Be it indoors or outdoors, having a dog house or a kennel is convenient for both, the pet as well as the owner. Smaller breeds of dogs like the Yorkshire terrier or the poodle, may not require a separate kennel, but larger dogs do. It is also safe to have a dog kennel in the yard if you have babies or toddlers at home. A clean and hygienic kennel is one of the most essential aspects of dog care.

Dog Kennel Plans

Usually wooden or metal dog kennels are used as outdoor dog houses. Apart from the regular dog house shaped like an actual house, several other dog kennel designs are available like a kennel modeled like a cage, like a tent; kennels with runs, etc. There are also mobile kennels made of metal that can be easily moved. If looking for indoor dog houses, then kennels made of plastic or fiberglass are available in attractive shapes and colors. These are suitable for smaller dogs and can also be kept inside an apartment. Wooden dog kennels or wire mesh cages are popular for their practicality. Cages can also be used if you want to house more than one pet dog. One of the most common complaints is that wooden kennels tend to wear out faster. But, on the contrary, it can be easily painted and repaired to have a new and fresh look. You may also find dog house designs made of waterproof material and shaped like a tent. These are easy to clean and can also be dismantled when not in use.

(Click on the image for an enlarged view)

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How to Design a Dog Kennel
  • The first and the most important thing to consider is the material to be used for building a kennel. As mentioned above, dog kennels can be made of plastic, wood, wire mesh or metal. If you are thinking of having a metal kennel, look for the one that will not rust easily.
  • Secondly, the size of the dog and availability of space are also major things to be considered when choosing and buying a dog kennel. You can also add accessories later to make it cozy. If not covered, the kennel must be tall enough to prevent the dog from jumping over.
  • Air conditioning and proper ventilation are also important factors. If the dog house is to be placed outdoor, there should be covered space for the dog to rest on hot sunny days.
  • Before selecting a suitable kennel, you have to make sure that it has enough space to accommodate a dog bed, food and a water dish. It must be large enough to allow the dog to completely stretch its limbs.
Before building a dog kennel, you should inquire about the laws in your area. Although ready-made kennels of different material and shapes are easily available in the market, you can also have your own kennel design plans and build it on your own.

How to Build a Dog Kennel
  • Building a kennel on your own is quite simple. The things required are: material for the kennel (metal or wood), posts, U nails, a door, and a hammer. Before starting the task, you must take accurate measurements of the kennel and the run.
  • Dig a 2-3 ft hole in the ground to fix the posts. The length of the post depends on the height of the kennel. Larger dogs require taller fences. The posts have to be firmly placed so as to prevent the kennel from wobbling.
  • Now use U nails to attach the dog fence to the posts. You can use 3-4 nails to attach the fence on a single post. Similarly, attach a door to the post with hinges on one side. A gate should have a good latch that cannot be easily opened by the dog.
Apart from this, you can also make kennels inspired from the designs pictured above. You can either buy or construct a dog kennel and create a special place for your faithful pet, that will be its own! Good luck!