How to Build an Air Conditioned Dog House

What do Siberian husky, Great Pyrenes, Bernese Mountain Dog, St. Bernard, and Pug have in common? Besides the fact that these breeds are quite expensive, these canines also need to stay in the cold surrounding, requiring an air-conditioned dog house. These breeds cannot live long in hot places.

Building an air-conditioned dog house for your pet is a costly project. But, for love for your pet, you don’t mind spending. If you already have a dog house, you need to add an air-conditioning unit. When building the dog house, you have to ensure that the air-conditioning system is well-secured and out of reach from your dog.

You can build an air-conditioned dog house on your own without spending a lot of money by following the steps below.

What You Need:

• Air-conditioning unit
• Plywood
• Wood (post)
• Nails
• Roof tar paper and shingles
• Electrical Outlet and wires
• Hammer
• Saw
• Silicone paint
• Plastic strips

Steps on Building an Air-Conditioned Dog House

Step # 1- Designing and Preparing the Materials

Starting building the house without a design is not a good idea. Designing the dog house first can make the task easier. In choosing the design, you need to consider the size of your dog. It should be big enough, so your dog can move comfortably, and you can fit on it to do some maintenance.

The design sketch will serve as your guide when you start the construction. It will help if you include the measurements on it. If you plan to build a bigger dog house, the columns should be added in a grid-like layout to support the house. The posts are at least 6 ft in length and width directions.

Now that you are done with the design, it is time for you to prepare the materials. You can buy the things you need at any hardware store near you.

Step #2 – Dig Holes for the Posts

Like a human house, the dog house requires four posts to ensure that it is strong enough when the dog gets inside. Dig four holes to install the foundation that will support the dog kennel. Others start to build the floor frame first, so it is much easier to determine where to dig the holes for columns.

The post’s hole should be 1/3 to ½ of the above-ground height of the column. Therefore, if you have a 6-foot high post, then you need to bury it 3 feet on the ground. You can use a hole digger in creating the hole.

Position the column on the hole one by one. Pour in some cement and hold the post upright while waiting for the cement to dry out so it won’t collapse to one side. For added support, you put some gravel on top.

Read Another Guide: Best Dog House for Hot Weather

Step # 3 Build the Floor Frame

Some people would start building the floor frame, so it is easier for them to determine where to dig holes for the posts. It depends on you which step will go first.

The frame should have support studs on every foot. Position it at least four inches above the ground. Nail the frame to the posts. After installing the frame, you can proceed to the next step.

Step # 4 Install the Rear Wall

Measure the plywood depending on the size of the dog house you want to build. Make sure a part of the plywood is extended above the wall to support the roof. Decide where to install the air conditioning unit. Do not forget to consider how the filter is removed.

If you decide to slid out the filter on the right side of the unit so it would be best to make the supports that will hold the air conditioner in the upper left of the wall. Fasten the rear wall frame between the two back posts. Then install the other wall frame with a window where you will place the unit.  Then, fasten the plywood to the structure and posts securely.

Step #5 Installing the Front Wall and Other Wall Framing

Before installing the front wall, create an opening for the door and window. For the window, add a glass to it. Make sure it is secured to prevent it from falling. You can use silicone to fastened the glass. Next is to install the remaining wall framing and walls. Check if there is clearance for the front window and door as well as the vertical side studs.

Step #6 Add the Rest of the Wall and the Roof

Complete the installation of the walls and install the roof. Choose the best material to use for the roofing. Once completed, you can paint the house using your preferred color. If you have a female dog, pink would be lovely, and many would love to paint it blue for a male dog.

Step #7 Install the Air Conditioning Unit

Install the air conditioner and work on the electric connection. Make sure the wires are hidden so your dogs will not play with it. Use plastic strips as a closure on the door, and your dog will not have any difficulty going in and out of the kennel.

Also Read: Best Insulated Dog House Guide

Conclusion

Building an air-conditioned dog house is not as hard as you think it is. You need to have the right materials and tools to complete the job. Consider the essential factors before you start to build one. The safety of your pet is necessary when making the dog house. It should be durable enough to last long and spacious, so your dog can move around with ease. Since the air condition unit requires electricity to run, you must keep the wiring in a safe place. You would not want your pet dog to get hurt. If you like this post or want to share your thoughts, feel free to do so, comment below.

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