire lifetime. Unfortunately, the mobility of dogs does worsen when they get older. For this reason, you should include a ramp if you decide to elevate the dog house. 

Make Sure The Dog House Is Ventilated 

Your dog house should be properly ventilated. To do so, make a few 0.75-inch holes on the side walls. 

 Does your furry friend enjoy dog houses? Let us know in the comments below.